When nurse practitioner (NP) Bebe Payton walks into a health plan member’s home, her goal isn’t just to complete a visit; it’s to leave that person feeling informed, supported and empowered.
“I always tell members, the purpose of this visit is to assess your health,” she says. “But more than that, it’s to help you understand what’s going on with your body and how you can take control of it. That’s where the real difference happens.”
For nearly ten years, Bebe has been a NP with Signify Health, performing In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs) across the Atlanta metro area. Earlier in her career, she worked in a traditional clinic, supporting patients through medical weight loss and surgery. It was meaningful work but she eventually realized she wanted something different.
“In the clinic, my days were full and I saw a lot of people,” she says. “But I found that I really enjoyed the fact that going into a person’s home allows me to have more time with the person, talk with them and help them understand what’s happening with their health. That’s what led me to Signify Health.”
Education is at the heart of Bebe’s approach. A certified nutritionist, personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder, she brings her passion for health and fitness into every conversation. “Health promotion is my thing,” she says. “When someone has diabetes or high blood pressure, I take extra time to talk about what’s happening in their body and how their choices affect it. I love helping people make those connections.”
That hands-on guidance has supported countless members. Bebe recalls one IHE where a member with diabetes seemed confused and disoriented. His blood sugar and A1C readings were dangerously high. “I told him, ‘You need to go to the emergency room now,’” she says. “He was on the verge of a diabetic coma. If I hadn’t been there that day, it could have ended very differently.”
In another instance, Bebe met a member with severe social anxiety who hadn’t seen a doctor in two years. “Her blood pressure was extremely high and she had stopped taking all her medications,” Bebe says. “I convinced her to see her doctor that day, but I also contacted her health plan to explore in-home physician services because I knew her fear of leaving the house wasn’t going to disappear overnight. It’s about finding long-term solutions, not just quick fixes.”
Bebe’s ability to connect starts with compassion and communication. “I think members trust me because I explain things in a way they understand,” she says. “I take the time to answer questions and explain the medications a member is taking in case they don’t know what it does, what could happen if they don’t take it and how it fits into the bigger picture of their health.”
That focus on education began early. Bebe laughs when she remembers a second-grade assignment that might have predicted her future. “We had to draw what we wanted to be when we grew up,” she says. “I drew a nurse. I didn’t even know why, but it looks like it was meant to be.”
When she’s not supporting members through IHEs, Bebe can usually be found at the gym. “If I’m not working, I’m training,” she says. She’s also a proud wife and mom to two teenagers.
After many years as an NP, Bebe still finds purpose in every visit. “Every time I meet a member, I think about how I can make an impact,” she says. “It’s not just about checking vitals, it's about helping people live healthier, fuller lives. That’s the best part of this job.”
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.