KATHLEEN BREWER
Somerville
Summary
Strategic healthcare leader with 20+ years of progressive experience in patient access, case management, and rare disease patient services at Sanofi. Proven track record of building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and leading cross-functional initiatives across multiple therapeutic areas. Expert in navigating complex reimbursement landscapes, managing vendor partnerships, and implementing innovative solutions that elevate patient experience. Deep expertise in rare disease portfolio management, including enzyme replacement therapies and specialty product launches. Committed to advancing patient access while achieving business objectives through compliant, patient-centered care coordination.
Professional business leader prepared for challenges of Senior Manager role. Combines deep understanding of business operations with commitment to driving team success and achieving significant results. Renowned for adaptability in dynamic environments and collaborative approach to problem-solving, leveraging keen analytical and decision-making skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Manager, Patient Access, CareConnect PSS, Rare Disease
Sanofi US
Cambridge, MA
09.2021 - Current
- Lead patient access operations for Sanofi's Rare Disease portfolio, managing vendor partnerships and driving operational excellence across 2,450+ active patients enrolled in commercial co-pay program.
- Team Leadership & Operational Excellence:
- Manage and develop 3 company GIG's through performance monitoring, coaching, and motivational approaches, significantly boosting team productivity
- Conduct weekly business planning meetings and workshops to drive successful outcomes and align team with organizational goals
- Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs on processes, systems, and patient services best practices
- Review and analyze reports, records, and directives to inform strategic planning and departmental activities
- Strategic Program Management:
- Implement and develop operational standards, policies, business rules, and processes that enhance program efficiency
- Manage vendor relationships with McKesson, ensuring compliance with internal and vendor SOPs for claims processing
- Maintain and update Business Requirements Documents (BRD) to reflect evolving program needs
- Review and update all patient-facing collaterals upon expiration and branding changes
- Patient Access & Problem Resolution:
- Leverage expertise in billing and claims to achieve successful claims resolution and reduce processing issues
- Escalate complex medical benefit claims and provide strategic insight into unresolved cases
- Develop case escalation forms and guidelines that elevate customer and patient experience
- Collaborate with providers to ensure understanding of billing processes and resolve claims issues
- Maintain positive customer relations by addressing problems proactively and implementing corrective actions
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Build trust and collaborate with internal and external vendor teams to reduce claims issues
- Demonstrate deep understanding of co-pay programs, payer dynamics, and vendor regulations
- Define clear targets and objectives, communicating effectively across stakeholder groups
Principal Case Manager, CareConnect PSS
Sanofi US
Cambridge, MA
02.2004 - 09.2021
- Provided comprehensive case management and reimbursement support for enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and substrate reduction therapy (SRT) across Sanofi's rare disease portfolio, including Gaucher, Fabry, MPS I, and Pompe, and Xenpozyme diseases.
- Patient Services & Care Coordination:
- Served as float case manager, providing short- and long-term territory coverage to ensure uninterrupted patient care
- Advocated for patients to obtain and maintain long-term insurance coverage for ERT and SRT therapies
- Educated patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and infusion centers on therapy administration and billing processes
- Coordinated information flow between patients, physicians, and providers throughout the patient journey
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans addressing prior authorizations, infusion center coordination, claims resolution, open enrollment, specialty pharmacy issues, and missed dose management
- Program Development & Launch Excellence:
- Participated in 6 FDA-approved product launches as case manager, supporting launch readiness and patient onboarding
- Contributed to inception and development of co-pay, IAP, and PAP programs from concept through implementation
- Facilitated communication between healthcare providers and patients, enhancing understanding of treatment options.
- Monitored patient progress, identifying barriers to adherence and implementing effective solutions.
- Served as coverage partner for co-pay and free goods programs for Rare Disease Business Unit
- Worked with outside vendors on program budgeting and claims reconciliation
- Strategic Initiatives & Innovation:
- Developed and implemented staff training programs, including 'Perspectives' and 'What's My Line' to introduce IV therapy concepts
- Created disaster preparedness plans for infusion, drug supply, and site-related issues in collaboration with field-based teams
- Maintained current knowledge of state and federal legislation and regulatory changes impacting patient access
- Participated in multiple patient and HCP meetings to promote services and engage with KOLs, families, and patients
- Leadership & Mentoring:
- Provided leadership, guidance, and support to new case managers
- Worked closely with field-based teams to ensure coordinated patient support
Education
Master of Science - Health Care Management
Lesley University
Cambridge, MABachelor of Science - Psychology/Sociology
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MAMaster of Science - Health Care Management
Lesley University
Cambridge, MASkills
- Claims and billing systems management
- Documentation & Reporting Tools
- Healthcare Compliance Systems
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Salesforce CRM & Data Analytics
- Operations management
Certification
- CCM – Certified Case Manager
- BC – Board Certified in Case Management, American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- RN, BSN – Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- CPR Certified
- MERT Team Member – Medical Emergency Response Team, Sanofi
- EBICS Member – Ethics Business Integrity Group, Sanofi
- ERG Member – Caregivers Group & Grief Coffee Talk Group, Sanofi
- WISE Member – Sanofi, Cambridge
Timeline
Senior Manager, Patient Access, CareConnect PSS, Rare Disease
Sanofi US
09.2021 - Current
Principal Case Manager, CareConnect PSS
Sanofi US
02.2004 - 09.2021
Master of Science - Health Care Management
Lesley University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology/Sociology
Fitchburg State University
Master of Science - Health Care Management
Lesley University
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Leadership & Development
- Performance Management
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Training Program Development
- Patient Services Excellence
- Case Management & Care Coordination
- Reimbursement & Prior Authorization
- Patient Advocacy & Education
- Site of Care Management
- Strategic Business Acumen
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Vendor & Partnership Management
- Launch Preparation & Execution
- Process Improvement & Innovation
- Market & Access Expertise
- Payer Dynamics & Policy Navigation
- Insurance Benefits & Regulations
- Specialty Pharmacy Coordination
- Financial Assistance Programs