SARAH BLAIN
San Diego
Summary
Strategic leader with over 20 years of pharmacist experience, including 8 years in pharmacy benefit management (PBM). Proven track record in directing programs that enhance efficiency, clinical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness in healthcare. Exceptional communicator with a strong commitment to improving healthcare quality and member satisfaction.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Clinical Solutions
MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.
03.2021 - Current
- Primary product owner of a broad range of clinical products related to cost containment, quality improvement, medication safety, and member health improvement: Medication Therapy Management (MTM), High Cost Generics, MedEmpower Fuel Condition Management Programs, Medicaid Quality Program, and Opioid Case Management
- Oversee and provide guidance to a team of 3 Clinical Solutions Pharmacists and 3 Clinical Solutions Managers on maintenance of business as well as on-going process/product improvements
- Interview, train, and onboard all new employees with personally developed new hire training procedures and guidelines
- Provide responses to the sales team on potential client inquiries related to owned products
- Lead team through RFP processes to obtain new MTM vendors in 2023 and then through onboarding of new vendors
- Work with cross-functional teams towards issue resolution and act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide appropriate responses to client escalations
- Provide oversight and continue collaborative relationships with vendors involved in MTM and MedEmpower Fuel services
Supervisor, Prior Authorization & Utilization Management Programs, Part D
MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.
01.2019 - 03.2021
- Managed team of over 20 Clinical Specialist pharmacists performing prior authorization reviews
- Developed guidelines, job aids, work instructions, and training materials for prior authorization which coordinated the standardization of work practices
- Improved team member key performance indicators by providing constructive feedback, analyzing reporting, conducting meetings, delivering clinical presentations, offering one on one coaching, and implementing procedural changes swiftly
- 2019 Spot Bonus Award for partnering to produce software to automate the generation of diagnosis-related formulary alternatives, enhancing the consistency of prior authorization reviews
- Functioned as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to answer client clinical and operational questions and consult clients on appropriate drug utilization review as submitted via email and Salesforce
- Collaborated across a wide array of internal teams to implement utilization management programs and apply PA program performance standards compliant with CMS Medicare Part D, URAC, NCQA, and state-specific requirements
Clinical Specialist, Prior Authorization & Utilization Management Programs
MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.
08.2017 - 01.2019
- Analyzed patient cases for proper medication utilization through prior authorization processes for commercial, self-insured, and Medicaid lines of business
- Ensured compliance, timeliness, and effective delivery of prior authorization reviews
- Collaborated with client teams to deliver feedback and monitor quality of services provided to certify client satisfaction
Manager, Clinical Operations, Rite Aid Health Alliance
Rite Aid Corporation
06.2014 - 08.2017
- Responsible to directly manage Care Coaches and train and oversee pharmacists in 35 stores
- Formed and maintained collaborative relationships with Heritage Provider Network, Inc in accordance with Rite Aid Health Alliance partnership in Southern California
- Produced and presented program introductions and program results to Heritage-affiliated Medical Groups including interactions held with Heritage C-Suite Executives, Providers, Pharmacists, Case Managers, Care Coordinators, Network Managers, Medical Assistants, and Office Managers
- Built Rite Aid Health Alliance referrals from 0 to over 7,000 in 2 years through relationships with Heritage partners
- Created company instructions and directed pharmacists through completion of Comprehensive Medication Reviews (CMRs) using MTM Pathfinder software
- Increased CMR completion rate from 28% in 2014 to 81% in 2016
- 81% ranked in the top 98.5% of completion rates among overall Plans nationwide
- Worked the Health Alliance booth at an average of 5-6 health plan conferences and exhibits yearly to establish relationships with drug companies, provider groups, other related partners, and members
Manager, Field Clinical Services, Southern California
Rite Aid Corporation
06.2010 - 06.2014
- Principle person responsible for Clinical Services in 325 Southern California Rite Aid locations
- Created policies, procedures, and protocols for Rite Aid Immunization and Medication Therapy Management programs which were still being followed company-wide
- Regional Trainer responsible to develop materials, participate in and coordinate APhA Immunization training, CPR Certification, and Medication Therapy Management education for over 1000 pharmacists
- Attended university career fairs in support of Rite Aid recruiting and continued an affiliation with experiential directors at pharmacy schools
- Selected to attend 2013 Emerging Leaders Corporate Meeting for 'top talent' managers
- 20 managers from various aspects of the company were invited to attend
- Presented a Fiscal Year 2014 Growth Plan to executives at culmination of meeting
Pharmacy Manager
Rite Aid Pharmacy
01.2008 - 06.2010
- Established a progressive community pharmacy setting with exceptional customer service, clinical services, and member education including guideline directed therapy optimization and prior authorization resolution
- Increased business and concentrated on improving sales – quarterly sales increases in ranges from 7-10%
- Developed and incorporated immunizations and MTM into daily pharmacy practice
- Matured a 0-volume flu shot pharmacy into 800 influenza vaccinations in first year and into 1500 the second
- Cultivated relationships among Rite Aid pharmacists as a resource for immunization and MTM information
- Built lasting affiliations with physicians’ offices and advertised by local health department as an expert in travel and specialty vaccinations and only 1 of 2 local pharmacies which had excellent vaccine knowledge and could administer all adult immunizations
- Received 2009 Rite Aid Award for Outstanding Contribution in Immunization
- Enlisted recent and prospective graduates to become Rite Aid pharmacists by mentoring current students through preceptorship and representing Rite Aid at pharmacy schools’ career fairs and recruiting dinners for future graduates
- Winner of the 2009 Favorite Pharmacist Award as voted by store customers
Staff Pharmacist
Albertson’s Sav-On Pharmacy
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Accountable for on-going evaluation and documentation of all components of pharmaceutical care delivered to members
- Continued the ideals of customer excellence – leading with positive attitude and by example – to pass on standards and motivate staff towards peak performance levels
- Stepped up to assume the responsibilities and performed managerial duties in absence of pharmacy manager
Education
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
University of Montana, Skaggs School of Pharmacy
Missoula, MT01.2004
Pre-pharmacy curriculum -
Drake University
Des Moines, IA01.2000
Skills
- Clinical product management
- Medication therapy management
- Prior authorization processes
- Regulatory compliance
- Vendor management
- Healthcare operations oversight
Credentials And Affiliations
- Licensed Pharmacist, Idaho State Board of Pharmacy, 01/04, present
- APhA Certified Immunization Trainer, 01/10, present
- AHA BLS Certified CPR Trainer, 01/10, 01/17
- Participated in National AADE Convention, 2016
- NACDS Community Pharmacy-Based Point of Care Testing Certificate, completed Train the Trainer certification, 2015
- ComMIt Motivational Interviewing Training certificate, completed Train the Trainer certification, 2012
Websites
Affiliations
- Licensed Pharmacist – Idaho State Board of Pharmacy – 2004-present
- APhA Certified Immunization Trainer – 2010-present
- AHA BLS Certified CPR Trainer – 2010-2017
- Participated in National AADE Convention - 2016
- NACDS Community Pharmacy-Based Point of Care Testing Certificate – completed Train the Trainer certification - 2015
- comMIt Motivational Interviewing Training certificate – completed Train the Trainer certification - 2012
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager, Clinical Solutions
MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.
03.2021 - Current
Supervisor, Prior Authorization & Utilization Management Programs, Part D
MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.
01.2019 - 03.2021
Clinical Specialist, Prior Authorization & Utilization Management Programs
MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.
08.2017 - 01.2019
Manager, Clinical Operations, Rite Aid Health Alliance
Rite Aid Corporation
06.2014 - 08.2017
Manager, Field Clinical Services, Southern California
Rite Aid Corporation
06.2010 - 06.2014
Pharmacy Manager
Rite Aid Pharmacy
01.2008 - 06.2010
Staff Pharmacist
Albertson’s Sav-On Pharmacy
01.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
University of Montana, Skaggs School of Pharmacy
Pre-pharmacy curriculum -
Drake University
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