Pharmacy Financial Assistant

At our Maumee Cancer Center - Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

General Summary:

The Pharmacy Financial Assistant is responsible for aiding patients with obtaining financial assistance through the form of grants and manufacturer free drug programs, and educating patients on insurance structure and copays. This individual is responsible for pharmacy cashier duties, and may also be required to submit prior authorizations and track progress.

Supports the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by working with patients, families, providers and other staff to promote timely access to needed care, provide daily continuity of care coordination, and coach patients, families and care givers to understand the patient care plan and self-care management responsibilities.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

Standard 1 - Pharmacy responsibilities

• Assist in verifying patient benefits and determine the need for patient assistance
  • Maintains documentation of authorization process
  • Works with patients to obtain and complete the application for assistance
  • Initiates requests for patient assistance as needed
  • Tracks progress of financial assistance and anticipates patient needs

• Uses PioneerRx system in dispensing process
  1. Manage patient information in PioneerRx system including allergies, diagnosis, insurance information
  2. Assist/maintain ordering of medications, supplies and inventory for pharmacy
  3. Contacts GPO/wholesaler and PioneerRx staff to solve problems when any technical issues with system arise
  4. Open/close POS register daily
     • Maintain correct count of money received
     • Assure correct amount of petty cash is in drawer at start up and shut down
     • Assure account reconciles at end of day

• Process prior authorizations and communicate with insurance companies as needed

• Coordinates requests for oral chemotherapy authorizations
  1. Completes REMs and other regulatory requirements
  2. Assures copy is available in electronic chart
  3. Maintains records in easily retrievable format for reporting purposes
• Completes OARRS report requirements
  1. Serves as a designated employee for providers
  2. Regularly reviews OARRS website and completes required reports
• Manage inbound and outbound mail and courier coolers/bags

Standard 2 - Behavior

Communication

• Exhibits excellent written and verbal skills.
• Utilizes assertive communication skills in addressing concerns or problems.
• Participates as a member of organization/institutional committees as requested.

Initiative

• Able to conceive innovative strategies and ideas for the center, exhibiting "out of the box" thinking.
• Performs job duties effectively with minimal direction.
• Initiates new ideas and projects that enhance patient care or other aspects of services and care.

Team Orientation

• Service as a team member among co-workers and peers.
• Participates in TCCC activities that enhance patient care and work surroundings.

Patient Privacy

• Participates in assuring that all personally identifiable healthcare information of the patient will be maintained confidential.
• Assures that any oral or written disclosure of personally identifiable healthcare information should be minimum necessary to serve the purpose of performing quality care to the patient.
• Understands any disclosure outside payment, treatment, or healthcare operations requires written patient authorization in each instance.

Respect

• Understands and demonstrates sensitivity to the cultural diversity of patients, staff, and visitors.

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Required:

- Minimum of one year medical experience in pharmacy setting

- Knowledge of medical chart reporting/records

- Knowledge of patient assistance programs

- Knowledge of POS systems

- Skill in appropriate assessment and assistance techniques

- Sill in appropriate use of universal precautions, safe workplace and confidentiality methods

- Skill in health information management by appropriately charting patient data

- Skill in examining orders for correctness and interpreting accuracy

- Ability to work effectively as team members with physicians and other staff.

- Ability to appropriately interact with patients, families, staff, and others

- Ability to flexibly respond to changing demands.

- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.

- Ability to submit accurate charges for services rendered.

- Ability to excel in an environment of constant change, problems and unexpected interruptions, where extreme pressure to deliver results is expected.

- Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with physicians and non-physician support staff.

- Knowledge of computer systems and applications.

- Working knowledge of Clinical IT applications.

Education:

-High School Diploma

Preferred:

- Outpatient pharmacy experience preferred

- Clinic and/or medical office experience preferred.

- Knowledge of specialty pharmacy processes

- Knowledge of PioneerRx system and POS register

- Skill in understanding chemotherapy treatment plans

- Knowledge of policies and procedures related to care of oncology patients