Pharmacy Tech - Buyer II - Inpatient Pharmacy at Shannon Health

Job Summary

Assists the Pharmacists in preparing and distributing medications to patients. Performs designated technical functions to facilitate pharmacy operations. Certification as a pharmacy technician by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required. Performs functions of pharmacy technician under supervision of pharmacist. Coordinates and handles the pharmacy supply ordering, inventory control, accurate billing, for supporting cost containment programs, maintaining drug recall as they are released, returning expired medication that are maintained in the pharmacy, processing payment of pharmacy invoices, department charges, borrow and loans and pharmaceutical transfers and any other function deemed necessary by the Pharmacy Director. The buyer must comply with 340b purchasing guidelines and PAP compliance guidelines. Provides the necessary pharmaceutical services needed to facilitate the procurement of medications necessary to treat the patient. Responsible for management of catalogs, advanced access to wholesale accounts and enterprise support.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to perform the duties and responsibility of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
• The ability to consistently lift, push or pull loads of up to fifty (50) pounds. (Unless nursing 50)
• Sufficient strength, mobility and stamina to make frequent location and position changes, assist with patient care, and perform other physical activities of average difficulty.
• Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the requirements will still be considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodations.
• May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.
• May have to handle emergency situations.
• May be subject to irregular hours.
• May be required to wear protective equipment such as eye protection, face protection, masks, sterile/nonsterile gloves, isolation gowns.
• May be exposed to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents.
• Physical activities include continuous sitting, and occasional walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling and twisting.
• Activity Conditions (Occasionally, Frequently, Continuously):
  • Sitting- Frequently
  • Walking- Frequently
  • Standing- Frequently
  • Bending-Occasionally
  • Squatting - Occasionally
  • Climbing-Occasionally
  • Kneeling-Occasionally
  • Twisting-Occasionally

Visual and Hearing Requirements

• Must be able to see with corrective eye wear.
• Must be able to hear clearly with assistance.

Working Conditions

Primarily Works in a well-lighted and air-conditioned environment with period of heavy workload and stress. This role may include working in less-than-ideal home conditions, which can include exposure to extreme temperatures and environments that may not meet typical cleanliness standards such as clutter, unkept surfaces, and homes with pets. Works in various conditions.

Performance: Essential Functions

Decision Making: Ability to make decisions and takes appropriate action based on the information they have. Recognizes own limitations and consults with the supervisor, manager, or team member when appropriate.

Time Management: Works efficiently and manages duties to ensure that tasks are completed with accuracy and within the scheduled shift or reasonable amount of time.

Quality & Quantity: Demonstrates accurate, knowledge and skill to carry out job duties. Follows departmental work policies and procedures. Speed and consistency of output and time utilization of job duties.

Computer Knowledge & Electronic Equipment Use: Demonstrates ability to consistently utilize electronic equipment and online computer programs to perform job duties, including electronic documentation, and order entry.

Resource Utilization: Consistently utilizes and maintains supplies and equipment to minimize lost charges and unnecessary equipment repair-replacement.

Confidentiality: Adheres to established policies on privacy and security requirements for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as applicable by Shannon Policy.

Responsibilities
Supervises the Following Positions

Positions: N/A

Performance: Position Specific Essential Functions

Inventory Management

• Coordinates inventory process, verifies extension and totals for each area; Coordinates quarterly expired drug return program.
• Maintains adequate stock of medications and supplies according to established policies
• and procedures.
• Maintain accurate shelf and bin labels.
• Monitors stock levels of medications and supplies.
• Maintains appropriate inventory levels based upon established usage and financial parameters
• Coordinates the receiving and proper storage/distribution of pharmaceuticals and supplies.
• Maintains list of drug shortages/backorders and notifies pharmacy staff in conjunction with management of drug shortages.
• Acquires drugs from approved vendors.
• Works with pharmacy wholesaler to implement product and process improvements.
• Assist in preparing, counting, and verifying stock of annual inventory
• Assists in training of new technicians on the inventory management process.
• Maintains knowledge of safe handling of hazardous/cytotoxic medications.

Invoicing/ Purchasing / Price Controls

• Prepares and processes daily orders and paperwork for pharmaceuticals from various wholesalers using appropriate inventory control measures, automation, and database interfaces.
• Prepares, verifies, and sends monthly statements/billing for various physicians' offices and clinics and interdepartmental transfers.
• Compiles, verifies, and sends all invoices to Accounting for final processing and process checks as needed when received.
• Routine manual charge posting.
• Maximizes accurate tracking of all purchases, invoices and associated processes.
• Submits purchase orders for pharmaceuticals and supplies from appropriate sources and
• within guidelines.
• Assists internal control on price changes and resolving price discrepancies.
• Performs pharmacy invoice price audits.
• Performs pharmacy purchasing cost analyses.
• Ensures all purchase orders are received and associated invoices are received and processed.
• Processes invoices and credits accurately in a timely manner (daily).

Compliance: 340B / PAP/ and other regulatory compliance

• Assist in maintaining 340B compliance. Performs periodic charge audit reviews as needed.
• Assists with Patient Assistant Program compliance as needed.
• Performs and maintains records of daily audits to ensure proper prescription pricing and compliance with third party payer and PAP Program regulations.
• Maintain a readily retrievable filing system for all billing, narcotic, and ancillary records.
• Complies with departmental and regulatory requirements. Maintains documents required by respective State Board of Pharmacy, DEA, FDA, CIHQ, OSHA, and other regulating agencies
• Assists Revenue Integrity Coordinator with Third Party Payor functions: claim reconciliation, payment processing, assisting with rejected claims, contact person for third parties, submission of coverage discovery.
• Ensures quality pharmaceutical recordkeeping.

Recall / Expired Medication Management

• Maintains documentation pertaining to recalls.
• Completes recall alerts, identifies and retrieves all recalled medications.
• Disposes of recalled medications per manufacturer and FDA instructions.
• Maintains documentation on all recalled medications and action taken.
• Returns expired medications to the returned goods vendor. Properly disposes of other unusable medications per established procedures in accordance with laws and regulations

Formulary Management

• HCPCS Maintains formulary including: new additions, deletions, NDC updates, and HCPCS.
• Maintains knowledge of Med Admin (BPOC scanning).
• Makes recommendations for formulary changes as necessary to ensure maximum savings for the pharmacy.

Administrative Duties

• Assists with office duties including but not limited to: processing mail, running reports, monthly statistics, and ordering office supplies.
• Assists in maintaining Kronos timekeeper for payroll.
• Navigation through Epic Willow Pharmacy, navigation through physician orders, processing nursing requests.
• Follows through with phone calls and sees tasks to completion.

Customer Service

• Exceptional communication skills/professional presence with ability to lead and drive change.
• Proven, demonstrated skills impacting improvement of organizational productivity and development.
• Experience effectively interpreting/translating strategic initiatives into daily operational objectives for staff.
• Produces reports within timelines established.
• Demonstrates accurate knowledge and skill to carry out job duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Preferred
  
  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent

Experience:

• Required
  
  • Five or more years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician or similar

Certification/Licensure:

• Required
  
  • Cert Pharmacy Tech/CPT
    
    • Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) designation available as reviewed and approved by leadership utilizing the approved PTCB Credentials list.
  • Registered Pharmacy Tech
  • Valid Texas Driver's License
  • 340B University Course-Apexus (Inpatient)
• Preferred
  
  • IV Preparation Certification
  • PTCB Supply Chain Inventory Management Certificate
  • 340B Competencies/Certification