Medication Access Pharmacist

The Department of Pharmaceutical Services provides a full range of services for patients cared for by the Medical Center at UCSF and its providers and payors. These services include, but are not limited to: drug procurement, storage, and security; safe, accurate and timely preparation and distribution of drugs; clinical pharmacy services for patients; development of drug use policies within the Medical Center; drug information services for clinicians and patients; and participation in technology assessment and quality assurance programs. The Department of Pharmaceutical Services is affiliated with the UCSF Department of Clinical Pharmacy, an academic department within the School of Pharmacy, which has primary responsibility for teaching professional courses in the Pharm.D. curriculum, clinical research, and public and clinical service.

Under the Department of Pharmaceutical Services, the Medication Access Pharmacist II provides pharmaceutical care to patients within the UCSF Health System. They may also be asked to participate in pharmaceutical care in other sectors of the Department of Pharmaceutical Services as needed. The Medication Access Pharmacist II performs a wide range of pharmaceutical care functions to ensure that drugs prescribed for and used by patients are accessible, safe, and effective. These include, for example, obtaining medication histories, reviewing and assessing medication profiles, providing drug information to patients and health care providers, collaborating with clinicians on drugs of choice and therapeutic plans, ensuring access to medications, educating patients on the proper use of medications, and ensuring that patients understand cautions, adverse reactions, and interactions related to their therapy. The Medication Access Pharmacist II will be part of an interprofessional team consisting of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, pharmacy technicians and other professionals. The Medication Access Pharmacist II will be based primarily in the ambulatory setting, managing medication access responsibilities including prior authorizations, appeals and medication refills. Depending on the assigned shift and site, the Medication Access Pharmacist II will oversee pharmacy technicians to facilitate insurance authorizations for medications, financial assistance and medication refills. The Medication Access Pharmacist II may also be responsible for the oversight of clinical activities and delivery of services.