Gary Howell
Nashville
Summary
Conscientious Pharmacist known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in medication therapy management, pharmacological knowledge, and regulatory compliance. Excel at communication, problem-solving, and teamwork to deliver optimal patient care and support healthcare team objectives.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Coverage Review Pharmacist
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc.
Nashville
01.2024 - Current
- Clinical Review & Authorization: Evaluate prior authorization requests (PAs) for medical necessity, ensuring appropriateness of diagnosis, drug dosage, and therapy duration.
- Step Therapy Management: Enforce step therapy protocols, requiring trials of cost-effective, first-line agents before approving higher-cost, step-two medications.
- Safety & Drug Utilization: Review prescriptions for FDA-approved dosing, potential drug interactions, and strict quantity limits (QL) to prevent inappropriate use.
- Clinical Documentation Evaluation: Review incoming medical documentation (labs, weight/height, chart notes) to determine if clinical criteria for coverage are met.
- Formulary Exceptions & Appeals: Assess requests for non-formulary medication coverage, analyzing appeal documentation when initial claims are denied.
- Provider & Plan Communication: Act as the clinical liaison between providers and insurance plans to communicate coverage decisions or request additional information.
- Evidence-Based Decisions: Utilize pharmacy benefit management (PBM) criteria, clinical guidelines, and medical literature to make coverage determinations.
Clinical Pharmacist
Avita Pharmacy at Affinity Health Center
Rock Hill
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Conducted drug utilization reviews with emphasis on patient safety and cost savings.
- Developed and implemented clinical pharmacy programs to improve quality of care for patients.
- Participated in multidisciplinary teams to develop treatment plans for complex cases involving multiple diseases and comorbidities.
- Delivered pharmacological education to patients by responding to and answering questions and explaining medication side effects.
- Verified prescription information against safety guidelines and insurance limitations to protect patient health and financial interests.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, forms, protocols, and standards related to pharmacy practice.
Staff Pharmacist
CVS Pharmacy
Rock Hill
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Provided medication counseling to patients on proper use, side effects and potential drug interactions.
- Assisted in training pharmacy technicians on prescription processing, inventory management and customer service skills.
- Assisted with inventory control processes such as ordering supplies, reconciling invoices.
- Counseled patients on proper use of medications, responding to questions and discussing side effects of both specific brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals.
- Increased focus on pharmacy's encompassing health services by administering immunizations and delivering patient consultations.
Clinical Pharmacist - PRN
Medical University of South Carolina
Chester
11.2019 - 02.2021
- Managed the daily operations of a retail or hospital pharmacy.
- Evaluated appropriateness of medication therapy in accordance with established protocols or guidelines.
- Interpreted prescription orders from physicians or other authorized prescribers to ensure accuracy of medication preparation and delivery.
- Monitored current literature sources to keep informed about new developments in pharmacy practice and the pharmaceutical industry.
- Prepared sterile products according to USP 797 standards using aseptic technique.
Clinical Pharmacist
York County Treatment Center
Fort Mill
11.2018 - 10.2019
- Communicated with the patient, physician, nursing staff and other members of the health care team regarding patient status, response to therapy and clinical objectives to ensure clinical outcomes are met
- Assessed the patient at the initiation of drug therapy, develop a patient care plan and drug monitoring regimen and monitor the patient according to the care plan throughout the course of therapy.
- Developed policies and procedures related to pharmacy services that comply with legal requirements.
- Oversaw drug preparation and distribution activities to provide safe, efficient care for patients.
Education
Doctor of Pharmacy -
South University School of Pharmacy
06-2017
Skills
- Prescription Review and Dosage
- Drug Inventory Management
- Pharmacy Staff Management
- Patient Advocacy
- Prescription Counseling
- Drug Utilization Reviews (DUR)
- Vaccination Administration
- Quality Assurance and Control
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Customer Service
Certification
Certified HIV Pharmacist
American Academy of HIV Medicine
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Coverage Review Pharmacist
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc.
01.2024 - Current
Clinical Pharmacist
Avita Pharmacy at Affinity Health Center
01.2022 - 12.2023
Staff Pharmacist
CVS Pharmacy
01.2020 - 12.2021
Clinical Pharmacist - PRN
Medical University of South Carolina
11.2019 - 02.2021
Clinical Pharmacist
York County Treatment Center
11.2018 - 10.2019
Doctor of Pharmacy -
South University School of Pharmacy