Patient Access Manager - Raleigh North Carolina

Acadia Pharmaceuticals; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base, bonus, equity

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation & holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Acadia Pharmaceuticals seeks a seasoned Patient Access Manager to provide expert field-based access and reimbursement support for Nuplazid in the US territory. You will act as a dedicated contact for HCPs, coordinate with payers, HUB resources, and specialty pharmacies, and ensure compliant patient access processes.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, knowledge of Medicare, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; life sciences preferred.
• Advanced degrees (RN, MSN, MBA) are a plus.
• Minimum 4+ years in pharma sales, market access, national accounts, or specialty pharmacy.
• Senior role requires 7+ years and neurology access/leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as expert on access and reimbursement issues for HCPs.
• Educate providers and patients on patient access processes.
• Collaborate with HCP accounts to expand Nuplazid access knowledge.
• Coordinate with customer support, pharmacies, and field teams on patient access.
• Escalate payer issues to national account managers.
• Explain coverage status and payer appeals requirements clearly.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to improve access processes.
• Provide in-service education to HCP offices on prescription processes.
• Support cross-functional colleagues in meeting HCP needs.
• Communicate with patients and caregivers about access steps.

Skills

Medicare knowledge

Healthcare field experience

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Empathetic listening

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degrees welcomed

Job description

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference.

Seeking talent near: Wilmington, NC; Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA

Position Summary

Provide expert field-based access and reimbursement support, as a dedicated point of contact to healthcare providers for their on-label Nuplazid access-related questions in the assigned geographic territory. The role acts as an integral liaison between Healthcare Professions (HCP), specialty pharmacies, payers, patients and HUB resources. The PAM is a non-promotional role within Acadia.

Responsibilities

• Subject matter expert in preventing and addressing access and reimbursement issues through education and problem-solving
• Educate healthcare providers and patients on navigating the patient access process
• Proactively work with assigned HCP accounts to build and maintain Nuplazid access related knowledge with office support staff
• Work seamlessly and in coordination with Acadia customer support services, specialty pharmacies, and other field teams while supporting patient access
• Escalate local payer issues to national account managers
• Condense complex issues into simple solutions by working with cross-functional peers to improve the customer experience, educate providers on access and reimbursement requirements, coverage status, and payer appeals requirements, processes and timelines
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of Acadia Customer Support Programs and serve as the expert in assigned territory
• In-service to HCPs offices on all aspects of the prescription process including but not limited to; prior authorization requirements, specialty pharmacies and patient resources
• Provide partnership with cross functional colleagues to address individual HCP needs
• Communicate directly with patients and caregivers, when appropriate, to navigate and clarify access process

Education/Experience/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in life sciences preferred. Advanced degrees (RN, MSN, MBA) are a plus.
• To qualify for Patient Access Manager: Minimum of 4+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical sales, market access, national accounts, or specialty pharmacy. Deep expertise in access and reimbursement strategies.
• To qualify for Senior Patient Access Manager: Minimum of 7+ years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years in neurology access or leadership roles (e.g., market access, patient access, national accounts, sales management, or access leadership).
• Strong knowledge of Medicare and field-based healthcare environments is highly preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and directly related job experience may be considered.
• Track record of increased responsibilities
• Strong history of successful cross functional collaboration
• Demonstrated success in leading without authority
• Product Launch experience preferred
• Experience working with provider offices such as a physician practice, patient assistance programs, or similar pharmaceutical support program strongly preferred
• Patient-centric and service-oriented mindset
• Exemplary interpersonal skills
• Must display a patient-centric mentality with a high degree of emotional intelligence and empathy
• Empathetic listening skills in order to interact effectively with customers
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Understand HIPAA rules and regulations related to patient privacy
• Strong written and verbal communications as well as presentation skills
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point
• Ability to manage expenses within allocated budgets
• Adaptable and open to an environment of change
• Must be a fast learner, flexible, adjust quickly, and able to work independently
• Strong enthusiasm with a drive to succeed within a team
• Ability to travel up to 60%

Scope

Selects methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of functional area objectives and their impact on, and interaction with, other functions within the organization. Erroneous decisions will result in critical delay(s) in schedules and/or unit operations and may jeopardize overall business activities.

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedule or business needs.

Position Levels

• Patient Access Manager: $136,000.00-$170,000.00 Minimum of 4+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical sales, market access, national accounts, or specialty pharmacy. Deep expertise in access and reimbursement strategies.
• Senior Patient Access Manager: $152,000.00-$190,000.00 Minimum of 7+ years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years in neurology access or leadership roles (e.g., market access, patient access, national accounts, sales management, or access leadership).

In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.

Salary Range

$128,000—$160,000 USD

What we offer US-based Employees

• Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
• 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
• 15+ vacation days
• 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
• 10 days of paid sick timePaid parental leave benefit
• Tuition assistance

EEO Statement (US-based Employees)

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here.

It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.

As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at [e-mail] or 858-261-2923.

Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.

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Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters)

The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Acadia”). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.