The Healthcare Heroes You May Not Have Heard Of

(BPT) – It’s no secret there’s been a spotlight on the vital work of healthcare heroes in recent years. From social media shout-outs and yard signs to daily claps and cheers, the impact of healthcare workers like nurses and doctors is recognized daily. But there are other heroes working behind the scenes to improve patients’ lives who you likely haven’t heard of. Biologic coordinators have an immeasurable impact on a patient’s life from the onset of their treatment journey and beyond treatment — yet too often, their work goes unrecognized. Care for those with immune-mediated diseases would not be possible without the incredible work of biologic coordinators. Read on to learn more about these unsung heroes and the important role they play.What Is a Biologic Coordinator? A biologic coordinator is a key member of a medical practice’s office staff and could be anyone, including an office administrator, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or a medical assistant. They are instrumental in helping patients receive the treatment they need. Biologic coordinators can work in various healthcare roles and partner with prescribing healthcare providers, specialty pharmacies, insurance companies, and manufacturers to help their patients navigate the steps to get their prescribed biologic medication. Some biologic coordinators may not even know they are biologic coordinators!Supporting Patients at Every Step of the Treatment Journey While biologic therapy can be an important treatment option for patients, obtaining access to these treatments can be challenging and patients often need help navigating the process. Biologic coordinators play a multifaceted role in supporting a patient, from the moment a doctor writes a prescription, until the medicine reaches the patient, and beyond. Biologic coordinators often assist in the navigation of information requested by insurance companies, including helping to fill out and submit preauthorization forms to insurance companies on behalf of patients. Additionally, they help patients work through any coverage challenges or denials of prescribed medication, filing appeals to insurance companies on the patient’s behalf. They also work closely with the patient’s healthcare provider to get the most up-to-date information about their care, including medical records and medical history.Support Beyond TreatmentBiologic coordinators care deeply about their patients beyond treatment. Their key role as a connection point between the patient and others allows them to know their patients on a personal level and advocate for them. Often, this deeper understanding can uncover worries about personal finances, employment, or relationships. This bond is unlike any other, and truly shows the role biologic coordinators play in improving the lives of their patients, not by a sense of obligation, but because they truly love to make a difference in people’s lives.Advancing Care for Patients Takes a TeamJanssen established the annual National Biologic Coordinators Day last year as part of a commitment to relentlessly advance care for those with immune-mediated diseases, recognizing this can’t be done alone. The community at large continues to be inspired by the connectivity and compassion of these unsung heroes and for the individuals they work tirelessly to support. Biologic coordinators often work behind the scenes and have a deep impact on a patient’s life beyond treatment, which is why Janssen is shining a light on the crucial role they play in the healthcare journey and encourages other organizations and individuals to join in celebrating these heroes.