Cara Knecht
Beason,IL
Summary
Professional in healthcare with solid experience in clinical and administrative duties. Skilled in patient care, medical procedures, and electronic health records. Strong focus on teamwork, adaptability, and delivering high-quality results. Reliable in fast-paced environments and adept at supporting medical staff and patients effectively.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Prior Authorization Specialist
OSF HealthCare
01.2024 - Current
- Processed prior authorization requests in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with insurance guidelines and company policies.
- Achieved high success rate in obtaining authorizations by effectively demonstrating medical necessity through comprehensive documentation and clear communication with insurance companies.
- Collaborated with physicians to obtain necessary clinical information for prior authorization submissions.
Certified Medical Assistant- Integrated Wellness Center
SIU Medicine
03.2022 - 12.2023
- Assisted physicians and healthcare professionals in patient examinations and treatments.
- Managed patient records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations Collaborated with healthcare providers to obtain necessary documentation.
- Assisted in developing efficient workflows to enhance clinic operations and patient experience.
- Educated patients on treatment plans, medications, and preventive care strategies.
- Conducted routine clinical assessments, documenting observations accurately for physician review.
Medical Staff Specialist- Credentialing
SIU Medicine
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Reviewed provider database documents to promote compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
- Assisted in the establishment and implementation of credentialing policies and procedures streamlining the application process.
- Analyzing and resolving information discrepancies and gaps.
- Coordinated with medical staff to verify credentials and maintain accurate records in the database.
Medical Assistant Program Instructor
Midwest Technical Institute
09.2020 - 08.2021
- Facilitate hands-on student learning to achieve program and course objectives by organizing all aspects of the classroom function to include demonstration material, cleanliness, safety and lecture.
- Administer lessons according to lesson plan with extensive and detailed preparation.
- Additional assistance to students before and after school (tutoring) with preparation for the AAMA and/or NCT certification exam.
Certified Medical Assistant- Cardiothoracic Surgery and ENT
SIU Medicine
11.2016 - 08.2020
- Collaborated with healthcare providers and team members to obtain necessary documentation to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Coordinated referrals to specialists and obtained prior authorization and benefits through third-party payers.
- Administered patient assessments and vital sign measurements, ensuring accurate documentation in electronic health records.
- Assisted healthcare providers with examinations and procedures, enhancing patient care efficiency.
Education
Medical Billing and Coding - Health Information Management
Heartland Community College
Online12.2025
Certified Medical Assistant - Allied Health/Medical Assisting
Midwest Technical Institute
Springfield, IL01.2016
Skills
- Medical Terminology
- Attention to Detail
- Accuracy and Efficiency
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Compliance with Regulations
- Time Management
Certification
Certified Medical Assistant- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Medical Billing and Coding Program- Heartland Community College
Timeline
Prior Authorization Specialist
OSF HealthCare
01.2024 - Current
Certified Medical Assistant- Integrated Wellness Center
SIU Medicine
03.2022 - 12.2023
Medical Staff Specialist- Credentialing
SIU Medicine
08.2021 - 03.2022
Medical Assistant Program Instructor
Midwest Technical Institute
09.2020 - 08.2021
Certified Medical Assistant- Cardiothoracic Surgery and ENT
SIU Medicine
11.2016 - 08.2020
Medical Billing and Coding - Health Information Management
Heartland Community College
Certified Medical Assistant - Allied Health/Medical Assisting
Midwest Technical Institute