What are the responsibilities and job description for the Drug Access Navigator position at Highlands Oncology Group?
Our oncology clinic is seeking a dedicated Drug Access Navigator to be the vital link that helps patients overcome financial and systemic barriers to life-changing cancer therapies. If you’re driven by advocacy, problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day, this role puts you at the heart of improving patient care when it matters most.
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 800 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.
Job Summary: 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 counselors to secure timely approvals and minimize patient financial burdens. The DAN must possess strong knowledge of insurance processes, oncology treatments, 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