Director of Patient Services at Ardelyx, Inc.

Dr. Greg Leighton

Lead the business development of patient support, reimbursement (hub), and call center services for manufacturers. Provide market and payer access strategies for specialty, rare/orphan, cell and gene therapy, specialty lite, and retail product categories. Support new product launches and existing brand assets.  Expertise in both medical (e.g. buy and bill) and pharmacy reimbursement. Leverage technology solutions to enhance the patient journey (e.g. electronic prior authorizations, real time prescription benefits, payer analytics, patient engagement tools, etc.) . Oversee specialty pharmacy network development for programs. Implement patient assistance solutions (copay card administration, bridge therapy, PAP, adherence/compliance programs, and cash solutions). Serve as a speaker for industry engagements and conferences.

- Responsible for designing, developing, and leading the ArdelyxAssistTM Patient Services Programs for Tenapanor, an investigational first-in-class, phosphate absorption inhibitor for patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.
- Created and led the RFP process for vendor selection and contract negotiations for all external services including reimbursement support, commercial copay solutions, pharmacy network selection, digital engagement, and IVR/telephony infrastructure.
- On-boarded a team of 20+ case managers with extensive renal and hub experience to serve as the patient and healthcare provider facing team for the program.
- Established a tailored customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed to support the patient services division for all operational and reporting needs.
- Established key performance indicators for vendor partners and internal stakeholders.
Led the design and buildout of the call center located in Waltham, MA.
- Defined and managed the delivery of cross functional business reports, executive leadership dashboards and business analytical tools related to key patient services activities.
- Developed all standard operating procedures and business rules related to the program.
- Worked cross-functionally with legal/compliance, marketing, sales, and market access to ensure all program elements were approved, delivered, and messaged in accordance with all company strategic goals. 
- Established eligibility criteria, company policy, and standard operating procedures for the Ardelyx Patient Assistance and Bridge Programs for patients unable to afford Tenapanor
- Worked closely with the Trade team to select, contract, and build a robust renal pharmacy network to sup-port a unique, cost-effective consignment model for enhanced access to Tenapanor. 
- Represented the company as a subject matter expert on new and emerging trends within the industry. 
- Speaker: “Improve Hub Performance and Patient Outcomes – Utilize Predictive Analytics and Data to Build a Better Patient Services Program.” Hub and SPP Model Optimization Conference. Virtual. 19 February 2021.

Director of Patient Services

- Responsible for the acquisition, contract negotiation, and implementation of manufacturer sponsored patient support (hub & call center) programs. 
-  Lead the account management team for all of the company's patient support center operations with a focus on business development, scalability and compliance ( 60+ hub programs , 600+ employees, 25+ manufacturer partnerships, & over 2 million prescriptions processed annually)
- Direct experience with rare/orphan disease, oncology, cell & gene therapy, dermatology, emergency medicine, opiod/substance abuse, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cardiovascular, and women's health.
-  Collect, analyze, and identify key data trends to leverage solutions that focus on driving value, improving patient health outcomes, reducing company expenses, and enhancing gross to net profitability for clients (e.g. payer analysis, time to fill studies, rejection code analysis, product fulfillment rate, prior authorization success rate, status/sub-status  level data, cancellation/abandonment reasons, and adherence/compliance) 
-  Leverage a variety of technology solutions to improve product access and enhance the patient journey (electronic prior authorizations, texting, chat bots, apps, patient and prescriber portals, etc.).
- Direct experience developing, implementing, and managing PAP, bridge programs, cash solutions, and copay offerings to patients.
-  Knowledgeable with GPO programs and IDN data strategies.  
-  Represent the company as a subject matter expert on new and emerging trends within the industry.

Vice President, Clinical Solutions & Patient Access

- Leader of the compliance and operations of company's patient support service programs ( 5 locations, 60+ hub programs , 600+ employees, 25+ manufacturer partnerships, & over 2 million prescriptions processed annually)
-  Responsible for presenting company's capabilities, patient support program solutions, GPO and IDN strategies, data analytics & reporting, distribution/channel solutions, and technology offerings to potential new manufacturer partners.
- Maintained company's accreditation (URAC) and pharmacy state licensees for all locations.
 - Prepared and conducted quarterly and annual  business reviews with manufacturer partners to assess program performance and identify key opportunities for further business development and program optimization.

Senior Director, Clinical Patient Support Operations and Compliance (Patient Access Services)

- Managed a team of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, nurses (RNs & LPNs) medical billers, and quality assurance team members for assigned patient support (hub) programs. 
- Monitored key KPIs to ensure program objectives, quality measures, and performance gaps were met or rectified.
- Responsible for drafting all business rules, SOP's, training materials, and data requirements.
-  Provided clinical counseling and support for specialty medications to patients, providers, and vendors.
- Supported  leadership in presenting company capabilities and engaging prospects for future program procurement, development, and implementation

Director, Clinical Operations (Patient Access Services)

- Managed a specialty pharmacy focused on providing patient care for  HIV, Oncology,  and Transplant patients.
- Oversaw a patient bedside delivery program with Westchester Medical Center and provide clinical pharmacy consultations to the medical team. 
- Monitored patient medication compliance via analyzing prescription fill data and establishing adherence programs centered around clinical consultations, medication therapy management services, refill reminder calls, and bi-weekly clinical checkups.
- Worked directly with healthcare providers, drug manufacturers, and third party payers to obtain financial assistance for patients and complete prior authorization forms.
- Experienced with limited distribution drugs and ensuring compliance with all regulations and policies. 
- Managed prescription mail service to patients in the states of New York,  Connecticut, and New Jersey.
- Provided immunizations to patients, including administering vaccines at off-site clinics.
- Familiar with 340B drug pricing program and all of its specific requirements. 
- Interviewed and hired pharmacy team members
- Served as a Pharmacy Preceptor.
- Conducted annual and quarterly performance reviews for staff members.

Clinical Onsite Pharmacy Supervisor and Registered Store Manager

- Developed a patient centered medication therapy management program that was implemented across 35 Walgreen's stores in the New York and Connecticut areas and served as the lead clinical pharmacist. 
- Analyzed community and state demographics to create and implement action plans focused on building community relationships and acquiring new patients. 
- Project Manager of a retail clinical services task force that created and piloted programs across multiple districts. The team focused on medication therapy management services that would increase medication adherence rates, the number of HIV patients serviced, and immunizations administered. 
- Opened and led a new Walgreens Wellness Store in Ossining, New York. 
- Created a District Pharmacist Training Program to improve the on-boarding process and prepare team members for career advancement. 
- Instrumental in a local pharmacy acquisition in Nyack, NY and led a pharmacy team to successfully retain patients during the transition period. 
- Established and led several community events, including weekly blood pressure screenings at local senior centers and providing immunizations to off-site clinics. 
- Lead Pharmacy Coach for Walgreens during the acquisition of U.S.A. Drugs Pharmacy Chain. Traveled to Searcy, Arkansas to train new team members on Walgreens operations.  
- Dispensed prescription medications, provided patient counseling, maintained pharmacy records, and ensured proper inventory management

Supervising Pharmacist	(Pharmacist in Charge)

- Received advanced training in HIV/AIDs by taking pharmacotherapy continuing education courses with the University of Buffalo.
- Monitored medication adherence of HIV/AIDs patients and provided clinical consultations, refill reminder calls, and drug therapy recommendations.
- Entered new patient profiles and prescriptions into medication input software system.
- Provided friendly customer service at prescription drop-off and pick-up counters.
- Communicated directly with doctors' offices via telephone, fax and email.
- Advised patients on the selection of medication brands,  medical equipment, and healthcare supplies.
- Administered appropriate vaccinations.
- Verified patient data and billing information.
- Followed state and federal record keeping guidelines for legend drugs and controlled substances.
- Conducted drug utilization reviews, drug interventions, and medication therapy management.