Pharmacy Billing Technician

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington. With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states.

About the role

The Pharmacy Prior Authorization Coordinator (Pharmacy Technician III) ensures that all authorizations/certifications for drug therapy are completed in accordance with payer criteria and policy, in a timely manner, and prior to therapy initiation. This position will work with stakeholders inside and outside of the pharmacy department to complete crucial and complex tasks relating to patient care, financial and billing practices, or regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex and unique duties within the pharmacy department
• Interpret, evaluate, and summarize information and datasets of varying sizes
• Communicate effectively and professionally with stakeholders inside and outside of the pharmacy department
• Develop and maintain internal (within Fred Hutch) and external relationships (such as vendors, payors, distributors)
• Work independently and within teams to complete tasks
• Document information or results in clear and concise ways
• Generate and present reports of tasks to Pharmacy Operations Manager or Director of Pharmacy
• Determine benefit limits and secure insurance approvals for specialty infusion, oral chemotherapy and high-cost medications
• Work closely with care team to communicate any coverage issues
• Evaluate patterns in denied claims taking corrective action and educating staff as needed
• Liaison with Patient Financial Services
• Serve as a resource to patients and staff regarding insurance and drug coverage questions
• Provide patient assistance program information and education to providers, patients and medical center staff
• Complete and submit prior authorization forms and patient assistance applications
• Reprocess denied or rejected third party claims
• Train and educate staff on pharmacy billing functions
• Participate in billing related meetings
• Retail pharmacy reconciliation and reporting
• Other pharmacy related duties in accordance with regulations under Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current Washington state pharmacy technician certification
• 2 years pharmacy technician experience
• Proficient in Microsoft suite
• Ability to communicate verbally in person, on the phone, and in writing in a clear, concise and professional manner
• Ability to use a mouse, navigate computer programs, enter data into computer systems accurately and efficiently
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation of information
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a dynamic work environment
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Experience with electronic medical records
• Familiar with the generic names of drugs along with their basic indication
• Able to perform basic pharmaceutical calculations
• Review and correct discrepancies identified in daily, weekly and monthly billing reports
• Ability to work in a fast paced and complex environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Previous experience in pharmacy billing/prior authorization
• Knowledge of CPT, ICD-10 and other medical terminology
• Knowledge of the health care environment and electronic medical records

As a condition of employment, Fred Hutch conducts pre-employment drug testing for this pharmacy role.

Pay

The hourly pay range for this position is from $35.09 to $52.63 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical/vision and dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans
• Family life support
• Employee assistance program
• Onsite health clinic
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid vacation (12-22 days per year)
• Paid sick leave (12-25 days per year)
• Paid holidays (13 days per year)
• Paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks)