How to Be Pharmacy Services Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The role of a Pharmacy Services Coordinator is essential to the success of any pharmacy. By ensuring that all procedures, policies, and protocols are followed, they help to ensure the safety of patients and the accuracy of prescriptions. This in turn leads to increased customer satisfaction and improved patient outcomes.

Pharmacy Services Coordinators are responsible for managing inventory, keeping accurate records, and providing customer service. By doing so, they create an efficient and effective environment within the pharmacy which allows for improved profitability and customer loyalty.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a pharmacy services coordinator, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, health sciences, or a related field. Depending on the state, some employers may require you to have a master's degree in this field.
2. Earn Licensure. You must have a valid and active license to practice pharmacy in order to be a pharmacy services coordinator. You can obtain your license by taking the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam.
3. Gain Experience. After you have obtained your license, you should look for opportunities to gain experience in the field. This can include internships or volunteer positions in a pharmacy setting.
4. Pursue Certification. Although not required, it is beneficial to become certified as a pharmacy services coordinator. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board offers a certification exam that tests your knowledge of pharmacy practices, laws, and regulations.
5. Apply for Positions. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can start applying for positions as a pharmacy services coordinator. Many employers prefer candidates who have experience in the field or have earned certification.

Staying ahead and efficient in Pharmacy Services Coordination requires foresight and planning. Planning out tasks and scheduling time for each task is the first step. Keeping up to date with industry trends and new technologies helps to stay ahead of the competition.

Continuous learning and exploring new methods of delivering services helps to stay on top of the ever-changing landscape. staying organized, setting manageable goals, and forming relationships with customers and colleagues are key to remaining efficient. By utilizing these strategies, Pharmacy Services Coordinators can remain ahead of their competition and provide efficient services to their customers.

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Job Description

1. Manage pharmacy operations to ensure efficient and effective delivery of pharmaceutical services.
2. Develop and implement policies and procedures related to pharmaceutical services.
3. Monitor and review pharmacy compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
4. Oversee the ordering, inventory control, and distribution of prescription medications.
5. Develop and implement systems to ensure that all medications are prescribed, dispensed, and administered in accordance with legal requirements.
6. Manage the drug utilization review program and ensure appropriate utilization of medications.
7. Monitor medication costs and identify cost-saving opportunities.
8. Develop and maintain relationships with external vendors and partners to ensure quality service and competitive pricing.
9. Train pharmacy staff on new protocols and regulations.
10. Evaluate staff performance and provide feedback to ensure quality service delivery.
11. Track patient information and facilitate communication between pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
12. Ensure the safety of patients by monitoring medication errors and resolving any issues in a timely manner.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of medical terminology, prescription medications, and drug interactions.
2. Knowledge of pharmaceutical processes and procedures.
3. Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
4. Excellent customer service skills.
5. Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
6. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
7. Proficiency in computer systems and software applications related to pharmacy services.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
9. Ability to interpret health care plans and benefits.
10. Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to pharmacy services.

Having strong organizational and communication skills is essential for a Pharmacy Services Coordinator. They must be able to effectively coordinate the pharmacy services department to ensure that all processes are running smoothly and efficiently. They must be able to communicate with healthcare providers, staff, and patients in a professional and courteous manner.

They must also be able to effectively manage their time, prioritize tasks, and work in a fast-paced environment. Furthermore, they must be knowledgeable in pharmacy procedures, medical terminology, and insurance regulations. All of these skills are necessary for the Pharmacy Services Coordinator to be successful in their position.

If these skills are not properly utilized, it can lead to inconvenience for the healthcare providers, staff, and patients, as well as inefficient operations which can have a negative impact on the overall success of the pharmacy.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in pharmacy services coordination?
• How do you ensure accuracy when managing pharmacy services?
• What strategies do you use to ensure that all medication orders are promptly and accurately filled?
• How do you stay up to date on changes in the laws and regulations related to pharmacy services?
• What steps do you take to ensure patient privacy and security when dealing with pharmacy services?
• What techniques do you use to resolve conflicts between pharmacists, physicians and other health care professionals?
• How do you assess and manage the safety and quality of medications provided to patients?
• How do you prioritize tasks and manage a team of pharmacy technicians to meet deadlines?
• What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication with other departments about medication orders and patient care?
• What do you think sets you apart from other candidates for this position?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Electronic Medical Record System (EMR). A computerized system that stores patient records, including medical histories, lab results, diagnoses, treatments, and medications. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
2. Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). A computer-based system that provides healthcare providers with relevant clinical information and assistance in making decisions about patient care. (e. g. UpToDate, Medscape)
3. Prescription Management Software. Software that helps pharmacists keep track of prescriptions, manage patient profiles, and provide drug information to physicians and other healthcare professionals. (e. g. RxNT, MEDITECH)
4. Patient Scheduling Software. Software that helps pharmacies manage patient appointments and coordinate patient care across different departments and providers. (e. g. EZSchedule, eClinicalWorks)
5. Supply Chain Management Software. Software that helps pharmacies manage inventory levels, order products, and track shipments. (e. g. SAP, Oracle)
6. Automated Dispensing Machines. Machines that dispense medication to patients according to a prescription order. (e. g. PharmaCentre, Omnicell)
7. Compliance Monitoring Software. Software that helps pharmacies monitor and ensure compliance with local and federal regulations. (e. g. Healthmonix, RxAssure)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
2. American Pharmacists Association
3. National Association of Chain Drug Stores
4. National Community Pharmacists Association
5. American College of Clinical Pharmacy
6. International Pharmaceutical Federation
7. National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations
8. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
9. Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy
10. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association

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Common Important Terms

1. Pharmaceutical Care. The practice of providing patient-focused drug therapy management services to promote optimal health outcomes.
2. Drug Utilization Review (DUR). An evaluation of the appropriateness of prescribed drugs and the safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of a patient’s medication regimen.
3. Clinical Pharmacy Services. Services that involve direct patient care, such as medication therapy management, immunizations, patient education, and drug information services.
4. Medication Therapy Management (MTM). A specialized service that assists patients in managing their medications and related health conditions.
5. Drug Information Services. The provision of accurate and timely drug information to healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers.
6. Drug Distribution System. The system used to manage the storage, transport, and distribution of medications throughout a healthcare facility.
7. Patient Education. The process of providing information to patients about their medications and health conditions to aid in informed decision-making.
8. Clinical Pathways. A set of protocols designed to provide evidence-based, cost-effective care for specific diseases and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Pharmacy Services Coordinator?

The primary responsibility of a Pharmacy Services Coordinator is to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the pharmacy department in a healthcare setting. This includes managing staff, ordering and managing medications and supplies, coordinating patient care, and providing customer service.

What qualifications are needed to be a Pharmacy Services Coordinator?

A Pharmacy Services Coordinator usually needs at least a Bachelor's degree in pharmacy, although a Master's degree or higher is preferred. They must also possess a valid state license to practice pharmacy and must have a strong knowledge and understanding of pharmacy laws and regulations.

What type of work environment do Pharmacy Services Coordinators work in?

Pharmacy Services Coordinators typically work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or community health centers. They may also work in retail drug stores, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies.

How much does a Pharmacy Services Coordinator typically earn?

The median annual salary for a Pharmacy Services Coordinator is approximately $60,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

What skills are important for a Pharmacy Services Coordinator?

Pharmacy Services Coordinators require excellent organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. They must also have strong knowledge of pharmacy practice, laws and regulations, and be comfortable working with computers and technology.

What are jobs related with Pharmacy Services Coordinator?

• Pharmacy Clerk
• Pharmacy Benefits Analyst
• Pharmacy Intern
• Pharmacy Systems Administrator
• Pharmacy Technician Supervisor
• Pharmacy Data Analyst
• Pharmacy Automation Specialist
• Pharmacy Operations Manager

Web Resources

• Pharmacy Coordinator - Medication Delivery Services (Full-Time) careers.duke.edu
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency | Pharmacy Services | University of … pharmacyservices.utah.edu
• Staff Directory – USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and ... pharmacyschool.usc.edu