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 Elizabeth’s story.
Signify Health’s diabetes Focused Visit is one of the new services available to eligible health plan members, designed to close gaps in care and prevent new or worsening complications. With a passion for health education, nurse practitioner Elizabeth Gonzalez is a natural fit for our newest offering. Whether she’s completing an In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE) or a Focused Visit, the approach is the same - equip health plan members with the information they need to manage their health.
“My favorite part of being a nurse practitioner is teaching. I enjoy working with members and doing what I can to help them feel better,” she said.
Bringing Support to the Member’s Front Door
Following a successful pilot, Signify Health will expand the diabetes Focused Visit to additional states and health plans in 2025. Elizabeth is just one of the many clinicians bringing diagnostic testing to the home including the Diabetic Eye Exam, blood pressure testing, kidney health evaluation testing, hemoglobin A1c and other diagnostic and preventive screenings. Like the IHE, the Focused Visit also offers members an opportunity to ask questions, discuss strategies for symptom management, create and update care plans and receive referrals to assistance to address unmet needs.
Elizabeth understands the importance of breaking down complex information, explaining medical terms in a way that’s easy for members to understand. She also offers simple strategies to feel better including:
- Nutrition: Elizabeth always highlights the effects of carbohydrates as people don’t always understand the impact on blood sugar levels. Craving something sweet? Opt for strawberries. Enjoy sodas? Cut down to once a week or, even better, one per month.
- Exercise: When members are physically able to exercise, she encourages them to start small, a 10-minute walk or chair yoga at home. Just get moving.
- Self-advocacy: Elizabeth also reminds members that it’s important to check in with their doctor regularly and speak up if they have questions or concerns.
The members Elizabeth sees have been very receptive to the diabetes Focused Visit and the IHE. “When I make my reminder calls, I explain what we’ll cover during the visit. They see the benefit and appreciate the time we spend with them,” she said.
Elizabeth began her health care career as an LPN. She wanted to grow professionally and expand the scope of her responsibilities so she furthered her education and became a nurse practitioner. Previously, she worked in both the hospital and clinic settings. Now, she works exclusively for Signify Health.
“People need help to be compliant with their medications and to understand their conditions. Sometimes, they also need help finding housing or paying the electric bill. The work we do is so important and I can see that Signify Health is making a difference.”
Recently, Elizabeth met with a member with heart failure who was living outside on a patio. His blood pressure was low and he needed support. Elizabeth helped arrange transportation for him to get to the hospital and submitted a referral for case management support to help with housing.
“The economy makes it hard for some people right now. I’m glad I was there to help him,” she said.
Elizabeth lives in Homestead, FL. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her children’s activities including a daughter who plays the cello and a son who enjoys baseball.
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.