Pharmacy Patient Advocate

Banner Health • Tucson, AZ

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Pharmacy careers are better at Banner Health. We are committed to developing the careers of our team members. We care about you, your career today and your future. If you’re looking to leverage your abilities – apply today. Banner – University Medical Center Tucson is nationally recognized for providing exceptional patient care, teaching future health care professionals and conducting groundbreaking research. In this role of Pharmacy Patient Advocate, you will work between BUMC Tucson and Wilmot Clinic. Experience with prior authorizations preferred, specifically through the medical benefit. Your schedule will be 8AM - 4:30PM, Monday - Friday, holidays excluded. Hire On Bonus up to $2,500 available. Recruiter to provide these details during the interview process. Banner Pharmacy Services is a recognized leader in healthcare and trusted partner in proactively providing innovative pharmacy services through excellence in integration, care coordination, medication management and services to make a difference in people's lives. Clinical Pharmacy Services is responsible for the management of the Banner formulary, development of standardized system wide clinical pharmacy services, and management of adverse drug event preventions. Clinical Pharmacy Services provides collaborative drug therapy management and educational interventions in patient care to optimize medication therapy, improve outcomes, promote wellness, and disease prevention. As a division, Banner Pharmacy services provides excellent patient care across our entire continuum through convenient access, improved medication outcomes and innovative pharmacy practices. POSITION SUMMARY This position will work under the supervision of the pharmacist and/or technician supervisor. Requires knowledge of drugs, medical nomenclature, and the metric system to enter data into the computer system to fill prescriptions and to obtain reimbursement/payment. Serves as a liaison between the customer and the pharmacists, physicians, and third party administrators. Will also take requests for prescription refills and obtain necessary prior authorizations. Available, as scheduled, to answer inbound calls while protecting the confidentiality of member information and adhering to company policies regarding patient health information (PHI). Makes outbound calls as needed, faxes providers’ offices, and provides exceptional, courteous and professional customer service. Must demonstrate the ability to research complex issues across multiple databases, work with support resources to resolve member issues, and own problems through to resolution on behalf of the member in real time or follow-up with the member as soon as possible.

Requirements

• Skills and knowledge typically attained with acquiring a Pharmacy Technician License. Current and unrestricted licensure is required. Incumbents in Arizona are also required to provide the AZ Board of Pharmacy Wallet Card at time of hire. May be required to possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must demonstrate 3 or more years of experience performing in a pharmacy technician role.
• Must possess good organizational, problem solving, and computer skills.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills for interfacing with all levels of staff, physicians, patients and other contacts.
• Previous experiences working with pharmacy benefit managers, insurance verification, or patient assistance.
• Previous experiences working with pharmacy benefit managers, insurance verification, or patient assistance.

Nice To Haves

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification.
• Pharmacy technician experience.
• Knowledge of medication management information system software and automated dispensing systems.
• Highly proficient in analyzing complex claim transactions and systems with the ability to effectively define issues, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to follow changing instructions and execute special projects as required and additional duties as assigned.
• Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Researches clinical data necessary to complete and maintain prior authorization, and interfaces with prescribers to ensure that referrals are complete and include all necessary clinical and demographic information. However, PPAs are prohibited from conducting evaluation or interpretation of clinical data.
• Performs test claims to determine copayment/coinsurance amounts, with applicable patient assistance programs. Understand copays, formularies and special pricing to ensure claims are adjudicated correctly and adjustments are performed when applicable.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with patients, and serves a primary point-of-contact throughout the duration of therapy. Educates the patient about coordination of benefits and plan of care.
• Obtains applicable financial resources, such as patient assistance and foundation grant support, to assist in covering the patient's portion of therapy. Interfaces with revenue cycle to establish payment plans, when necessary, and coordinates communication with the patient regarding patient financial responsibility.
• Documents coordination of benefits and plans of care in pharmacy applications, and communicates to stakeholders as needed to ensure optimal medication therapy. Partner with others to handle and resolve escalated issues when appropriate and act urgently when necessary.
• Input orders efficiently with attention to detail, includes order entry, billing, crediting, and updating medical records. Meet departmental standards for production and quality improvement strategies, schedule adherence as well as participate in training and self-development opportunities when appropriate.
• Attends to customers and answers telephones in a courteous and timely manner. Serves as a liaison between the customer the pharmacists, physicians, and third party members. May also take requests for prescription refills and obtain necessary prior authorizations.
• Works with various parties such as third party payers, providers, and other pharmacies while providing proper documentation for adjudication discrepancies or to obtain prior authorizations when needed.
• This position services patients referred to an outpatient pharmacy service line, but has no role in the clinical aspects of the patient management program. Internal customers include but are not limited to employees, patients, and management at the local, regional, and corporate levels. External customers include but are not limited to, practicing physicians, vendors, and the community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED