Drug Dispensary Assistant/Pharmacy Technician - Asian Health Services

Medication Prior Authorization/PA (70-80%)

• Obtains medication prior authorizations from insurance companies, TPAs, and/or governmental agencies.
• Prioritizes urgent tasks vs non urgent tasks with sound judgment and independence.
• Researches the latest formularies of various insurance companies, public programs (eg. MediCare, MediCAL, County indigent programs, Medicare Advantage) and their procedures for obtaining medication prior authorizations.
• Keeps up-to-date on PA requirements by researching on line, calling insurance companies, attending meetings.
• Obtains relevant information from internal sources co-workers, eg providers, front desk/eligibility, MR, nursing, supervisors/managers, and from external sources eg insurances, pharmacies, to facilitate PA process.
• Problem solves patients' medication obtainment process by collaborating with and advocating on behalf of patients with external companies, eg insurance companies, pharmacies, TPAs, MCOs etc.
• Works as a liaison and as a resource to internal staff such as providers, nurses, front desk, etc to facilitate patients' obtaining medications in a timely manner. Prioritizes urgent tasks vs non urgent tasks with sound judgment and independence.
• Disseminates relevant new information, reinforces current information to co-workers (eg DDAs, providers, clinic staff, community services/health education staff) regarding above mentioned work.

Drug Dispensary Maintenance (10-20%)

• Maintains the drug dispensaries in accordance with state and federal regulations. Rotates stock and removes expired drugs.
• Receives packages, verifying accuracy of medications received. Records quantities received along with other required information in appropriate databases (i.e. expiration date, lot number, etc.)
• Organizes and Maintains inventory in the drug dispensaries according to formulary.
• Acts as liaison to drug representatives. Contacts appropriate pharmaceutical representatives for additional supply of samples as identified by P&T committee.
• Monitors and limits their access according to agency policy.
• Maintains supply of drug samples according to formulary.
• Records inventory and maintains drug database for samples, IDP, Pfizer Share the Care Program and others as needed.
• Assists with other clinics in maintaining drug supply, IDP applications.
• Takes inventory and delivers Pfizer IPAP to replenish contracted pharmacies.
• Participates in drug dispensary audits. Provides recommendations to managers, providers, other clinic staff per audit findings. Incorporates audit findings.
• Trains other DDAs and staff as appropriate (eg. DDAs, volunteers, administration staff, clinic staff, providers, nurses, referrals, etc). Assists with research, applications, processing paperwork, or inventory maintenance as needed.

IDP/PAP Administration (1-5%)

• Maintains IDP/PAP database by enrolling new patients and updating/tracking renewal dates, processes IDP refill/renewal applications, and notifies providers when applications have expired.
• Works as a liaison to providers regarding IDP issues.
• Analyzes pharmacy invoices for budget issues.
• Processes all documentation that accompanies IDP medication received by the clinic and provides Fiscal Department with shipment statements as appropriate.
• Administers Pfizer's IPAP (Institutional Patient Assistant Program)
• or any other IDP/PAP as needed/requested.
• Trouble-shoots and assists providers and IT department regarding problems experienced with tracking systems
• Communicates with contracted retail pharmacies on tracking issues, delivery of special IDP programs such as Pfizer's IPAP medication, receipt of invoices for 340b program or other correspondences from contracted retail pharmacy.
• Updates EPM/EHR medication list when new medications are added to AHS Formulary; communicates changes to billing department.
• Conduct annual inventory of sample medication supply at all clinic locations; provides report to Fiscal Department as needed.
• Plans and facilitates P&T committee meetings.
• Assists providers to identify resources for patients in need of medication from IDP that are not currently a part of AHS formulary. Communicates requests for new medication from providers to the P&T committee.
• Patient Contact (1-5%): Contacts patients, if necessary, to obtain PAs, process IDP applications. Updates and documents in Pt's EPM/EHR per protocol.

Technical/Ethical

• Ensures compliance with AHS Policies and procedures and government regulations.
• Ensures patient's rights to privacy, safety, and confidentiality.
• Upholds cultural and compassionate care standards of the AHS Guide to Service Excellence and Code of Conduct
• Attends appropriate in-service education courses for technical growth.

General/AHS Duties

• Fosters an environment that promotes trust and cooperation among clients and staff.
• Enforces clinic policies and procedures, including maintenance of client confidentiality under HIPAA privacy rules, to ensure that the principles of AHS are implemented.
• Plays an active role in planning organization-wide activities such as AHS general membership meetings, fundraisers, special clinic days and other events.
• Participates in general membership meetings, fundraisers and other public events, as required.
• Participates in outreach activities, agency advocacy, and serves on ad hoc committees, as requested.
• Attends AHS staff retreats and Board of Directors meetings, as required.
• Participates in agency-wide quality improvement program processes and performance improvement teams to ensure excellence in the quality of services provided across the agency.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Bilingual in an Asian language
• Two years' experience preferred in a medical setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with medical terminology preferred.
• Access preferred.
• Familiarity with medical terminology preferred

PI239457619