Highlands Oncology began in 1996 with three physicians and a desire to change the face of oncology care in our community. Dr. Malcolm Hayward, Dr. Dan Bradford, and Dr. Thad Beck knew that patients do better at home, in the community where they live and work, and where their support system is already in place. In furthering that goal, Highlands has grown with the region from a single location 26 years ago, to 6 locations in Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas today employing more than 750 diverse team members.

As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, so must the services and providers available in the region. Highlands Oncology is committed to remaining on the cutting edge to ensure our community has access to the very best cancer care. What we have is something quite unique right here in our own backyard with a caring multidisciplinary team focused on treating patients like family.

The Drug Access Navigator (DAN) is responsible for managing prior authorizations, financial assistance, and medication access for chemotherapy, infusion therapies, specialty and non-prescription medications. This role ensures seamless patient care by working closely with physicians, clinical staff, insurance providers, and financial advocates to secure timely approvals and minimize patient financial burdens. The DAN must possess strong knowledge of insurance processes, oncology treatments, specialty medications, infusion therapies, and medication access while maintaining excellent communication and organizational skills. This individual must be able to organize, prioritize, manage, and communicate information effectively in both verbal and written forms. As part of the care team, the DAN will build effective relationships with other healthcare professionals and departments to ensure excellence in therapy and patient care.

Job Duties / Responsibilities:

• Complete prescription prior authorizations for all specialty medications and non-specialty medications prescribed by the care teams.
• Complete chemotherapy and infusion prior authorizations
  • Work closely with clinical staff to address any insurance coverage restrictions.
  • Work closely with the insurance verification team to confirm up-to-date coverage details for all patients.
• Read and interpret patient charts, communicate required documentation to the team, write letters of medical necessity and document activities as required.
• Assist in submission of appeal requests, in accordance with prescriber requests.
• Respond to urgent authorization requests, ensuring prompt obtainment of appropriate approvals.
• Obtain financial assistance for patients, ensuring completion of enrollment through drug delivery. Understand and regularly update access to various manufacturer programs, open funding through grants and foundations and available coupon cards.
• Coordinate peer-to-peer reviews with insurance companies as requested.
• Engage regularly with clinic physicians, managing expectations and working to advance organizational goals.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Good communicator and able to interact well with a wide variety of people – excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to multi-task and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of insurance – pharmacy billing and/or medical billing
• Strong understanding of ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, CPT codes and their relationship to treatment protocols
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Certifications/Licenses/Education/or Experience in a related field:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Prior experience in oncology medication access, infusion insurance claims, and prior authorizations preferred
• Prior experience in pharmacy insurance and prior authorizations preferred
• Arkansas Pharmacy Technician License may be required for certain job functions

Physical Requirements:

• May be seated for extended periods of time.
• Computer use that requires visual acuity, typing, use of mouse/keyboard, and staring at a screen for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally lifting objects of up to 25 pounds such as files, office supplies
• Walking and standing for continuous periods around the office or clinic as needed.
• Fine motor skills for tasks like typing, writing, handling small objects or equipment and materials.
• Primary setting is in an office with a desk and necessary computer equipment.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Due to the nature of our business and the use of radiation and hazardous chemicals, it is imperative that all employees foster a culture and environment of safety.
• Safety Sensitive: In accordance with Arkansas code this position is designated as a safety sensitive position wherein the employee performing the job duties under the influence may constitute a threat to health or safety.

Highlands Oncology offers a full suite of benefits including those listed below and MANY MORE...

• Certified as a Great Place to Work.