Tell us a bit about your professional background.

For 11 years I worked at a 5,000 bed long-term care and hospice pharmacy. I began working as a part-time IT resource ultimately running pharmacy operations as the Executive Director. During my tenure, I managed several  projects including HL7 integrations, EditRx/NetRx, and Docutrack implementation. After a few years, we replaced Docutrack with Softwriters ECM. I also outsourced Customer Statement Processing, implemented delivery software, Framework Link, and TCGRx Strip packaging to be in compliance with ACA rules.

My biggest challenge was taking over the management of the billing department. The department goals included ensuring facility invoices and customer statements were completed timely and accurately, third-party accounts receivable were quantifiable, reducing bad debt across the board, and training and maintaining a billing team. Prior to working at the long-term care pharmacy, I worked at Sprint (T-Mobile) as a manager in IT solutions, supporting PeopleSoft (Oracle) Accounting and HCM.

How long you’ve been at CTG?

My one-year anniversary at CTG was on April 13th. How has your role evolved and how do you see it progressing with CTG? When I first began at CTG, I worked with Carvajal Long-term Care pharmacy gaining an understanding of their systems and operations. Carvajal Long Term Care pharmacy became my first client allowing me to test and fine tune my consulting recommendations that I would eventually implement with other clients. I focused on areas related to remote automated-dispensing, as well as financial systems best practices. One of my first tasks was to teach the team to upload payments into Sage, improving the third-party reconciliation, and payment posting process.

I then transitioned to Carvajal Retail pharmacy, where I witnessed the challenges facing independent retail pharmacies. Additionally, I have written SSRS and Crystal reports for pharmacies under the umbrella of CTG. That experience allowed me to observe the different ways pharmacies utilized Framework, quickly learning that not all pharmacies utilize the system in the same manner. Currently, I am assisting with project management and customer communications tasks on more complex CTG projects. Most recently, pharmacies have started hiring CTG consulting group to review billing, accounts receivable, and finance processes to ensure appropriate, best practices are followed.

What is a good lesson you’ve learned in your career?

To paraphrase Charles Swindoll, “We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. Attitude is everything!”

Any other interesting facts about your work that you can share?

During my pharmacy tenure, I’ve worked in almost every non-pharmacist role, including fill technician, order enter technician, delivery driver, billing technician, remote automated dispensing technician, customer support, IT support, systems integration, report writer, and supervisor. The world of long-term care pharmacies is challenging, exciting, and also provides individuals with the opportunity to continually learn. The friendships I’ve developed through the years of fun, yet challenging work, are some of the best memories I have!

What are some of your hobbies you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, and watching movies.