Clinical Pharmacist - Formulary

Summary This position is located within the Pharmacy Service, Phoenix VA Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ. This position provides support to operational pharmacy services by serving as the primary point of contact for the entirety of the adjudication process for Prior Authorization Drug Reviews (PADRs). Responsibilities VA Careers - Pharmacy: The Formulary Clinical Pharmacist is a licensed pharmacist, preferably with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. This Clinical Pharmacist will adjudicate PADRs through the performance of patient medication therapy assessments (clinical and economic), application of formulary principles and guidance, criteria for use documentation, published literature, and other medical evidence. The Pharmacist will be responsible for effective and efficient completion of all PADRs within the medical facility and the Community Care Network (CCN) . The Pharmacist will work collaboratively with medical providers, clinical pharmacists, residents, and other health care professionals as appropriate to complete facility PADR consults. The Formulary Clinical Pharmacist will work together with other clinical pharmacists and the Pharmacoeconomic/ Pharmacy Formulary Program Managers to serve as the primary point of contact for all questions or coordination related to PADR consults. The incumbent will also work on other pharmacoeconomic initiatives such as drug conversions and support pharmacy operations as needed. A. Prior Authorization Drug Reviews (75%): 1. Critically reviews all PADRs, facility wide (internal and CCN), for appropriateness. a. Implements and applies the VA formulary, guidelines, and restrictions to all PADRs being adjudicated. b. Understands, reviews, and applies criteria for use for each requested drug or supply as appropriate. c. Reviews, analyzes, and applies the available published medical literature as it pertains to PADRs and their adjudication. 2. Collaborates with procurement technicians to ensure optimal use of resources and communication with staff regarding changes to drug availability. 3. Seeks to provide patients with the best drug therapy possible while balancing drug or supply availability and cost. 4. Documents PADR adjudication and/or formulary initiative activities in CPRS in a timely and professional manner as appropriate. 5. Interfaces and communicates with providers, pharmacists, and other staff, as needed, providing input and feedback before, during, and after the adjudication process for requested drugs or pharmacy supplies. 6. Coordinates with appropriate stakeholder(s) when reviewing, commenting on, and adjudicating CCN PADRs as applicable. 7. Serves as a reference for clinical pharmacists and providers in answering questions about the formulary status and requirements for obtaining non-formulary or restricted drugs. 8. Promotes compliance with the hospital formulary and VHA drug utilization guidelines throughout the Medical Center. B. Operations (25%): 1. Supports other pharmacoeconomic activities as assigned, including but not limited to medication conversions, cost-savings initiatives, and medication use evaluations (MUEs). 2. Actively involved in reviewing patient medication regimens for clinical effectiveness, drug selection, dosing, contraindications, side effects, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic outcomes as required. Communicates findings with prescribers and provides appropriate alternatives for current treatment plans as needed. 3. Applies knowledge of normal laboratory values and physical assessment information in the evaluation of pharmaceutical care. Recognizes significant deviations from normal parameters and can identify and solve medication-related problems based on objective findings. 4. Serves as an authority on medication utilization, drug-drug and drug-food interactions, appropriate medication dosages, and compliance strategies. Educates medical staff, nursing staff, pharmacy technicians, residents and students on medication management. Uses appropriate references to research drug information. 5. Assures safe and effective medication utilization by identifying and resolving medication-related concerns. 6. Provides timely and accurate responses to drug information inquiries from all customers (e.g., Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff). Provides therapeutic alternatives when appropriate. 7. Monitors, reports, and documents drug errors, adverse drug reactions, allergies, and patient adherence issues. Promotes and monitors for compliance with established drug therapy policies. 8. Appropriately documents findings in the medical record according to PVAHCS procedures. 9. Works with providers to ensure compliance with National, VISN, and local initiatives. Serves on medical center and/or VISN committees as required. Work Schedule: Full-Time, TBD Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2025-10-17