Description Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines. Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough.
Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?
Under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, the Medication History Specialist is responsible for obtaining and documenting accurate and complete medication histories for patients admitted to the hospital. This role involves interviewing patients, families, and caregivers, verifying information with external sources as needed, and entering the reconciled medication list into the electronic health record (EHR). The specialist works closely with pharmacists, providers, and nursing staff to support safe and effective medication use across the continuum of care.
Conduct structured patient and/or caregiver interviews to obtain a comprehensive medication history, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, and dietary supplement use. Accurately document medication names, doses, routes, frequencies, and last doses taken in the EHR. Verify and reconcile medication information from multiple sources (e.g., pharmacies, outpatient providers, previous medical records).
Identify discrepancies, potential safety issues, or incomplete information, and escalate to the pharmacist or provider as appropriate. Collaborate with pharmacists, nurses, and physicians to ensure accurate admission medication reconciliation. Maintain compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and all applicable regulations, including HIPAA.
Provide excellent customer service, demonstrating empathy, respect, and professionalism in all patient and staff interactions. Prioritize and complete assignments efficiently in a fast-paced hospital environment. Restocks automated dispensing machines.
Understanding of common prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and herbal medications. Familiarity with medication formulations, strengths, routes, and dosing schedules. Basic understanding of medical terminology and disease states relevant to medication use.
Knowledge of drug classes, therapeutic uses, and common look-alike/sound-alike medications. Strong interviewing, active listening, and communication skills to elicit accurate patient information. Clear, concise, and professional verbal communication.
High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation. Critical thinking skills to identify discrepancies or risks in medication histories. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and basic computer applications. Competence in flagging discrepancies or potential safety issues for pharmacist/clinician review. Ability to maintain patient confidentiality (HIPAA compliance).
Time management and ability to prioritize patient interviews efficiently. Adaptability in fast-paced hospital settings. Credentials: CPhT- Certified Pharmacy Tech Education or Equivalent
H. S. Diploma/GED (Required) Prior experience in a hospital, pharmacy, or healthcare setting preferred.
At least 1-year experience in retail pharmacy setting strongly preferred. We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Live Your Life's Work We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.