At Signify Health, part of CVS Health®, our mission is to build trusted relationships to make people healthier. Our national network of more than 12,000 clinicians works to help people gain a more comprehensive view of their health by conducting In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs). During an IHE, clinicians identify chronic conditions, close gaps in care, and address social determinants of health, making it possible for health plan members to get connected to the right care for their unique needs.
We’re proud to showcase the clinicians helping us build a more connected, effective care experience for all – and their personal stories that make this important work feel #ClosetoHome. This is Kendra’s story.
For more than 15 years, Kendra Kaufman has been helping people across Iowa live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Now as a clinician with Signify Health she’s bringing that same commitment to supporting health plan members directly in their homes, one visit at a time.
Kendra grew up in Pella, Iowa where her interest in health care started early. “I knew I wanted to be a physician assistant back in high school,” she says. “My aunt worked as a PA and I remember shadowing her one day and thinking, this is it—this is what I want to do. I liked the idea of really listening to people and helping them take control of their health.”
After studying biology at a small private college in Michigan, she went on to earn her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. She then went on to work in a variety of health care environments, including pediatrics, family medicine, weight loss programs and even a short stretch in pain management.
One of her first roles was at a federally qualified health center in Davenport. “It was humbling,” she says. “I met members from every walk of life and it taught me to never assume anything about someone’s story. Everyone’s situation is different and you need to meet them where they are.”
Today Kendra provides In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs) with Signify Health, working mainly in the Davenport and Bettendorf area. She values the chance to connect with health plan members in a way that isn’t rushed.
“In a doctor’s office, visits are often short and focused only on one problem,” Kendra says. “But in the home, I usually spend 45 minutes to an hour with someone. Many members tell me it’s the longest they’ve ever had to sit and talk with a clinician. That extra time gives us space to look at the bigger picture—medications, history, lifestyle, even things they might not have felt comfortable bringing up before.”
Those conversations can sometimes uncover bigger concerns. Kendra recalls meeting a member who was convinced someone was trying to break into her home. “She was hallucinating and truly frightened,” Kendra says. “It was heartbreaking because she didn’t want to go to the hospital, but I knew I couldn’t ignore it. I reported it to adult protective services because I wanted to make sure she was safe. In this line of work you don’t always get to see what happens next, but you hope you’ve made a difference.”
Most visits though focus on the everyday health challenges many Iowans face. Kendra sees members managing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and depression as well as those living with financial and emotional stresses. “I’ve met people who are juggling a lot,” she says. “Sometimes it’s about the medicines they’re on, sometimes it’s about loneliness or money. It reminds me that health is about more than just numbers on a chart.”
For health plan members who might be hesitant to let someone into their home, Kendra takes time to explain the process. “I tell them it’s just a history and a brief physical,” she says. “It’s nothing invasive or difficult. I let them know I’ll need to see their medications, and that the visit usually takes about an hour. Once they hear that most people feel at ease, and by the end they often say they’re glad they did it.”
Outside of work Kendra loves spending time with her husband and their two kids. Her family enjoys taking their camper on trips, going to school sporting events and finding new places to explore together. “We like to keep it simple,” she says. “Traveling as a family, cheering on the kids, being outdoors—it’s those little things that matter.”
She also finds joy in gardening, though she admits it can be hard to keep up with during a busy season of life. “I love being outside and seeing things grow,” she says. “It’s grounding in a way—it slows you down and reminds you to appreciate the process.”
For Kendra, the real reward comes back to the people she meets every day. “I like knowing that I can bring health care into someone’s home in a way that feels unrushed and personal,” she says. “It’s about listening, building trust and helping people feel seen. At the end of the day that’s what matters most to me.”
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.