Kaniksu Health greets clients like they are family

Kanisku Health Services in Bonners Ferry refer to themselves as a family medical home rather than an office.

The reason, because they want their patients to feel as if this is their medical home.

There are four doctors, and four physicians assistants, two who are licensed clinical social workers that offer special services as well.

A pediatric doctor will join the team in August. A Bonners Ferry native, Dr. Hailey Rose, also is the daughter of Kris and Ron Larson.  

Kris Larson is the city clerk/treasurer for Bonners Ferry.

There are also two dentists and a dental hygienist on the Kaniksu staff.

The doctors will be featured in future Herald editions.

The first people patients see when they walk in the front door of KHS are the front desk staff.Their goal is to provide personalized care.

Clinical site manager Erin Binnall said the front desk staff help the office run smoothly. They are where patient care begins.

“We have such a wonderful team. If it weren’t for those ladies...they just keep everything together.”  Binnall said.

Molly Saccomanno is a dental assistant and also works the front office for the dental side of KHS. The dental office has two dentists and a hygienist.

Staff also include Nora Alvarado, a 20-year Bonners Ferry residentwho is part of the front office staff, as well.  Sharmin Hollenbeck does E files for medical records and has lived in Bonners Ferry her entire life.  

Sue Lozier also a Bonners Ferry native works in the front office.  Janet Aos also works to support the front desk girls and lived in Bonners Ferry for six years.  All these women have worked for Kanisku Health before the new building was built and moved over with the doctors and dentists.

The front office staff support the doctors, physician’s assistants and nurses, as well as atients.

KHS will bill insurance companies including Medicaid and Medicare and also provide a sliding fee scale based on income.

KHS doctors are willing to send columns into the Herald and also would like to provide a question and answer section once month. And soon will have an e-mail set up for people to e-mail their questions.

“Patients can actually e-mail their questions and we have an RN ready to disburse those questions to our doctors so patients can get answers to their medical questions,” Binnall said.

Binnall that the practice wants to crate teamwork collaboratively with other doctor offices on community as well.

Kanisku will also offer classes and programs with one soon coming on managing stress which is a 9-week program.

“Our goal is our mission and that is to provide quality affordable accessible healthcare to everyone,” said Binnall.  

KHS is located at 6615 Comanche Street in Bonners Ferry. To find out more or set up an appointment, call 267-1718.