Medication Access Specialist

About CAVA (Cardiology and Vascular Associates)

Join our dynamic team at Cardiology and Vascular Associates (CAVA)—one of Michigan’s leading cardiology practices. Founded in 2000, CAVA proudly delivers top-tier cardiovascular care across 3 office locations and multiple area hospitals through a dedicated team of 10 board-certified cardiologists and a team  of highly skilled mid-level providers. 

Position Summary

The Medication Access Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing medication-related services within a cardiology practice. This role supports cardiologists and clinical staff by ensuring accurate medication reconciliation, processing prescription refills, obtaining prior authorizations, educating patients on cardiac medications, and facilitating communication between patients, providers, pharmacies, and insurance companies. The Medication Access Specialist plays a critical role in promoting medication adherence and optimizing cardiovascular patient outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Medication Management

• Review and reconcile patient medication lists during office visits and follow-up appointments. 
• Process prescription refill requests in accordance with provider protocols. 
• Monitor and document medication changes ordered by cardiologists and advanced practice providers. 
• Assist with medication adherence programs and follow-up with patients regarding treatment plans. 
• Educate patients on prescribed cardiac medications, including proper usage, side effects, and precautions. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Prior Authorization and Insurance Coordination

• Submit and track prior authorization requests for medications, including specialty cardiovascular therapies. 
• Communicate with insurance companies regarding medication coverage and formulary requirements. 
• Coordinate appeals and supporting documentation for denied medication requests. 
• Assist patients with manufacturer assistance programs and medication affordability resources. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Patient Communication

• Respond to patient inquiries regarding medications, dosage instructions, side effects, and refill status. 
• Coordinate communication between patients, providers, pharmacies, and other healthcare professionals. 
• Document all patient interactions accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR). 
• Other duties as assigned.

Clinical Support

• Review laboratory results and diagnostic testing as directed by providers to support medication management. 
• Identify potential medication interactions or discrepancies for provider review. 
• Assist providers with chronic disease management programs related to cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and hyperlipidemia.  
• Support quality improvement initiatives and regulatory compliance activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient medication records. 
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies. 
• Generate reports related to medication management and prior authorization activities. 
• Participate in team meetings and ongoing staff education. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Associate degree in healthcare, medical assisting, nursing, pharmacy technology, or related field preferred. 
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or equivalent healthcare credential preferred. 
• Minimum 1 year experience with ‘Cover my Meds’website required.
• Minimum 1 year experience with ‘Violet Health’ and other similar vendors required. 
• Minimum 1 year experience managing documentation for patient assistance programs required.
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in a cardiology, primary care, pharmacy, or specialty medical practice preferred. 
• Minimum of Intermediate Microsoft Suite skills required.
• Minimum of 40 words per minute required.
• Knowledge of cardiovascular medications and disease processes. 
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR/EHR) systems. 
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills. 

Preferred Knowledge

• Anticoagulants (Warfarin, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban) 
• Antiarrhythmics  
• Beta blockers 
• ACE inhibitors and ARBs 
• Statins and lipid-lowering therapies 
• Heart failure medications 
• Prior authorization and insurance processes 
• Medicare and commercial insurance plans

Reports To: Cardiologist, Advanced Practice Provider, Clinical Manager, or Practice Administrator

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds. 
• Manual dexterity to perform clinical procedures. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment.