Medication Access Technician

UCSF Health; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health in San Francisco is seeking a Pharmacy Medication Support Specialist to manage prior authorization and refill requests, coordinating with insurers and patients to ensure timely access to medications. You will review medical records in the EMR, follow refill protocols, assist with benefits investigations, and collaborate with Pharmacy and Ambulatory Clinics to maintain high-quality patient care.

This role requires attention to detail, strong communication, and multitasking in a

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized/accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Program.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician or allied healthcare professional in a hospital, pharmacy, or other healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate prescription prior authorization (PA) and refill requests.
• Obtain, prepare and submit forms for insurance authorizations.
• Communicate status updates to patients regarding PA and refill requests.
• Review patient records and ensure adherence to refill protocol criteria.
• Conduct medication benefits investigations and explore financial assistance options.

Skills

Pharmacy knowledge

Hospital experience

Microsoft Office

Interpersonal communication

Prior authorization

Education

Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Tools

APeX EMR

Job description

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

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.

Qualifications

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 of three (3) years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician or allied healthcare professional in a hospital, pharmacy, or other healthcare setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to prioritize work efficiently.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and writing skills, with the 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.
• Ability to multitask and remain flexible when work assignments change at short notice.
• Basic math skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent experience processing third-party billing, including prior authorization facilitation and refill authorization.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, and/or Russian.
• Bachelor's degree in health or behavioral science.
• Medical Assistant Certification.
• Ability to use an EMR and perform chart abstraction into the EMR, specifically APeX.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies, including AI solutions.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Licensed Pharmacy Technician by the California Board of Pharmacy and in good standing.

About Us

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

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