Regina Adwoa Nyarkoa
Beltsville,MD
Summary
Dynamic Patient Access Navigator with extensive experience at AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Company. Expertise in management, confidentiality, and resolving complex information discrepancies. Proven track record of effective communication with clients, enhancing clarity and understanding. Committed to fostering positive relationships and delivering exceptional service in fast-paced environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patient Access Navigator
AstraZeneca/MedImmune
05.2019 - Current
- Drives projects and cases to completion, be self-directed, have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Analytical and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making.
- Demonstrate best in class customer service skills in managing the complexity of interactions involved with this position.
- Maintains effective organizational management.
- Multitask and manage multiple parallel projects.
- Ensure timely processing and resolution of cases.
- Communicate effectively with payers, third party administrators and other departments.
- Knowledgeable in current and future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting Access Services programs.
- Manage day to day activities of health care provider support requests and deliverables across multiple communication channels.
- Self-discipline and outstanding time management skills.
- Higher understanding of Windows desktop applications.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to work under specific time constraints.
- Exceptionally detailed oriented, focused with a positive attitude.
- Assist with 20 claims support escalations a day.
- Contacts health insurance to initiate benefit investigation, prior authorization, or specialty pharmacy research.
- Assist patients, healthcare providers and pharmacies with co-pay and affordability support.
- Prepare and deliver presentations Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training to various audiences summarizing service offerings, service utilization, actionable insights, and continuous improvements areas as needed.
- Provide Training and support to newly hired.
- Act as Reimbursement Subject Matter Expert on key focus areas (Ex. Buy and Bill, Patient Savings Program, etc.)
- Provide actionable insights and solutions around general reimbursement trends.
- Serve as the designated point of contact for an assigned geographic region for all AZ US Patient Support personnel.
- Manage escalations in a timely, effective, and coordinated manner by engaging members of the US Patient Support team.
- Partner with FRMs on Account business reviews and conduct virtual as appropriate to build customer loyalty.
- Work collaboratively with US Patient Support colleagues to better understand and work on solutions to payer policies that impact patient access.
Patient Access Specialist (Contract Worker)
AstraZeneca
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Manage day to day activities of patient and health care provider support requests and deliverables across multiple communication channels in a Contact Center i.e. Phone, Fax, Chat, email, etc.
- Ensure all support requested is captured within the Case Management system.
- Ensure timely processing and resolution of 20 cases meeting productivity and quality requirements.
- Coordinate all appropriate aspects of patient case management through to completion, using effective interpersonal skills to manage interactions.
- Educate Health Care Providers and patients on available on Patient Support programs and referral process to ensure timely case processing.
- Communicate effectively with payers, pharmacies, third party administrators and other departments.
- Perform in-depth research into patient's medication coverage (may include benefit investigation/prior authorization/appeals and available support programs)
- Pass certification at the completion of on-boarding training.
- Ability to handle high volume of customer inquiries via computer often in a seated position.
- Ability to drive projects and cases to completion, be self-directed, have excellent verbal and written communication skills with excellent customer service.
- Analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making with effective organizational management.
- Proficient competency using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple parallel projects.
- Business acumen; knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting Patient Support programs.
Walgreens Liaison
Walgreens/Washington Adventist Hospital
01.2014 - 03.2018
- Developed strong relationships with the hospital staff.
- Delivered prescriptions and interacting with patients within a hospital system setting.
- Communicated with patient insurance for any discrepancies with their insurance.
- Collected and recording forms received and submitting receipts for expenditures daily.
- Communicated with social workers and case managers for payment of patients’ medications.
- Complied with all insurance companies’ policies and procedures and maintaining respectful relationship with patients.
- 340B pharmacy specialist at Washington Adventist Hospital.
- Excellent experience with Prior Authorization, Reimbursement and Appeal with Insurance.
Reimbursement Counselor
Lash Group
03.2016 - 08.2017
- Collected and reviewed about 15 patients insurance information needed to complete the billing, collections, appeal, and/or cash processes.
- Completed and submits all necessary insurance forms and electronic claims to process the claims in a timely manner as required by all third-party payors. Researches and resolves any electronic claim denials.
- Effectively utilized various means for collections, including but not limited to phone, fax, mail, and online methods.
- Provided exceptional customer service to internal and external customers; resolves any customer requests in a timely and accurate manner; escalates complaints accordingly.
- Maintained frequent phone contact with provider representatives, third party customer service representatives, pharmacy staff, and case managers.
- Independently analyzed reports and communicated any reimbursement trends/delays (e.g. billing denials, claim denials, pricing errors, payments, etc.).
- Processed any necessary insurance/patient correspondence.
- Provided all necessary documentation required to expedite payments. This includes demographic, authorization/referrals, National Provider Identification (NPI) number, and referring physicians.
- Independently and effectively resolved advanced accounts with minimal supervision.
- Communicated effectively to payors and/or claims clearinghouse to ensure accurate and timely electronically filed claims.
- Worked on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors. Demonstrated good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
- Networked with internal and external personnel in own area of expertise.
Pharmacy Technician Supervisor
Walgreens
08.2013 - 01.2014
- Prepared about 300 prescriptions and other health-related products a day.
- Managed inventory by ordering supplies and monitoring drug stock
- Conducted prescription returns.
- Retrieved discontinued or expired medications from stock and patient areas; discard as appropriate, complete corresponding documentation.
- Retrieved and interpret medication orders; perform pharmaceutical calculations, considering patient and drug characteristics; enter medication orders into pharmacy computer system for pharmacists to review; assist the pharmacist, under direct supervisor, in the practice of pharmacy, in accordance with local, state, federal, and company regulations.
- Assisted patients who are dropping off or picking up prescription orders.
- Completed date entry for all prescriptions presented at drop off.
- Created and update patient’s health and insurance information in the computer.
- Communicated with insurance carriers to obtain payment for prescription claims.
- At point of sale, verified that customer receives correct prescription.
- Assisted in training new employees and create technician schedule weekly.
Pharmacy Technician II
Washington Hospital Center
12.2010 - 10.2012
- Ensured timely prescription processing and fulfillment for patient needs.
- Prepared various IV solutions using strict aseptic techniques for safety.
- Communicated effectively with patients and healthcare professionals to enhance care.
- Managed medication replenishment in Pyxis, ensuring accuracy with narcotics.
- Assembled and filled 15 anesthesia trays for surgical teams efficiently.
- Delivered medication carts to nursing units, ensuring timely access for patients.
Pharmacy Technician II
Washington Adventist Hospital
02.2008 - 08.2010
- Processed about 200 prescriptions a night while ensuring HIPAA compliance and patient engagement.
- Educated patients about co-payments and alternative lower-cost solutions.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to ensure timely medication delivery.
- Led training for technicians to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Organized medications for dispensing by interpreting prescriptions and preparing labels.
- Managed pharmacy inventory by monitoring stock levels and placing orders efficiently.
Lead Technician
CVS Pharmacy
09.2000 - 02.2008
- Processed about 350 prescriptions efficiently while adhering to HIPAA regulations.
- Communicated with patients and insurance about co-payments and alternatives.
- Collaborated with physicians and insurers to ensure timely medication access.
- Trained and mentored technicians to enhance operational efficiency.
- Organized medications for pharmacists by preparing labels and calculating quantities.
- Maintained pharmacy inventory by monitoring stock levels and expediting orders.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacology
Washington Adventist University
Takoma Park, MD03.2007
High School Diploma -
James Hubert Blake High School
Cloverly, MD01.2002
Skills
Strong verbal communication
Analytical problem-solving
Comprehensive knowledge of regional resources
Proficient in computer applications
Process enhancement through meticulous attention
Reimbursement strategy expertise
Organizational skills with detail orientation
Self-driven
Knowledge of specialty pharmacy services
Proficient in Microsoft Word
Excel proficiency
PowerPoint proficiency
Accomplishments
- Achieved fast project completion/reduced turnaround time by completing Standard Operation Procedures with accuracy and efficiency.
- Achieved smoother onboarding/ knowledge retention and leadership skills through effectively helping with newly hires.
- Supervised team of 11 staff members while management on summit conference
- Collaborated with Manager in the development of business rules.
- Documented and resolved reimbursement escalations which led to faster resolution times and building trust/advocacy.
Certification
- National Pharmacy Board Certification (PTCB) 03/2007 - July 2025
- Maryland Board of Pharmacy 07/2009
- United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) (Preparing and Responding to Active Shooter Incidents) 01/2019
- United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) (BSAFE) 01/2019
Languages
English
Full Professional
twi
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Patient Access Navigator
AstraZeneca/MedImmune
05.2019 - Current
Patient Access Specialist (Contract Worker)
AstraZeneca
08.2017 - 05.2019
Reimbursement Counselor
Lash Group
03.2016 - 08.2017
Walgreens Liaison
Walgreens/Washington Adventist Hospital
01.2014 - 03.2018
Pharmacy Technician Supervisor
Walgreens
08.2013 - 01.2014
Pharmacy Technician II
Washington Hospital Center
12.2010 - 10.2012
Pharmacy Technician II
Washington Adventist Hospital
02.2008 - 08.2010
Lead Technician
CVS Pharmacy
09.2000 - 02.2008
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacology
Washington Adventist University
High School Diploma -
James Hubert Blake High School
Community Engagement
AAHP (African American Health Program), 2015-11