Pharmacy Practice Specialist - Medication Assistance Center
The Medication Assistance Center (MAC) pharmacy specialist will work closely with the other pharmacy staff and social workers on the PMAP team to provide financial assistance to patients for their medication costs. This pharmacist also works with providers and clinical staff to provide information related to medication costs and alternatives. The pharmacist will be responsible for appropriate screening and review of patients, documentation, and follow up communication to the patient and other impacted teams. The pharmacist will also provide education to pharmacy department staff and be a resource for other teams to refer to for questions.
Position Responsibilities:
· Provides an evaluation of medication costs and purses opportunities options to ensure affordable care to patients.
A. Completes benefits investigations for prescriptions sent to the Medication Assistance Center.
B. Evaluate patient’s prescription coverage status and provide options or make referrals as necessary.
C. Investigate options for copay assistance if medication affordability is a concern, including:
1. Copay cards
2. Grants
3. Manufacturer programs
4. Repository medications
5. Charity Care
D. Work with PMAP social workers to screen and enroll patients in appropriate programs, as applicable.
E. Communicates with prescribers, pharmacy teams, and other clinical staff about patient medication needs.
· Appropriately labels, tracks, and monitors inventory and supply in the pharmacy.
F. Accepts shipments from manufacturer programs and appropriately documents receipt in appropriate location (e.g. Drug Assistant).
G. Appropriately labels medications with required regulatory information prior to dispensing to patients or clinics.
H. Maintains and tracks inventory brought into the pharmacy.
I. Communicates appropriately about dispenses through other pharmacy pickup or clinic locations.
· Documents all patient care activities performed
The pharmacy specialist provides pharmacy-related services through sharing of information with other members of the healthcare team via documentation within the patient medical record and other on-line reporting systems. Examples of documentation may include:
A. Process of evaluation, screening and investigation of options for patients expressing financial assistance need.
B. Communications with prescribers and other healthcare providers.
C. Patient interactions that occur either in person or by phone.
D. Medication counseling to patients.
· Coordinates patient communications and interactions related to medication affordability and assistance options.
The pharmacy specialist educates patients on the services offered including the following:
A. Explanation of insurance copay amounts, if applicable.
B. Financial assistance options and process.
C. Appropriate follow up timeline.
· Provides educational services
University of Iowa Health Care is a teaching institution; therefore, the pharmacy specialist is responsible for the education of students, fellow staff, other healthcare providers, and patients about drugs and their appropriate use. The pharmacy specialist shall serve as a role model for staff and students. The educational process crosses professional boundaries, as the pharmacy specialist interacts with and serves as an informational resource for other members of the health care team. The pharmacy specialist takes great care to instruct all patients about the need for and appropriate use of prescribed medications. Examples of educational services may include:
A. Serving as preceptor for pharmacy students.
B. Presenting in-service educational programs to pharmacy staff, staff nurses, physicians, and other colleagues on the healthcare team.
C. Serving as mentor and role model for other pharmacist practitioners within the department, particularly those who provide ambulatory care services.
· Administration
A. Assist Assistant Director with projects, implementing workflows, and issue resolution in the area.
B. Serve as the primary point of contact and reference for the Medication Assistance Center.
C. Coordinate communication among the pharmacist and social work medication assistance teams.
D. Develop standard job aids and resource documents to be used amongst the medication assistance teams.
E. Adhere to all department policies and procedures.
· Complete and maintain compliance with all competencies and educational requirements.
Education Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy Degree
Experience Requirements:
- Current licensure by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners required upon hire.
- Experience with patient financial assistance programs and third party insurance programs.
- Ability to manage complex projects is required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Desired Qualifications
- One (1) year of applicable pharmacy experience is preferred.
- Health system pharmacy experience.
- Immunization Certification.
- Basic Life Support Certification.
Position and Application details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Regan Lampe at regan-lampe@uiowa.edu
Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
