Pharmacy Technician Interview

Can you describe your experience with pharmacy benefit review and prior authorizations?

Have worked in pharmacy for 20 plus years and have been responsible for submitting and the approval of prescriptions prior auths.

Your answer provides a brief overview of your experience in pharmacy, specifically mentioning your role in submitting and obtaining approvals for prior authorizations. However, it lacks detail and specificity that could strengthen your response. Here's a breakdown of your answer:

1. Experience Mentioned: You mention working in pharmacy for over 20 years, which establishes your credibility and indicates substantial experience. This is a strong point in your favor.

2. Scope of Work: While you mentioned submitting prior authorizations, the answer doesn't specify the types of medications, conditions, or insurers you have worked with. Offering specific examples of your involvement could illustrate your expertise.

3. Impact and Results: It would enhance your answer if you discussed the outcomes of your efforts. For instance, mentioning how your work improved medication access for patients or facilitated quicker treatment timelines would demonstrate your effectiveness.

4. Collaboration and Communication: Pharmacy benefit reviews often require communication with healthcare providers and insurance companies. Highlighting your collaboration with these stakeholders could further showcase your skills.

To improve your answer, consider expanding on your experience with specific scenarios or challenges you faced and how you resolved them. You might say, "In my 20 years at the pharmacy, I have submitted and successfully obtained prior authorizations for a range of specialty medications, including those for chronic conditions. By effectively communicating with healthcare providers and insurance representatives, I facilitated a quicker approval process, reducing wait times for patients and ensuring they received their medications promptly."

Rating: 3/5. Your answer is a good starting point but lacks detail and depth, which are essential for demonstrating your qualifications fully.

What strategies do you use to assist patients effectively in navigating financial assistance options?

I first explain to them all of the available options they can use, then I break down what could be the financial impacts for that current transaction, plus what may happen with future claims for the same request.

Your answer provides a good foundation for addressing the question regarding assisting patients with financial assistance options. You correctly emphasize the importance of informing patients about available options and explaining the potential financial implications. These steps are crucial in ensuring that patients understand their choices and can make informed decisions that impact their health care affordability.

However, the answer can be improved by adding a few more components:

1. Empathy and Support: Express that you approach these conversations with empathy. Acknowledge that discussing financial matters can be stressful for patients, and assure them that you are there to support them through the process.

2. Personalization: Mention that you tailor the information to each patient’s unique situation. This shows that you recognize the individual needs of each patient, rather than providing a generic overview.

3. Follow-Up: Include a strategy for follow-up. Whether it’s checking in with the patient after a week or providing resources for additional help, this demonstrates commitment to their ongoing needs.

4. Collaboration: Highlight the importance of working with other healthcare professionals (like social workers or financial advisors) to create a more comprehensive support system for the patient.

Overall, while your answer is certainly relevant and covers key aspects, incorporating these additional strategies will enrich your response.

Rating: 3.5/5

How do you ensure clear communication regarding the status of prescriptions with patients?

I always start with saying that claims are always adjudicated in real-time and the status reported is what the insurance company is stating up-to-the minute.

Your answer addresses an important aspect of communication regarding prescription status by emphasizing the real-time nature of claims adjudication. However, it could be improved by incorporating additional key elements of effective communication, such as empathy, active listening, and clarity in conveying complex information.

Your current response focuses solely on the technical aspect of claims processing, which is important but may not fully resonate with patients who might be confused or anxious about their prescriptions. For example, using language that is easily understandable and expressing a willingness to answer any questions can enhance the communication experience. You might consider saying something like, "I always explain to patients that their insurance claims are processed in real-time, and I provide updates based on what the insurance company reports. I also make sure to listen to any concerns they may have and answer their questions to ensure they fully understand their prescription status."

This approach demonstrates not only your knowledge but also your commitment to addressing patient needs and fostering trust.

Overall, I would rate your initial answer a 3/5. While it contains accurate information, it lacks a more personable approach which is crucial in patient interactions. By incorporating empathy and clarity, your answer can be more effective and well-rounded.