Medication Access Technician
Job Description
As a patient-centered organization, UCSF Medical Center exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership and respect. UCSF Medical Center seeks faculty and staff that are committed to the values of professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence that are integral to our mission
Under the supervision of the Medication Access Manager and guided by the policies and procedures of the Ambulatory and Outpatient Pharmacy Services, the Pharmacy Medication Support Specialist (MSS) facilitates prescription prior authorization (PA) and refill requests This role involves obtaining, preparing and submitting the necessary forms for insurance authorizations, requesting information from insurance companies regarding possible alternative therapies, and providing patients with timely communications regarding the status of the PA. In addition, this position is also responsible in facilitating medication refills requests. Using a refill protocol, the MSS evaluates refill requests for adherence to the refill protocol criteria which includes reviewing a patient’s medical record in APeX and contacting a patient for needed information. The MSS also performs medication benefits investigations and explores financial assistance options where applicable, to ensure patients have access to the medication they need, acting as the primary contact for all medication authorization and refill requests.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
% of time | Essential Function (Yes/No) |
Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor) |
45 | YES | Prior Authorization (PA) and Financial Assistance Facilitation
|
45 | YES | Refill Authorization
|
10 | YES | Administrative Functions
|
100% | (To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.) |
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.
- Completion of a recognized/accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Program.
- Minimum three (3) years’ experience as a Pharmacy Technician or allied healthcare professional in a hospital, pharmacy, or other health care setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong computer skills and use of Microsoft Office
- Ability to prioritize work efficiently
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, writing skills, and ability to work effectively with a large, diverse population, including maintaining good relationships between the Pharmacy and Ambulatory clinics.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
- Must be able to multitask and be flexible in changing work assignments at short notice
Basic math skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
- Recent experience processing third-party billing, including prior authorization facilitation and refill authorization
- Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, and/or Russian preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in health or behavioral science.
- Medical Assistant Certification
- Ability to use EMR and perform chart abstraction into EMR – specifically APeX
Adaptable to learn new technologies including AI solutions.
REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
• Licensed Pharmacy Technician by the California Board of Pharmacy and in good standing