As the field of biologic and small molecule therapies has taken shape and grown in the last two decades, so has the role of the Biologic Coordinator or Access Specialist. Across multiple medical specialties, Biologic Coordinators fill an administrative role in the practice, assisting patients and prescribers in getting access to specialty medications.
Biologic coordinators work in partnership with the patient, prescribing healthcare provider, specialty pharmacy, manufacturer and insurance company to complete the multi-step process (from education to submitting authorization forms, verifying health records, even filing appeals) necessary to get patients started on a specialty medications.
It is not clear precisely how many biologic coordinators work in the healthcare sector today, but as the role becomes more well-known and better defined, an increasing number of dermatology practices are bringing a Biologic Coordinator on board.
Janelle Ball, Founder and CEO at BC Educators, LLC, is an experienced Biologic Coordinator who now works to educate and support practices and Biologic Coordinators. Along with COO Angela Lee, she is focused on dermatology. Here, Ms. Ball answers common questions about Biologic Coordinators and their role.
What is a Biologic Coordinator?
JB: A Biologic Coordinator is the single point of contact and primary person to coordinate access to specialty medications. Their role is to handle everything from enrollment to medication in hand for patients, as well as monitoring continuation of therapy and additional support throughout the entire patient journey.
What unique skills or knowledge does a Biologic Coordinator have?
JB: The Biologic Coordinator is detail oriented and able to multitask. They should have patience (for dealing with insurance!) and compassion to best help patients with chronic conditions. They should have a good understanding of the insurance payer landscape and ability to know how to identify key relationships to assist in access. Lastly, the Biologic Coordinator should be a great communicator. This role is tedious and has a lot of moving parts, so a dedicated person should be able to get patients access quickly, vs someone who is not adept at or not given dedicated time to manage the multi-step process.
How does a Biologic Coordinator interact with and support prescribers?
JB: To support prescribers, the BC is a Partner in Access, ensuring the prescriber is able to get the medication they decide is best for their patient.
How does a Biologic Coordinator interact with and support patients?
JB: To support patients, the BC is a Partner in Support and Access. As the single point of contact, the BC can keep patients educated on the process and continue to help assist with any issues throughout the entire patient journey.
How does a Biologic Coordinator interact with and support practice support staff?
JB: To support staff, the BC is a Partner in Education. The BC is able to help educate the staff on documentation requirements, obtaining insurance and pharmacy cards, and assist with monitoring labs required.
How does a Biologic Coordinator interact with and support others?
JB: The BC supports Field Reimbursement Managers (FRMs) and the Sales Team. The BC is able to stay connected to learn about any changes to drug programs, new drugs that are available, and any access issues.
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