Medication Access Technician

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California - San Francisco is seeking a Pharmacy Medication Support Specialist to facilitate prescription prior authorization and refill requests. The role involves working closely with pharmacists and patients to ensure timely medication access.

Ideal candidates will have a recognized Pharmacy Technician Training Program completion and at least three years of experience. Strong communication and organizational skills are necessary, along with proficiency in systems like APeX and Microsoft Office.

This position supports UCSF's mission in enhancing health and well-being through patient care.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years’ experience as a Pharmacy Technician or in an allied healthcare role.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate prescription prior authorization and refill requests.
• Evaluate refill requests for adherence to refill protocol.
• Assist in training and onboarding new staff regarding pharmacy processes.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Problem-solving skills

Flexibility

Basic math skills

Education

Completion of a recognized Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Licensed Pharmacy Technician by the California Board of Pharmacy

Tools

APeX

Microsoft Office

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 for facilitating medication refill 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, ensuring patients have access to the medication they need. The MSS acts as the primary contact for all medication authorization and refill requests.

Prior Authorization & Financial Assistance

• Under the oversight of pharmacists, drives the PA process to completion and resolves any related issues.
• Performs medication benefits investigation and accurately submits prior authorizations to insurance manually, electronically, or telephonically as necessary.
• Notifies the patient and documents the status of the PA and financial assistance in APeX.
• Follows up with health insurance payors that do not respond to submitted PA requests.
• Works with pharmacists or providers for any denials and appeals.
• Evaluates patient assistance program opportunities if necessary.

Refill Authorization

• Receives and processes refill requests from clinic personnel, a pharmacy or patients.
• Using a refill protocol, evaluates refill requests for adherence to the refill protocol criteria; this involves reviewing APeX and contacting a patient.
• Notifies pharmacist of specific refill protocol criteria that are not met after assessment.
• Notates the need for a provider appointment where applicable.
• Discusses recommendations and other pertinent information with the pharmacist.
• Conducts a search for any lab test(s) that is needed to fulfill the protocol and analyzes EMR for any needed lab test(s) and notates this need; if needed, informs patients about required labs.
• Pends the order or request for provider appointment based on pharmacist judgment via APeX.
• Properly documents each refill request in the patient's chart.

Administrative Functions

• Assists in training and onboarding new staff and learners regarding the refill and PA processes.
• Participates in the pharmacy's continuous quality improvement.
• Completes training requirements timely and stays up to date on policies and procedures.
• Performs additional tasks as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor/manager pertaining to pharmacy operations and patient care.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html