Pharmacy Technician Medication Access

Cleveland Clinic•Cleveland, OH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pharmacy Technician – Medication Access supports inpatient and ambulatory care by helping patients overcome medication access and insurance barriers throughout their hospital stay. This collaborative, patient-focused role works with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, care coordinators, and patients across Main Campus. Approximately 75% of the time is spent rounding on inpatient units, completing medication histories, verifying insurance coverage, resolving prior authorization and medication access issues, coordinating discharge medication plans, and delivering medications to the bedside. The technician monitors admissions, identifies financial and coverage barriers, and partners with the care team to optimize medication plans, support safe transitions of care, and improve the patient experience. The position works Sunday through Saturday on four 10-hour shifts, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weekend rotations occur every fourth weekend, and one or two holidays per year are required on rotation. The role requires following standard precautions and using personal protective equipment as required. Cleveland Clinic offers a sign-on bonus of up to $2,500.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Six months of related experience or completion of a pharmacy technician program.
At application, hold active registration as a Registered Pharmacy Technician through the Ohio Board of Pharmacy; Pharmacy Technician Trainee status does not qualify.
Within 18 months of hire, obtain national Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcare Association (NHA), and registration as a Certified Pharmacy Technician with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, approximately 75% of the shift and continuously for extended periods.
Manual dexterity sufficient to perform computer and dispensing functions.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
Ability to reach, stretch, stoop, climb steps, and sit.
Comply with the annual influenza prevention program by obtaining vaccination or an approved exemption.

Nice To Haves

Experience dealing with third-party insurance and prior authorization processes.
Completion of a formal pharmacy technician training program.
Retail, ambulatory, or mail-order pharmacy experience.
Strong medication knowledge.

Responsibilities

Communicate directly with patients and caregivers while performing technical functions to ensure timely and accurate prescription procurement and documentation in the electronic medical record when required.
Identify medication-related access problems and work with patients and the multidisciplinary team to resolve them efficiently and in a patient-centered manner.
Coordinate patient education, bedside medication delivery, and medication payment.
Assist with developing and implementing policies and procedures for a seamless medication procurement process.
Work with pharmacy leadership to identify opportunities to improve the patient experience.
Assist the manager in creating, implementing, and monitoring quality control programs in the assigned area.
Submit third-party prior authorization requests when needed.
Monitor program performance, including patient volumes and patient experience indicators, and help identify and resolve discharge prescription coverage issues.
Complete medication histories and other transitional care activities as assigned.