The Blizzard is Coming!

Tips to Prepare Yourself and Your Team For Success

By Lacey Varnon, ADN, PACS, BCPA
Founder, National Society of Biologic Coordinators

This is the first in a series of three Expert Tips articles from Lacey Varnon, Founder of the National Society of Biologic Coordinators, geared toward helping your team navigate blizzard season with ease. Read on for Lacey’s insights.

I love this time of year; college football, cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice everything, and the anticipation of my favorite holidays. 

While many of our patients are gearing up to cook Thanksgiving dinner for the entire family and pull out the holiday décor, we are busy prepping for the upcoming reverification season, also known as…

“The Blizzard.” 

This is the time when many modifications to a patient’s healthcare plan occur. These adjustments can include:

  • Changes in insurance provider (either by an employer or by a patient’s decision)
  • Updates to coverage policies which may alter prior authorization criteria
  • Restored deductibles
  • Conclusion of most copay assistance programs and patient assistance programs (PAP) 

Implementing an organized approach to tackling these upcoming changes is key! A few pointers to help you and your team have a successful Blizzard include:

  • Having updated information regarding coverage modifications. Understanding a patient’s new coverage situation and starting early to identify patients who will encounter this situation can help you get ahead of the game. 
  • Communication between the provider’s office and patients. This can help to ease the burden associated with possible disruption in care not to mention helping to avoid costly outcomes. 
  • Leaning on your Medication Access Specialists/ Biologic Coordinators. These team members play a huge role in a successful season. During this time, they make sure that all re-enrollments for assistance programs are prepared and completed for the upcoming near year. 

While we all can understand the stresses that accompany the holiday season, medication access should not be one of them. Remember, the overall goal during this time is to decrease any avoidable lapse in care.

By using the resources available and having a plan in place, Care Coordinators can approach this Blizzard season with confidence! 

Do you have any advice to navigate the reverification season? Help fellow coordinators that are prepping for the season by sharing your best blizzard tips. Submit these to info@NSBC.health and partners@policyreporter.com. Stay tuned for Part 2 in this series coming soon, and find more information about Policy Reporter Partners here.

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