Reports to the Director of Pharmacy Services or designee. Assists with the building, conversion, testing and training activities related to the implementation of Beacon software systems, in addition to assisting with the ongoing coordination of other Pharmacy software programs. Writes code to create tools and analytic reports from the electronic medical record, charge master, automated dispensing machines, pharmacy wholesaler and other pharmacy informatics systems to trend information and support quality measures. Maintains audit reports and procedures to support regulatory and quality measures and other performance improvement initiatives. Performs pharmacoeconomic analysis of medication therapy. Manages and maintains the 340b drug catalog and daily charge/accumulation activities. Responsibilities include serving as a liaison with the Information Systems Department, troubleshooting software problems, conducting quality assurance activities and ongoing pharmacy data maintenance for Beacon software systems. Also may be assigned other job-related duties within the Pharmacy Department.
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.
Assists in the implementation and maintenance of assigned Beacon software system applications by:
- Recommending new policies and procedures to enhance the Beacon software system build and workflow processes (when applicable) to the Department Director or designee.
- Planning and assisting with the establishment of guidelines for the ongoing Pharmacy data maintenance of the Beacon software system.
- Monitoring Pharmacy software system applications and work assignments in progress (and also those in the development stage) and providing periodic status reports to Pharmacy Leadership and Information Systems Department.
- Interfacing and working closely with team members to improve workflow processes through computer-related functions and ensure the accuracy of computer use and resulting data.
- Assisting with the ongoing data maintenance (and updating) of Beacon software systems.
- Assist with tailoring computer system applications to meet the unique requirements of Pharmacy.
- Accessing Beacon software systems to retrieve information for reports (and other needs).
- Assists with building, conversion, testing and associate resource support activities related to the implementation of Pharmacy software systems. Assists with ongoing maintenance of these systems.
- Recommends new workflows processes to the Department Director or designee.
- Provides ad hoc support to the outpatient and employee pharmacy software systems.
Pharmacy Charge and System Support:
- Pricing Formulary Management/Simplification in the electronic health record and revenue systems.
- Create/run reports on the drug catalogue and purchases.
- Assist with pharmacy charge master maintenance.
- Implement and maintain various aspects of the electronic medical record, including, but not limited to: charging systems as related to patient's and medication charges, building, maintaining, and troubleshooting medication batches, maintain and process drug waste charge report, build and maintain formulary, and perform charge audits.
- Manages and maintains the 340b drug catalog and daily charge/accumulation activities.
- Set up/maintenance and charge auditing for NDCs (national drug code), and units of measure and quantities to ensure proper reimbursement.
- Establishes and monitors process for performing charge audits for QCF (quantity conversion factors) for HCPCS (healthcare common procedure coding system) codes to ensure proper reimbursement. Creates audit procedures and reports to monitor pharmacy charges.
Pharmacy Cost Opportunities and Quality Indicator Measurement:
- Creates analytic tools from the automated dispensing machine medication management system to trend information to assist with identification of suspicious activity that may identify drug diversion, inform nursing staff of override activities, charge inaccuracies and other discrepancy events.
- Works with group purchasing organization and pharmaceutical wholesaler to identify and analyze data that will support initiatives to reduce costs; support the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee work.
- Creates analytic tools to support the pharmacoeconomic analysis of medication therapy management. Provides analytical and information system support to clinical committees; is a supporting member of Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee, Antibiotic Stewardship Committee and Pharmacy Nursing Collaborative Counsel.
Pharmacy Revenue Cycle Support:
- Establishes and maintains pharmacy department audit reports and procedures to allow for standardized, efficient, and complete charge audit procedures.
- Works with Information Systems to ensure all systems/processes are set up to optimize charge capture.
- Collaborates with financial and clinical departments to establish charge audit procedures.
Serves as a liaison with the Information Systems (I.S.) Department and Pharmacy Department regarding activities related to the implementation of new Beacon software systems, and other Pharmacy software applications, by:
- Interfacing and working closely with Pharmacy associates and vendors to ensure the accuracy of the data transfer and the building and maintenance of rules and tables.
- Communicating verbally and in writing when appropriate and utilizing available resources (i.e., computer, reports, etc.) to facilitate communications.
- Ensures that computer system applications meet the unique requirements of the Pharmacy Department.
- Maintaining current knowledge of procedures, educational developments, trends, and techniques relevant to own department (when applicable) to enhance communications and understanding of department needs and to increase efficiency of task completion.
Troubleshoots and documents problems with the assigned application software programs and conveys that information to the Information Systems (I. S.) Department by: score: N/A
- Analyzing, documenting and correcting operational problems. Also using good judgment to identify potential problems which will require the assistance of an I.S. staff member.
- Assisting with the timely delivery of solutions which meet both the Pharmacy Department's needs and the I.S. Department's needs.
- Monitoring data and reports to ensure the integrity and accuracy of data.
- Facilitating the timely delivery of solutions which meet both the pharmacy and I.S. Department needs.
Decision Support:
- Data mining and analysis for pharmacy quality measures such as the Northern Indiana Hospital Engagement Network and other system performance improvement initiatives.
- Supports development of methods to produce meaningful metrics to support sustainment of improvement initiatives.
- Collaborates with teams to determine the best solution for data extraction and utilizes various systems to produce the required data (examples include: infusion pumps, automated dispensing machines, analytics tools for antimicrobial stewardship).
- Serves as the department resource for the Drug Supply Chain Security Act Software vendor solution; oversee implementation and ongoing maintenance.
- Serves as the department resource for the 340b 'split billing software' vendor solution. Oversees implementation and ongoing maintenance to ensure compliance with 340b regulations, if applicable.
- Participates in the Beacon Pharmacy Governance Committee.
- Participates in the Pharmacy Leadership daily huddle and biweekly project meetings as a resource for suggesting process improvement and automation ideas, if applicable.
Provides training and support to end users on the use of assigned software systems by:
- Troubleshooting and triage of Pharmacy IS problems.
- Acting as a liaison and facilitator with end users throughout the implementation of new Beacon software systems.
- Instructing end users on use of software and procedures; also providing training scenarios and evaluating results (this training and evaluation may be done using a combination of verbal instruction, written instructions, or by demonstration).
- Providing educational support to the Pharmacy users of assigned computer applications and systems. Also provides ongoing guidance and assistance if necessary.
- Recommending remedial training for team members if necessary.
Conducts quality assurance activities related to assigned software programs by:
- Creating life-like test scenarios, inputting to the computer test input and verifying test results.
- Assisting with the testing of system functionality, as well as assisting with the validation of database integrity.
- Creates and produces analytic tools from the electronic medical record, automated dispensing mach
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.
Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:
- Leverage innovation everywhere.
- Cultivate human talent.
- Embrace performance improvement.
- Build greatness through accountability.
- Use information to improve and advance.
- Communicate clearly and continuously.
Education and Experience
- The above level of knowledge, skills and abilities are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree associated with informatics or professional training associated with informatics. Current pharmacy technician license through the State of Indiana Pharmacy Board and certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) preferred. A minimum of two years of relevant experience (to include significant experience with technical computer systems and knowledge of medical terminology and pharmacy operations) is required.
Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the Pharmacy Department's day-to-day operations, policies and procedures. Also requires a solid understanding of user department processes and procedural changes and how Beacon Health System departments interact with each other in a computerized environment.
- Requires the technical computer skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use and support various software and hardware. Also demonstrates a working knowledge of database applications and the skills needed to assist with testing plans and data.
- Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the electronic medical record.
- Demonstrates knowledge of structured query language (SQL) and a fundamental understanding of database systems.
- Demonstrates a successful record of being a team player and completing project-related work assignments (especially project implementation).
- Requires advanced analytical and problem solving skills and the ability to identify problems and deliver solutions in a timely and efficient manner.
- Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to communicate effectively with the team members at all levels. Also requires the ability to provide effective training.
- Requires organization skills and the ability to work independently as assigned, prioritize workload and handle a variety of multiple and overlapping functions within set deadlines.
- Demonstrates the leadership skills necessary to elicit cooperation and support from other team members. 10. Extensive computer skills and the ability to utilize various software programs (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, etc.) and understanding of the systems capabilities and limitations.
- Must be able to collect and analyze data, as well as develop, test, and implement system changes.
- Demonstrates knowledge of and a commitment to Beacon Health System's mission and values and the organization's goal of providing exceptional patient experiences by following the Performance Essentials.
Working Conditions
- Works in pharmacy and office environments.
- May need to vary days and hours scheduled, including working evenings and/or additional or reduced hours as determined by department need.
- Must be able to be effective in a fast-paced, quality focused, multi-priority environment that frequently deals with stressful situations and important deadlines and schedules.
Physical Demands
- Requires the mental and physical ability and stamina (i.e., sit, stand and/or walk for prolonged periods of time, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Some bending, stooping, pushing and pulling to maintain pharmacy technology.