When nurse practitioner (NP) Emily Tedrow enters a home, she notices the particulars that help tell a more complete story. It might be the way a health plan member organizes medications, talks about a daily routine or something in the home environment they need support with. And while Emily has been with Signify Health for nearly nine years, each visit continues to be an opportunity to better understand and support the person in front of her.
“When you go into the home, you see a whole new dimension of what people are dealing with,” Emily said. “Sometimes everything is going well, and sometimes you notice something they may not have thought to bring up. Being there gives you a better picture of their day-to-day life.”
A Path That Shaped Emily’s Perspective
Based in Indianapolis, Emily’s road to become an NP was not a straight line. She first studied psychology before spending several years in restaurant management. Eventually deciding on a career change, she went back to school. Emily earned her bachelor's and master's degrees back-to-back, becoming a registered nurse and then an NP. During those years, she often worked two jobs to make ends meet while going to school full-time and raising twins.
That persistence shaped the clinician she is today. At Signify Health, Emily performs In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs), where she reviews a member’s health history, medications and potential health needs while also looking for factors that may affect their daily life.
Focusing on Prevention and Follow Up
“The in-home visit is centered on prevention and is about catching things before they become more serious,” Emily said. “There are things people might dismiss or not realize are important. If we can help bring attention to something early and share that information back with their primary care provider, that can be really meaningful.”
That has been true in moments when Emily has encouraged a member to seek follow-up for a potential kidney concern or when a member’s symptoms and vital signs suggested a need for more immediate attention. In those situations, she focuses on helping the member understand why the finding matters and what the next step should be.
“You may notice something that a person was not aware of, and sometimes they do not realize how serious it could become,” she said. “I try to explain it in a way that makes sense so they understand why follow-up matters.”
Building Connection in the Home
Just as meaningful are the quieter moments of connection. Some members live alone or have limited opportunities to talk with someone who has time to listen. Emily sees that often, and it is one reason she values the in-home setting.
“You can sit with someone for a while and let them talk, and sometimes that is something they really need,” she said. “Not everyone has someone visiting or calling regularly, so having someone there who is listening and not rushing out the door can mean a lot.”
That ability to connect in a personal way is what she enjoys most about the role. When she isn’t working, however, Emily enjoys woodworking and creating pieces by hand. It is a hobby that reflects the same patience and attention to detail she brings into homes each day.
“I like making things and seeing how all the pieces come together,” Emily said. “You start with separate parts, work through the process and eventually it becomes something whole.”
In many ways, that same idea applies to her work at Signify Health. Each visit is made up of small observations, conversations and moments of trust. Put together, they help create a more complete picture of the health plan member.
“There is a lot you can learn when you meet someone at home,” she said. “You see what they are dealing with, you hear what matters to them and you do what you can to help them feel supported.”
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.
Reference to Signify Health herein refers to Signify Health, LLC and its contracted independent physician owned entities to which it provides administrative services including, Signify Health Medical Associates, PLLC; Brookview Medical Associates, PLLC; Signify Health Medical Associates of California, P.C.; Signify Health Medical Associates of New Jersey, LLC; and Signify Health Medical Associates of Kansas, LLC.