Close to Home: How Danny Tamayo Brings Empathy to In–Home Health Care

Danny Tamayo has spent much of his life stepping up for others. First in the Army, now as a nurse practitioner with Signify Health, he brings calm, clarity and compassion to every In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE).

“I don’t rush through visits,” Danny says. “I take the time to explain things, answer questions and get to know people. It makes a big difference.”

With several years of experience performing IHEs, Danny understands that some health plan members may feel uncertain about what to expect. That’s why he begins each visit with a conversation. “I always ask, ‘Have you ever had one of these visits before?’” he says. “If they have, we talk about what’s familiar. If it’s their first time, I walk them through everything.”

To Danny, these evaluations are about more than vitals and checklists. They’re an opportunity to provide meaningful guidance, especially when it comes to chronic conditions or medication safety. “One thing I see a lot is members taking medications without knowing the right time or way to take each one,” he says. “When I explain the benefits and risks and offer guidance, people often tell me no one ever explained it to them like that before.”

Danny’s empathetic  approach is shaped by his personal story. Born and raised in northern New Jersey, he felt the impact of September 11, 2001 in a deeply personal way. “We lived just across the river,” he recalls. “We could see the Twin Towers from where we were. Friends of mine lost their parents that day.” The experience motivated him to enlist in the Army, where he spent several years on active duty.

After returning home, Danny followed his interest in health and wellness and began his path to becoming a nurse. He earned his degree, completed a competitive emergency room training program and spent years working in a busy emergency room before becoming a nurse practitioner.

“I’ve always been interested in the science behind staying healthy,” he says. “Even outside of work, I try to stay current with research so I can support members with the most up-to-date information.”

Outside of his clinical work, Danny is a devoted husband and father of two young boys. Whether he’s cheering at his son’s wrestling match or organizing a family movie night, he brings the same thoughtful energy to his home life that he brings to every visit.

Taking control of your health is a big step that, naturally, comes with some anxiety. When asked what he would say to a health plan member before their first IHE, Danny responds, “If you’re not sure what to expect, that’s okay. My role is to talk, to listen and to help however I can. And if you have questions, we’ll figure it out together.”

Are you a clinician interested in helping health plan members gain a more comprehensive view of their health? To learn more about opportunities with Signify Health, visit our clinical careers page.