Pharmacy Tech

• Area of Interest: Pharmacy

• FTE/Hours per pay period: 1.0

• Department: Inpatient Pharmacy

• Shift: Variable - Day/Evening Shift; Rotating Weekends

• Job ID: 181443

Overview

The Transitions of Care Pharmacy Technician is a vital role that facilitates medication-related transitions and ensures accurate medication reconciliation for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This technician gathers comprehensive medication histories by interviewing patients and consulting external sources such as pharmacies and physician offices, inputting essential information into the electronic medical record while demonstrating knowledge of medication names and dosages.

In addition to medication reconciliation, the technician may be responsible for discharge planning, which includes reviewing patients' drug benefit information, processing test claims for discharge medications, and obtaining payment information for outpatient pharmacy services. They also manage medication prior authorizations and assist patients who cannot afford their medications by enrolling them in assistance programs. By collaborating with pharmacy staff and floor staff, the Transitions of Care Pharmacy Technician plays a crucial role in preventing medication errors and enhancing patient safety during transitions between healthcare settings.

This position could be a remote role after provided training.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:    

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.

• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

Transitions of Care:

• Interview newly admitted patient or patient’s family to obtain the most accurate current medication list. Contact family, nursing facility, pharmacy and/or physician office for clarifications when needed.

• Input most accurate current medication list possible into electronic health record.

• Update patient’s primary pharmacy and other pharmacies the patient may use in the electronic health record.

• Obtain medication allergy history and related reactions to the medication and update electronic health record.

• Identify medication errors on patient medication list and communicate findings to Pharmacist.

• Assist with program improvement through quality assurance and identify processes needing adjustment.

• Enroll patients in the bedside delivery program by explaining the benefits and answering any questions they may have.

• Ensure patient prescription insurance is available and inputted into the electronic medical record.

• After coordinating activities with the Outpatient/Discharge Pharmacist, deliver prescriptions to the patient’s bedside and collect any applicable copay.

• Identify potential medication-related problems prior to discharge and work with the care team to resolve.

• Process test claims as requested by care team members.

• Assist the Outpatient/Discharge Pharmacist in identifying patients with complex medication regimens or medication-related problems that require a referral for follow up.

• Identify potential patients who may have difficulty affording their medications and work to connect them with appropriate resources.

• When possible, attend interdisciplinary rounds to coordinate discharge activities with the rest of the care team and anticipate timing of upcoming discharges.

• Assist with the development and implementation of policies and procedures to improve the overall discharge process.

• Assist in educating nurses, providers, students, and Pharmacy staff on transitions of care.

Operations Support:

• Functions as a Pharmacy Technician to support the department operations when needed

Qualifications

• High School diploma or certified equivalency (GED)

• 1 years experience as a Pharmacy Technician

• Licensed Pharmacy Technician in the state(s) of practice

• National Certification from 1 of the following: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or National Healthcareer Association

• Strong interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to take initiative and exercise nonclinical judgment, decision making and problem-solving expertise. 

• Ability to work as a collaborative team member and lead others. 

• Basic knowledge of computer applications, (i.e. Word, Excel) and operations. 

• Ability to maintain confidential information. 

• Ability to utilize Internet applications 

• Ability to use phone/pager/fax/email 

• Ability to communicate through verbal and written 

• Excellent customer service and working in a patient-facing environment.