Medication History Rep (MHO)

Beacon Health System; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System is seeking a Medication History Representative to obtain and document patient medication histories for direct admissions in the Emergency Department or care units.

You will reconcile home medications using EHR and external sources, document findings, and maintain data accuracy while collaborating with pharmacists and care teams.

Qualifications

• Effective communication skills to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Mathematical skills to compute fractions, ratios, decimals, percentages and totals.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with patients, families, staff and visitors.
• Proficiency with keyboarding and computer systems used for documenting patient medication history.
• Ability to protect confidentiality and verify information from patients, facilities, and pharmacies.
• Knowledge of brand and generic medication names and formulation differences.

Responsibilities

• Identify and interview patients to obtain complete medication histories.
• Reconcile home medications with EHR, external Rx history, and other sources.
• Document all medication data accurately into the system: name, dose, route, frequency, adherence.
• Mentor and assist with training new Medication History Representatives.
• Collect and enter data into pharmacy systems and monitor reconciliation outcomes.

Skills

Communication skills

Math skills

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills

Data security

Brand/generic naming

Education

High school diploma

Pharmacy Technician training

Indiana licensure

CPhT certification

Job description

Sign-on Bonus $3,000

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Obtains and documents patient medication histories following applicable guidelines and regulatory requirements by:

• Identifying and prioritizing patient interviews based on workflow and admissions.
• Histories may be obtained in either the Emergency Department or patient care units for direct admission patients.
• Interviewing patients and/or family members to obtain medication history including drug allergies and reactions.
• Use a standardized tool to compile a complete and list of patient's home medications including over the counter drugs, herbal supplements, patches, and implanted pumps including drug name, dosage, frequency, compliance and last dose taken.
• Use available resources to reconcile the patient's medication list including Electronic Health Record (EHR), External Rx history, physicians, pharmacies, extended care facilities, home health agencies, etc.
• Identifying and facilitating correction of medication history discrepancies. Notifying pharmacist or other healthcare provider if there is any missing information or other details that may be of importance or require further clarification.
• Reconciling final home medication list with patients.
• Documenting findings by accurately entering all available medication-related data into the computer system (drug name, dosage, frequency, route, compliance and last dose taken).
• Mentoring and assisting with training new Medication History Representatives.
• Collecting and entering data into the pharmacy information system as directed.
• Monitoring outcomes of medication reconciliation process and reporting to appropriate committees.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Performing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.
• Collecting data, conducting quality monitors and completing documentation as assigned.
• Maintaining logs, records and other required documentation accurately, filing documents in appropriate locations.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education And Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of either a pharmacy technician, nursing or medical assistant training program. A minimum of two years of patient facing experience is preferred. For pharmacy technicians, experience in outpatient/retail pharmacy is preferred. If from one of the above fields, applicant should hold licensure granted by the state of Indiana. Individuals with some training in pharmacology (e.g. pharmacy students, nursing students, medical students) will also be considered. Pharmacy Technicians must also be nationally certified (CPhT) or eligible to test for certification. Completion of an approved Medication History Education/Training Program must occur within the first 6 months and the Medication History Certificate within one (1) year of employment.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates effective communication skills necessary to follow verbal and written instructions, including the ability to understand technical and pharmaceutical terminology.
• Demonstrates mathematical skills necessary to accurately compute fractions, ratios, decimals, percentages and totals.
• Demonstrates highly effective interpersonal skills necessary to consistently interact with patients, families, visitors and staff in a courteous manner.
• Demonstrates proficiency in keyboarding and computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail applications) and an understanding of specialized computer systems utilized for documenting patient medication history. Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate with and verify confidential information from patients, extended care facilities, home health agencies, retail and mail order pharmacies, physicians and other hospital staff in a professional manner.
• Requires the ability to maintain accuracy in documentation, prioritize workload, attention to detail, perform multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates responsibility and ability to act independently in areas not requiring the professional judgment of a pharmacist/nurse/physician.
• Demonstrates knowledge of brand and generic medications names and medication formulation differences (ex: extended release versus immediate acting).

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment with the possibility of exposure to biohazards.
• Works with staff, patients, physicians and others in a high stress environment with frequent changes in job demands.
• Exposure to minor operating equipment and chemical solution hazards.

Physical Demands

Requires physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.