For Samantha “Sami” Shafranski, a Wisconsin physician assistant (PA), caring for others isn’t just part of her job, it’s a calling rooted in family, faith and the small-town values she grew up with.
A calling to care: Sami's journey to becoming a physician assistant
“I think my career as a PA started with simply wanting to care for people,” said Sami. “I didn’t know what that would be like, but I had family members who were nurses and I was always drawn to that path.” It wasn’t until Sami’s grandfather, one of her favorite people, spoke glowingly about a PA who had cared for him that she felt her future click into place. “Every time I think about why I became a PA, I think of him,” she reflected.
Today, as a Signify Health clinician, Sami provides In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs) to eligible health insurance plan (also called health plan) members in rural and urban communities. Her role allows her to do what she loves most: spend meaningful time with people, help them to feel heard and offer guidance that can change (and even save) their lives.
Quality in-home health services that makes a difference
In a health care system that can sometimes feel rushed and impersonal, Sami’s visits feel refreshingly human. “Members often say, ‘Wow, I got more time with you than I ever do with my primary care provider,” she explained. “That’s the best feedback I could ask for.”
Sami has the flexibility to spend up to an hour with each individual which is plenty of time to review medications, listen to concerns, perform a physical exam and most importantly, connect on a personal level. “A lot of members are older. They might be lonely. Sometimes what they really need is just time, sometime to listen,” explained Sami.
For many, that extra time can be life-changing. In a recent visit, Sami detected an irregular heartbeat in an individual. Known as atrial fibrillation (or “A-fib”) the condition can increase the risk of stroke if untreated. “We got them into care right away. Catching something like that early can truly save a life,” she said.
Preventing falls and identifying hidden health risks
Sami’s IHE visits go beyond what happens in a regular checkup in an office or clinic. She can support fall prevention at home by noticing hazards like loose rugs, cluttered walkways or faulty ramps which can’t be seen during an office visit. “We talk about fall risks, how to make the space safer and I’ll follow up with case management if needed,” Sami said. “It’s about helping people stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.”
Sami’s work also helps create connections among members, their health plans and primary care providers. “We make sure everyone’s on the same page – what medications they’re taking, what screenings they’re due for, what vaccinations they’ve had. Sometimes members don’t know they’re eligible for certain screenings.”
A simple plan: “Listen first”
If there’s one thing Sami hopes to do, it is to make sure the people she meets feel cared for. “I always try to meet people where they are,” she said. “Maybe they’re not ready to make big changes and that’s okay. We take one step at a time, together.” Whether she’s offering support, uncovering a health issue or simply sharing a laugh with someone who reminds her of her grandfather, Sami’s approach starts with compassion. “Listening, that’s the most important thing I do.”
The value of a Signify Health IHE
If you would like to learn more about Signify Health IHEs and the difference they can make, watch this short video at HelloSignify.com. To find out if you are eligible for a no-cost IHE or to schedule an appointment call us at 1-855-984-5121 (TTY) or click Schedule Appointment.