Medication Historian Technician

Albany Medical Center; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 47,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Albany Med Health System in Albany, NY is seeking a Medication Historian Technician to collect and document patient medication histories upon admission. You will communicate with patients, caregivers, and providers to build the most accurate current medication list across prescribed, OTC, and supplements, ensuring safety and continuity of care.

Under the supervision of a pharmacist, you will work with the care team to identify discrepancies, document them in the EHR, and support timely

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. - required
• Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences or related field - preferred
• 1-3 years of healthcare experience - required
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical products including potential adverse reactions and brand/generic products.
• Ability to read and comprehend medication instructions.
• Able to compose simple correspondence using correct grammar and punctuation.
• Be able to communicate information verbally and in writing.
• Work cooperatively with department and medical center.
• Work effectively and safely in a complex and constantly changing environment.
• Actively participate in promoting a safe and enjoyable environment.
• Promote patient-centered and customer focus.
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Collect and document patient medication histories prior to admission.
• Communicate with patients and caregivers to obtain accurate lists.
• Document allergy and adverse reaction information.
• Report discrepancies to the supervising pharmacist and providers.
• Enter information into the electronic health system accurately.
• Coordinate with care team to reduce medication errors and delays in care.
• Serve as liaison between patient, pharmacist, and providers for medication lists.
• Triages medication list reviews based on admitting unit and time.

Education

PHAR-C - Certified Pharmacy Tech through PTCB or NHA

PHRMTECH-R - Registered Pharmacy Technician

LPT - Licensed Pharmacy Tech NYS

Job description

Department/Unit:

Pharmacy

Work Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Salary Range:

$46,947.00 - $65,726.00

The Medication Historian Technician is responsible for collecting and documenting medication histories for patients admitted to the hospital. The focus of this technician is to complete the most accurate and up to date medication list of all prescriptions, over the counter, and supplemental medications the patient is taking prior to admission in communication with patients, caregivers and/or guardians, outside pharmacies and providers as necessary. The Medication Historian Technicians reports up through the pharmacy department and Director of Pharmacy. Daily activities are under the supervision of a pharmacist. The medication history technician will work alongside the pharmacist and providers on the care team to assess discrepancies, reduce medication errors, and reduce delays in care for patients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Communication with the patient, legal guardian/caregiver, long-term care facility, rehabilitation program, and/or outpatient pharmacy to obtain the patient’s most accurate medication list.
• Collection and documentation of allergy and adverse reaction information.
• Communication with the supervising pharmacist and providers on the team about discrepancies, errors, or concerns related to medication list collection.
• Documentation of all necessary information in the electronic health system.
• Triage patient medication list reviews based on admitting unit and time.
• Conduct structured interviews with patients and caregivers to assess medication history.
• Cross reference patient or family reported medication history with external sources (e.g. long-term care facilities, outpatient pharmacy, rehabilitation program, external providers, etc.)
• Document complete and accurate medication history Lists in the electronic health record, including adverse events and allergies related to medication use.
• Serve as a liaison between the patient, pharmacist, and provider team to ensure accurate medication lists and reconciliation.
• Communicates discrepancies to the supervising pharmacist and providers.
• Documents discrepancies in the online error reporting system.
• Communicate cooperatively and effectively with patients, family members, care givers, employees, etc., listen well, follow direction, and engage in interactive dialogue with others.
• Conducts efficient and structured medication interviews with patients and caregivers.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. - required
• Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences or related field - preferred
• 1-3 years of healthcare experience - required
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical products including potential adverse reactions and brand/generic products.
• Ability to read and comprehend medication instructions.
• Able to compose simple correspondence using correct grammar and punctuation.
• Be able to communicate information verbally and in writing.
• Work cooperatively with department and medical center.
• Work effectively and safely in a complex and constantly changing environment.
• Actively participate in promoting a safe and enjoyable environment.
• Work effectively and safely at times of high workload.
• Prioritize activities and make sound decisions.
• Promote patient-centered and customer focus.
• Active participation in department and center improvements.
• Perform all jobs in an ethical and compassionate manner.
• Be accurate in record-keeping and documentation.
• Use good judgement when performing the functions of the job or when interacting with others.
• Accept direction, carry out direction, work cooperatively with others and avoid creation of unnecessary conflict.
• Ability to independently organize work, document necessary information, and gather data from appropriate resources.
• Demonstrate ability to collaborate with patient care team.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent customer service and excellent work practices.
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a fast pace and busy environment.
• PHAR-C - Certified Pharmacy Tech through PTCB or NHA Upon Hire - required
• PHRMTECH-R - Registered Pharmacy Technician Upon Hire - required
• LPT - Licensed Pharmacy Tech in NYS Upon Hire - preferred
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Physical Demands

• Standing - Constantly
• Walking - Constantly
• Sitting - Occassionally
• Lifting - Rarely
• Carrying - Rarely
• Pushing - OccasionallyPulling - Occasionally
• Climbing - Rarely
• Balancing - Occasionally
• Stooping - Rarely
• Kneeling - Rarely
• Crouching - Rarely
• Crawling - Rarely
• Reaching - Frequently
• Handling - Frequently
• Grasping - Frequently
• Feeling - Constantly
• Talking - Constantly
• Hearing - Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - Constantly
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold - Rarely
• Extreme heat - Rarely
• Humidity - Rarely
• Wet - Rarely
• Noise - Constantly
• Hazards - Frequently
• Temperature Change - Rarely
• Atmospheric Conditions - Rarely
• Vibration - Rarely

Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!

Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a "need to know" and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.