Medical Virtual Assistant (Athena Health & Prior Authorization)

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital; United States; Remote; USD 7,000 - 8,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dedicated HR & Contractor Support Team

Premium VPN Access

HIPAA & Cybersecurity Training (cert.)

Top VA Performance Training

U.S. Holidays Off (client)

Job summary

Medihealth Primary Care is seeking a Medical Virtual Assistant with hands-on Athena Health EMR experience and PA processing expertise. This remote, part-time role supports primary care operations, patient communications, and insurance verifications.

The ideal candidate will manage PA across payer guidelines, RPM data monitoring, and referrals while maintaining HIPAA compliance and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• PA processing experience is REQUIRED (non-negotiable).
• Hands-on Athena Health EMR experience is REQUIRED (no training available).
• Previous experience in a Primary Care clinic is REQUIRED.
• Strong understanding of medical terminology, healthcare workflows and clinical documentation.
• Experience verifying insurance eligibility and benefits across multiple carriers.

Responsibilities

• Process Prior Authorizations (PA) for meds, tests, imaging, procedures, and specialty services using payer guidelines.
• Manage Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) workflows: monitor data, document updates, escalate abnormal readings.
• Process and coordinate referrals with providers and patients, ensuring documentation and insurance compliance.
• Document all patient interactions and communications within Athena Health and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Prior Authorization processing

Athena Health EMR

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Referral processing

Medical terminology

Education

RN background

Primary care clinic experience

Tools

Athena Health EMR

CoverMyMeds

Availity

Athena Chat

Slack

Salesforce

WhatsApp

Skype

Zoom Meetings

Google Meet

Job description

Medical Virtual Assistant (Athena Health & Prior Authorization)

Medihealth Primary Care

Our client is looking for an experienced Medical Virtual Assistant to join our growing team. We are seeking a highly organized, detail‑oriented healthcare professional with hands‑on Athena Health EMR experience and a strong background in Prior Authorization (PA) processing within a primary care setting. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, can multitask efficiently, and is committed to delivering exceptional administrative and patient support.

Work Schedule

• Position: Part‑time
• Schedule: in between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central Time (CST)
• Working Days: Monday – Thursday
• Break: 1-hour unpaid lunch break (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Compensation

• $5.00 – $6.00 USD per hour, depending on experience

Key Responsibilities

Priority Responsibilities

• Process Prior Authorizations (PA) for medications, diagnostic tests, imaging, procedures, and specialty services using payer portals and insurance guidelines.
• Manage Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) workflows by monitoring patient data, documenting updates, escalating abnormal readings, and coordinating with providers as needed.
• Process and coordinate patient referrals, ensuring accurate documentation, insurance compliance, and timely communication with specialists and patients.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contact laboratories to obtain pending patient lab results and ensure timely documentation in Athena Health.
• Perform insurance eligibility and benefits verification across multiple commercial and government insurance plans.
• Run reports within Athena Health EMR to support clinical and administrative workflows.
• Document all patient interactions, authorizations, referrals, and insurance communications accurately within Athena Health.
• Respond to patient inquiries and provide phone support during downtime between Prior Authorization tasks.
• Coordinate with providers, pharmacies, laboratories, and insurance companies to ensure timely patient care.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and protect patient confidentiality at all times.
• Support general administrative and front‑office functions as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Experience with Prior Authorization processing is REQUIRED (non‑negotiable).
• Hands‑on experience using Athena Health EMR is REQUIRED (no training available).
• Previous experience working in a Primary Care clinic is REQUIRED.
• Strong understanding of medical terminology, healthcare workflows, and clinical documentation.
• Experience verifying insurance eligibility and benefits across multiple insurance carriers, including:
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Humana
• UnitedHealthcare
• Anthem Blue Cross
• Commercial insurance plans
• CoverMyMeds
• Availity
• Experience with Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) programs.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong multitasking, problem‑solving, and time management abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining productivity and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) background strongly preferred.
• Clinical experience in a primary care environment.
• Knowledge of Chronic Care Management (CCM) workflows.
• Experience coordinating referrals and managing patient care follow‑ups.

Software & Tools

• Athena Health EMR (Required)
• CoverMyMeds
• Availity
• Athena Chat
• Slack
• Salesforce
• WhatsApp
• Skype
• Zoom Meetings
• Google Meet
• Email and phone systems

Top 3 Priorities

• Prior Authorization (PA) Processing (Highest Priority – Non‑Negotiable)
• Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
• Referral Processing

Basic Requirements

• Must speak and write English clearly and professionally.
• Must have relevant work experience.
• Must be able to provide an NBI Clearance and/or Local Police Clearance before onboarding (mandatory).
• Must be available to attend video meetings with camera on when required.

Technical Requirements

• Computer: Reliable laptop or desktop computer.
• Internet: Stable high‑speed internet connection (minimum 25 Mbps).
• Audio: Noise‑canceling headset.
• Video: Working webcam for virtual meetings.
• Workspace: Quiet and professional work environment.

Benefits

• Dedicated HR & Contractor Support Team: Access to world‑class support for questions, guidance, contract matters, and client communication.
• Premium VPN Access (Optional): A secure VPN license can be provided upon request to enhance privacy and security for client‑related tasks.
• HIPAA & Cybersecurity Training + Certification (Provided): Access to our internal HIPAA compliance training, cybersecurity modules, and certification to help you confidently handle PHI for U.S. healthcare clients.
• Top 1% VA Performance Training: Access to our proprietary training on communication, client management, productivity systems, and best practices to help you become a top‑performing VA and increase long‑term client retention.
• Client‑Approved U.S. Holidays: Contractors may take U.S. holidays off according to the client’s needs and schedule.
• Client‑Approved Paid or Unpaid Time Off: Time off may be granted by your client. Paid time off is optional and only if offered by the client.
• Access to Tools & Resources: Templates, workflow guides, productivity tools, and client‑specific SOP support to help you perform at your best.
• Optional Performance‑Based Incentives: Some clients may offer bonuses, incentives, or increased hours based on your performance.

These are optional resources and client‑approved allowances available to you as an independent contractor. Any resources, training, or allowances listed are optional contractor perks and not employee benefits.