Primary Purpose A pharmacy technician who supports patient medication needs for all transitions of care primarily focusing on discharge, clinic and take-home medication needs. The technician may Interview and advises patients of funding programs for medication reimbursements to begin eligibility determination and assure that all Parkland patients are screened and qualified for available assistance. The technician will work collaboratively with pharmacists, physicians, advance practice providers, nurses, and care managers to facilitate medication needs at transitions of care.
They will provide direct support to pharmacists and pharmacy staff in packaging and labeling, tracking inventory, maintaining records, and performing clerical duties for medications received from patient assistance or other government programs. Minimum Specifications Education None Experience Must have 4 years of pharmacy technician experience. Experience in working in hospitals, medication billing or prior authorizations or patient assistance programs is preferred.
Equivalent Education and/or Experience May have an equivalent combination of education and/or experience in lieu of specific education and/or experience as stated above. Certification/Registration/Licensure Must have current registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Active Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification is preferred but not required.
Required Tests for Placement Skills or Special Abilities Must be able to pass the Pharmacy math and spelling test with a minimum score of 80%. Must be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of different drug types. Must be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of medical and healthcare terminology.
Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued care. Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of personal computers and standard office software. Basic knowledge of medical software also required.
Must have basic knowledge of public assistance and/or vendor programs and required forms. Must have knowledge of third party payors and understand managed care and insurance contractual arrangements. Must be detailed oriented, possess basic mathematical skills, and have sharp analytical skills to resolve financial issues as they relate to multiple groups including third party payors, physicians, patients and Parkland.
Must demonstrate a positive demeanor, good verbal and written communication skills, and be professional in both appearance and approach. Must be able to handle potentially stressful situations and multiple tasks simultaneously including instructing and counseling patients regarding Parkland payment policies and public assistance programs. Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, government entities, insurance companies, and Parkland staff.
Must be able to solve problems within the guidelines of established policies and procedures. Must be able to successfully complete additional job related training when offered. Bilingual skills preferred.
Responsibilities Assist patients with medication needs at any transition of care including inpatient, inpatient discharge, clinic administered medications, hospital at home and take-home medications. Interview and begin the application process for patients who have been identified and referred for medication assistance with Pharmaceutical, Vendor, or Government Related Patient Assistance Programs. Obtain patient demographics and financial information to identify the appropriate medication assistance program.
Assist patients by completing the application process for medication assistance and government agencies which includes pharmaceutical patient assistance programs, Texas HIV program and Medicare Part D to ensure that the applications are complete and submitted in a timely manner. Communicates to the patient any documents that are necessary for eligibility into any type of Patient Assistance Programs Follows-up with patients until the application process is complete or all efforts have been exhausted Reviews and updates the patient's account to ensure the most accurate and current information is available for adjudicated patient assistance programs so the pharmacy can process claims and obtain payment.
Tracks productivity and provides cumulative reports on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, as required by supervisor and/or manager. Monitors and administers all assigned accounts until patient is discharged or file is deemed complete. Ensure patient medications are ordered and received in a timely manner from the patient assistance programs.
Receive medications procured from Patient Assistance Programs and follows established procedures to distribute medications to the appropriate departments. May be responsible for initiating and completing accurate and timely prior authorization requests for medications including via external platforms. May obtain clinical and insurance information from the electronic medical record (EMR) to aid in the prior authorization process.
May respond to inquiries regarding the status of prior authorization requests from providers, pharmacies, and internal departments. May be responsible for interacting with medical staff, internal and external pharmacies, and patients, as necessary to complete medication prior authorization requests. May be responsible for staying abreast of various insurer's formulary and medication prior authorization requirements/guidelines.
May be responsible for documentation of all prior authorization activity into the EMR. May contact patients to provide medication coverage, copay and assistance information once the prior authorization is complete. Maintains a positive working relationship with contacts at all agencies and funding programs, patients, insurance companies, government entities, clinical personnel, other Financial Counselors and management, to promote teamwork, cooperation, and a positive public image for Parkland.
Serves as a positive role model for staff and patients, demonstrates strong interpersonal and persuasive abilities to ensure client compliance and cooperation with state/ federal agencies. Accepts constructive criticism and integrates suggestions in effective ways. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of financial assistance by attending training seminars/workshops and participating in on-the-job-training.
Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Pharmacy department and public assistance programs. Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans.
Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Par