Pharmacy Buyer

Overview

In 2020, united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience, Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care, including 11 hospitals and nearly 5,000 physicians and providers. Together, we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities. CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason are now united to build the future of patient-centered care across the Pacific Northwest. That means a seamlessly connected system offering quality care close to home. From basic health needs to the most complex, highly specialized care, our patients can count on us to meet their needs with convenient access to the region’s most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies. While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry, we’ll take care of you with benefits that may include health/dental/vision, FSA, matching retirement plans, paid vacation, adoption assistance, annual bonus eligibility, and more!

Responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY / PURPOSE 

Coordinates the timely and accurate inventory of medications, biotechnology products, pharmaceutical supplies, and IV solutions and supplies utilized by pharmacy personnel and maintains appropriate inventory levels necessary for effective operation of the hospitals and clinics. Coordinates the acquisition of all IV therapy solutions, tubing, and related supplies required for mixing intravenous solutions by pharmacy personnel for the inpatient and outpatient pharmacy if applicable. Supports the pharmacy Carousel purchasing database to ensure products are appropriately bar-coded. Acts as a subject matter expert and supports and answers ordering related questions from the pharmacy team and leadership. Maintains and produces all required documentation in accordance with Federal and State law. Ensures the pharmacy is ordering the most cost efficient inventory items. Maintains the cost catalog in the pharmacy operating system. 

Accountable for maintaining a clean and safe environment; orders and handles controlled substances appropriately; completes all educational modules; attends regular staff meetings; keeps abreast of departmental changes/current CSH policy and procedures and pharmacy accreditations and licensure. 

ESSENTIAL KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Coordinates all pharmaceutical ordering for the Pharmacy Department through hospital pharmacy employees via non-stock requisitions and is responsible for follow-up on these items.
• Coordinates any applicable centralized purchasing of high cost, low use or nominally priced items for maximum efficiency and savings. 
• Procures emergency supplies involving suppliers and transportation of such merchandise. Reviews back order lists and procures merchandise from alternate vendor if necessary.
• Minimizes need for emergency purchases through close coordination with pharmacy staff.
• Reviews and approves orders along with the Regional Procurement Manager from other hospitals to ensure contract compliance; shares information in a timely fashion with other pharmacy employees.
• Coordinates centralized procurement of medications that are in short supply, either through the wholesaler or direct via the manufacturer. 
• Meets inventory turn rate goals set regionally and system-wide. 
• Oversees all regional electronic pharmacy purchasing and troubleshoots electronic purchasing issues. 
• Maintains the electronic database including maintenance and update of 340B issues if applicable. cts as the primary point of contact with the carousel database vendor for software updates and regulatory ordering changes. 
• Trains and mentors the Pharmacy employees responsible for purchasing. 
• Trains new Pharmacy employees on the Carousel system. 
• Acts as a subject matter expert to resolve all technical electronic ordering questions.
• Provides guidance to the Pharmacy employees in reference to recalls and to addressing the lack of availability of certain products. Checks to see if the product is in stock at other hospitals when there is a lack of availability. Sends the product to the hospital that is out of stock. Works with the individual Pharmacy employees at the sites to identify and remove recalled stock and order the replacement products. 
• Maintains current contract files; reviews contract updates for cost savings opportunities.
• Prepares and submits all billing documents in a timely manner to the Accounts Payable department. 
• Compiles usage figures from the wholesaler’s computer order entry system, reports and other purchasing documents; interviews vendors, reviews and compiles information on item sources for addition of products to the Formulary when requested. 
• Responsible for the timely reconciliation and maintenance of any loans or borrows from other locations. 
• Unpacks, prices, and rotates the medication stock received and oversees the stocking of the pharmacy department with assigned employee. 
• Ensures all items received are matched against department request sheet, packing list or invoice sent from wholesaler and reviews all printouts and lists for accuracy of pricing and receipt of product. 
• Tracks specific product line purchases as requested by pharmacy managers on an ongoing basis.
• Resolves discrepancies with wholesaler representatives. Coordinates reconciliation within one month of occurrence. 
• Communicates with designated pharmacy personnel, buying group representatives and wholesaler representatives concerning contracting issues, product backorders, issues with rebates, etc. 
• Checks for outdated merchandise in assigned area on a monthly basis. 
• Deletes obsolete, recalled and/or discontinued pharmaceuticals, and returns these items to the wholesaler or the manufacturer for credit, using a reverse wholesaler service where applicable. 

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED equivalent Two years of pharmacy experience required, preferred in a hospital setting

Required Licensure and Certifications

Registered Pharmacy Tech in the state in which the employee works