The Psychology of Biologic Access: Why Persistence Matters
May 1, 2025
The Psychology of Biologic Access: Why Persistence Matters
By Brianna Pepin
Navigating biologic approvals isn’t just about paperwork and policy—it’s about persistence. Biologic coordinators operate within a healthcare landscape filled with roadblocks: prior authorization (PA) requirements, step therapy hurdles, insurance denials, and pharmacy delays. But often, the difference between a stalled case and a successful approval isn’t just knowledge—it’s mindset.
This article explores the mental resilience required in access work and why persistence may be the most valuable trait a biologic coordinator can cultivate.
The Mental Game of Access Work
Securing a biologic is like solving a jigsaw puzzle where some of the pieces are missing. Coordinators are constantly navigating shifting insurance policies, unclear documentation rules, and unexpected delays. But great coordinators don’t stop at the first obstacle—they find a new path forward.
Examples of persistence in action:
Step therapy rejection? A strong coordinator investigates the insurer’s policy, gathers medical rationale, and helps the provider build an effective appeal.
Specialty pharmacy delay? They don’t wait—they call, escalate, and advocate until the medication is shipped.
Unaffordable copay? They dive into assistance programs until a solution is found.
Persistence means treating every denial, delay, or requirement not as a dead end—but as a challenge to be solved.
Persistence Builds Influence
Coordinators who consistently follow through—chasing down paperwork, calling payers, and never letting cases slip through the cracks—build more than just successful approvals. They build trust and influence:
With providers: Persistent coordinators become trusted allies, leading to deeper collaboration and faster case handling.
With insurers: Payer reps begin to recognize them as knowledgeable, serious advocates who won’t back down from vague denials.
With patients: Patients feel supported knowing someone is actively fighting for their access to treatment.
Over time, persistence translates into reputation—and that reputation opens doors.
Patients Rely on Our Persistence
To patients, the insurance process is often confusing, exhausting, and full of “no.” When a denial comes through, they don’t always know how to push back—but we do.
Many patients may never realize the hours spent on the phone or the multiple appeals submitted on their behalf. But they do feel the impact of a coordinator who doesn’t give up. Whether it’s a routine PA or a complicated reauthorization, our persistence can change lives.
Strategic Escalation Matters
Being persistent doesn’t mean being pushy without direction. It means knowing when to escalate and how to escalate:
Peer-to-peer reviews when standard PAs are denied.
Insurance case managers for urgent access needs.
Pharmaceutical manufacturer support teams to assist with appeals and copay solutions.
Persistence is most effective when it’s strategic—not just louder, but smarter.
The Win Feels Even Better
There’s nothing like the moment you overturn a denial and deliver good news to a patient who thought their treatment was out of reach. Every hard-earned “yes” reinforces the value of persistence—and reminds us why we do what we do.
Being a biologic coordinator is more than managing paperwork. It’s about embodying resilience, navigating a broken system with expertise and heart. Persistence isn’t optional—it’s essential.
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At BC Educators, we are dedicated to empowering biologic coordinators, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates with the education, tools, and resources needed to optimize patient care. From expert-led webinars to hands-on training, we provide comprehensive support to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of specialty medications and prior authorizations.