Administrative Medical Assistant

Kaniksu Community Health is a non-profit, award winning Community Health Center that provides integrated, team-based healthcare in north Idaho. 

Patients consider us their partner in healthcare, over the course of their life and the spectrum of their health needs. From prevention and wellness to medical, dental, and behavioral health. From pediatric to geriatrics, we believe that quality healthcare should be accessible, approachable and affordable for everyone. Regardless of how a patient can pay, or the severity of their concerns, we help find solutions.   We provide access to comprehensive and integrated multi-disciplinary services through the Patient Centered Medical Home model of care. 

But we're not just invested in our patients – we're invested in our people.  We know that our overall success is a combined effort and we therefore strive to provide opportunities for our employees to learn, grow and thrive. We are proud to have built a positive and engaged team with a "family" spirit. Our team members are dedicated and provide a patient centric approach to care and know exactly what we are working on and why, and how their everyday work contributes to successfully achieving this goal.

The benefits of working for KCH include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Education Assistance and Guided Career Pathways
• 4% 401K employer match
• In-house medical, dental, or behavioral health services
• Year round, affordable on-site childcare at KCH Kid's Club

A Kaniksu Community Health Administrative Medical Assistant is not just responsible for providing excellent customer service.  They are committed to providing an excellent patient experience while performing essential clinical or administrative work in a fast-paced, productive environment.  YOU ARE an essential team member charged with assisting patients in managing their care at Kaniksu Community Health. 

Under the direction of the KCH Director of Nursing, Director of Clinical Operations and Medical Staff Providers and as a member of the Kaniksu Community Health Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Team, a typical day might include of an Administrative Medical Assistant might include;

• Process prior authorization requests for prescribed medications through insurance portals, fax, or phone.
• Review provider documentation to ensure required information is submitted for authorization requests.
• Communicate with insurance companies, pharmacies, and providers regarding authorization status.
• Track and follow up on pending authorizations to ensure timely approval.
• Notify providers and clinical staff of authorization outcomes.
• Inform patients of approval status, alternative medications, or next steps when authorization is denied.
• Assist providers with appeals or additional documentation when prior authorizations are denied.
• Maintain accurate records in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system (Athena).
• Coordinate with pharmacies to ensure prescriptions are processed once authorization is obtained.
• Maintain knowledge of insurance formularies and coverage requirements.
• Support clinical staff with general medical assistant duties when needed.
• Answer high volumes of incoming calls in a professional and compassionate manner.
• Verify patient identity and update demographic and insurance information accurately in Athena.
• Schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments based on provider availability and patient needs.
• Triage calls according to clinical protocols and route messages appropriately to providers or nursing staff.
• Provide information regarding clinic services, directions, hours, and policies.
• Process prescription refill requests and prior authorizations as directed by clinical staff.
• Initiate and track patient referrals and ensure timely completion of required documentation.
• Administer and manage provider task boxes, ensuring messages, lab results, refill requests, and patient inquiries are routed, tracked, and completed promptly.
• Document all patient interactions clearly and thoroughly in Athena.
• Manage and respond to patient messages through phone, email, and portal systems.
• Follow up on outstanding labs, imaging, or referrals as directed.
• Support outreach efforts such as reminder calls, care coordination, and follow-up scheduling.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Collaborate with providers, nurses, and other team members to ensure smooth communication and continuity of care.

• Responsible for relating well to people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and for having empathy for patients with demonstrated ability to treat them with dignity and respect.

Experience Needed to Land this Gig:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years of experience in a healthcare or medical office setting, preferably with prior authorizations and/or call center duties.
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) required; must hold current or be able to obtain certification in the State of Idaho.
• Experience working with insurance companies, pharmacies, and providers to process authorizations and referrals.
• Familiarity with EHR systems; Athena experience preferred.
• Ability to manage high call volumes while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and compassion.
• Experience with scheduling, insurance verification, and patient record documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and insurance processes.
• Commitment to patient confidentiality (HIPAA) and providing respectful, patient-centered care.

Work Schedule:

Full Time

No. of Hours/week - 40

4x10s