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Diabetes does not discriminate with age. Though adults aged 45–64 receive the majority of new diabetes diagnoses in the U.S., the country has also seen increases in disease prevalence among those 18-44. Most people who develop diabetes as adults develop type 2 diabetes. Even more concerning is that nearly 90% of those who have prediabetes, and thus have an increased risk of developing the disease, aren’t aware they have it. 

At Signify Health, a CVS Health® company, 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. 

Close to Home: Meet Brie Dawson, Signify Health Nurse Practitioner

At Signify Health, a CVS Health® company, 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. 

October is National Health Literacy Month. The mission is to create a more equitable world where everyone can access high-quality care and achieve positive health outcomes.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health literacy is important for everyone because, at some point in our lives, we will all need to find, understand, and use health information and services. Adequate levels of health literacy can help us maintain good health, access early disease detection, and better manage health problems when they arise. 

At Signify Health, a CVS Health® company, 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. 

October is National Health Literacy Month, which encourages health care professionals to build bridges between organizations and individuals who need health care or services to create a more equitable world where everyone can access high-quality care and achieve positive health outcomes. 

At Signify Health, a CVS Health® company, 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. 

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson introduced Hispanic Heritage Week. The week was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to encompass a 30-day period beginning September 15 and ending October 15. The mid-month starting and ending dates align with many significant independence anniversaries in Latin American countries, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico and Chile.

In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled –  nearly one-third of the U.S. population over the age of 65 has diabetes. People with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of serious health conditions like heart, eye and kidney disease. Having simple and convenient access to diagnostic testing, care planning and complex condition education offers promising opportunities for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and their members.

At Signify Health, a CVS Health® company, 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. 

As a clinician dedicated to helping adults age in their homes, I've witnessed firsthand the pivotal role that proactive health management plays in maintaining a high quality of life. Aging gracefully is not just about adding years to your life, but also ensuring those years are vibrant and fulfilling — spent out of the hospital with as much independence and autonomy as possible. 

At Signify Health, a CVS Health® company, 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. 

At Signify Health, a CVS Health® company, 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. 

At Signify 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 conductingIn-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. 

Every June, health care professionals and their organizations recognize Men’s Health Month to encourage men to care for their health and prevent future health conditions. Historically, Men’s Health Month has served as a reminder for men to make an appointment with their health care provider. In this blog, we explain health screenings and the role they play in early disease detection. 

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder. Mental health conditions among older people are often underrecognized and undertreated, and the stigma surrounding these conditions can result in a reluctance to seek help. Recent Signify Health In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE) results validated the risk of mental illness in elderly adults.

At Signify 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 Dr. Hawkin’s story. 

Use resistance bands to help improve your flexibility and strength in the comfort of your home. 

Tips for becoming more involved in your health care.

For Joel, connecting with people in the community is essential to helping individuals maintain their independence and quality of life. The opportunity to support health plan members at home brought him to Signify Health.

For Signify Health nurse practitioner Courtney Robertson, the biggest impact is often found in the smallest, simplest moments. That’s how she’s making the difference for health plan members.

On Monday, December 18, Signify Health leaders Dana Lynch, Director of Network Services, Alex Blackstock, Vice President of Product Management, and Peter Yates, Vice President of Care Coordination Products from Signify Health, shared exciting findings from two recent research projects that illustrated that beyond providing members, health plans and members’ PCP a holistic view of a members health, the IHE positively impacts members’ experiences, diabetes care, and their connection to the care continuum. 

In-Home Health Evaluation (IHEs) are a comprehensive evaluation of the health status of MA members that help identify potential risks and tailor appropriate care plans. Signify Health Clinicians perform the IHE in the member’s home or virtually. 

Taking the time to care for one’s mental health is vital at every stage of life. But as people age they often spend more time at home – many times, alone – so prioritizing mental health becomes even more critical. 

Health care can be complicated, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or complex medication regimens. Nurse practitioners (NPs) like Jamela Love can make all the difference when health plan members need help taking charge of their health.

At Signify 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. 

By visiting health plan members in their homes, our Signify Health nurses get a more complete picture of the factors driving someone’s health and can better design human-centered care engagement strategies that keep people healthy and connected to their care. 

At Signify 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. 

In our recent white paper, ‘The Correlation Between Enhanced Member Experience and Improved Primary Care Engagement,’ we address peer-reviewed studies that demonstrated that Medicare beneficiaries who see a primary care provider (PCP) regularly have fewer hospitalizations and lower health care costs. Yet, certain factors make it challenging for some individuals, particularly older Americans, to see a PCP regularly.

At Signify 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 Lisa’s story. 

Lisa Anger, a nurse practitioner with Signify Health, has learned to trust her instincts, especially when someone’s health is on the line. Fortunately for one health plan member on Anger’s schedule, her instinct saved a life.

Recently, while completing the In-home Health Evaluation, Anger noted a member had a very low pulse rate. Lisa advised him to seek care immediately to rule out any underlying issues.

The member immediately sought care at a local hospital and needed heart surgery. “I am very thankful for the visit – it saved my life,” the member later told a Signify Health team representative during a phone call to thank Anger for her quick action.

Putting People First

Fortunately, Anger doesn’t often need to offer life-saving clinical guidance during every visit, but she strives to put people first daily regardless of their needs. Whether it’s high blood pressure or a medication issue, she looks for ways to help every health plan member stay healthy.

“Because we have time with members in the home, we’re in a position to notice things others may miss. We can then refer the member back to their primary care provider for the follow-up they need.”

Anger has been with Signify Health since 2022. After six years as a nurse practitioner in the acute care setting, she wanted to try something new.

“Mostly, health care is very quick now. You may only have a few minutes with your doctor, which may not leave enough time to ask questions. With Signify Health, I have the time to go in-depth with health plan members. This is what I want from my nursing career,” she said.

Healthy Hearts

In the spirit of ‘Move More Month,’ observed every year in April, Anger has practical tips to share, many especially important for those at higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Here are a few suggestions you can also keep in mind:

March is National Kidney Month. In August 2023, as part of In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs), Signify Health announced the launch of a comprehensive kidney health evaluation to support the early detection, diagnosis, and management of kidney disease for eligible health plan members. 

At Signify 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. 

One of the most important parts of managing your health is having open and productive conversations with your primary care provider.

At Signify 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. 

At Signify 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.

February is American Heart Month when everyone is encouraged 
to focus on their cardiovascular (heart) health.

Social isolation and loneliness are contributing to a growing public health crisis. TheU.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community found that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking 15 cigarettes daily. They can also increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety, and depression.

Career dreams don’t always work out the we imagine. Luckily for our health plan members, Susan McGinnis’ second act brought her to nursing and to Signify Health.

Every day, Signify Health physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants engage with thousands of health plan members – wherever they call home – to get a true understanding of members’ health status – and for members to get connected to the right care for their unique needs. Here is Kurt's experience with his recent In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE).

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant care delays, which disproportionately impacted those with poor health or chronic conditions. In the first three months of 2020, 41% of U.S. adults delayed or avoided medical care. Multiple studies show regular visits with primary care reduce hospitalizations and costs. Yet many Americans lack a primary care provider (PCP).

Americans are living longer than ever, thanks to advances in healthcare and improved public health initiatives. In fact, there are nearly 90 thousand people 100 years or older in the United States today, nearly double the number from 20 years ago. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be 65 or older. 

But it’s not just about aging – it’s about aging well. To stay healthy with each birthday celebration, we need to pay closer attention to our bodies and minds, and make sure our lifestyles and behaviors support healthy aging. It may not always be easy, but it is important. Savvy seniors are taking the right steps to live their best lives, and you can too. 

The good news is, it’s never too late to take control of your health. Online resources and tools that encourage simple lifestyle changes to lead a longer, healthier, and more independent life are just a keystroke away. 

In celebration of Healthy Aging Month, we’re sharing five tips from Signify Health providers, Elizabeth Dugan, MD and Elissa Greene, NP, to help you improve your health, and age with grace, joy, and dignity.

1. Get Moving

Build movement into every single day. Research tells us that sitting for too long is as bad for our health as smoking. Physical activity is critical to healthy aging. It’s essential to heart, lung, brain, and joint health. Cardiologists recommend walking for 30 minutes, five days a week to strengthen the heart and boost circulation, but even stretching for a few minutes every day can ensure the musculoskeletal system is getting the attention it needs to function better. 

Balancing exercises and basic yoga practices (there’s even chair yoga for those who need it!)  are other ways to move your body and reduce your risk of falling. Grab a friend and hold each other accountable to walk and stretch a few times every week. 

2. Eat healthy, whole food

A healthy diet is key to living a healthier life. How we fuel our bodies affects more than our weight; it impacts immunity, strength, and energy. The foods, drinks, medications, and supplements we consume affect every function of our bodies and minds. 

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to understand what you’re putting in your body. While fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and whole grains will always prevail when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, it can be difficult (and expensive) to shop and prepare for every meal. 

Look for low-sodium foods. Many foods, even canned and frozen, may have a lot of sodium. It is important to look at nutritional labels and reduce your sodium intake.   

Health-supporting supplements are popular, however, be sure to consult your healthcare provider before consuming any non-prescribed supplements. It’s important to know how that supplement will interact with prescription medications you may take. Many over-the-counter supplements, for example, can cause dizziness or thin the blood. If you have doubts, always ask a healthcare professional. 

3. Be social and have fun! 

The older we get, the more loss, grief, and isolation we tend to experience. For older adults who have trouble moving around, loneliness can be more acute – especially if family and friends don’t live nearby. 

Social isolation and loneliness are health hazards, and not only to our minds. Yes, they put us at high risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. But recent studies have found that social isolation also reinforces unhealthy habits that can have a harmful impact on our physical health. 

We can live longer, more joyful lives by seeking and staying connected to others, whether it be by staying in touch with friends and family in person, digitally, or over the phone, by volunteering for a local organization, or by finding a community of people with shared interests and values.

As we age, social interaction should become a priority – even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable. Experts have even suggested scheduling time to develop strong social connections that help combat loneliness. 

4. Your mind matters, too

For some people, the aging experience can be frightening. It is completely normal to be worried about ourselves and our families as we age, but those fears and anxieties can impact our health. We don’t get the restful sleep we need, we experience an unhealthy amount of stress throughout the day, and we can find ourselves adopting a more cynical or negative emotional state of mind. 

These experiences put the cognitive health of older adults at risk, impacting memory, decision-making, and mood. These are completely natural feelings and behaviors, but that doesn’t mean we need to let our anxieties control us. 

Mindfulness exercises and meditation may be effective in combating fear and anxiety. It may feel impossible sometimes to learn how to relax and find calm, but luckily there are more resources available now than ever before. Try downloading an app that walks you through breathing exercises when you’re feeling anxious, or leads you through a guided meditation when you’re having trouble sleeping.

5. Be an active participant in your own health

When it comes to healthy aging, proactivity is the name of the game. We want to be one step ahead of the needs of our bodies and minds, and that means staying engaged with our healthcare.  

In-Home Health Evaluations are one of the best prevention tools available to older adults. Beyond the screenings that tell us what’s going on with our physical health, these preventive services provide you with the opportunity to make use of the time you have with your care team to talk about any concerns you have about your health – whether that be your medications, your environment, or your mood. Think of preventive services such as the annual wellness visit and In-home Health Evaluation as an opportunity to take action – to provide your whole person with what you need to age healthily. 

Get started now by making an appointment with your PCP for your annual wellness visit and see if your health plan covers an in-home assessment with Signify Health.  Schedule your In-Home Health Evaluation through Signify Health now! 

Today’s aging experience is much different than generations of the past. People lead active and fulfilling lives well into their eighties and beyond. Take these steps to ensure you too will live your best life now and in the future.

It may be hard to imagine, but one in five Americans will be 65 or older by 2030. The reality is our nation is aging quickly, living longer, and developing needs that exceed our healthcare system’s capacity. As the average age of Americans steadily increases, so too does the country’s chronic disease burden. Consumer expectations for healthcare are changing. If we can shop, bank, and stream our favorite shows from the comfort of our living rooms, why can’t managing our health be just as convenient? 

More than 10 years have passed since Dana Lynch, a nurse practitioner (NP), took a daring career leap that put her on the path to becoming a corporate healthcare leader.

When I was welcomed into the medical community at the White Coat Ceremony on my first day of orientation at the New York University School of Medicine, a single piece of advice stood out and I remember it to this day: always listen to the nurses! It was some of the most sound professional guidance I’ve ever received, and I’ve followed it my entire career.

Exactly 90 years ago, the people of Winder, Georgia came together to observe the very first “Doctors Day” – a day to show thanks to the local physicians who cared for members of their rural community. Over the next few decades, Doctors Day spread to communities across the country, and in 1990, it was formally recognized as a national holiday. Just as the roles of physicians have expanded and diversified as medicine has evolved, so, too, has the holiday. This week, the nation recognizes the more than one million physicians across the country who have dedicated their lives to keeping us healthy.

Sue Hubbard, NP-C, has been conducting In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs) for Signify Health for more than eight years. Sue’s healthcare experience is impressive and includes performing outreach and delivering home care for 19 years. She hails from Iowa and travels much of the northeastern part of the state serving health plan members in the privacy and convenience of their homes.

As the industry moves further into value-based care, nurse practitioners are playing an increasingly important role in driving outcomes by improving both quality and efficiency. From primary care offices to hospitals and urgent care clinics to long-term care facilities to the home, NPs are improving health and well-being across settings. 

More than 50 years ago, the first nurse practitioner training program was developed at the University of Colorado. Upon completing advanced clinical training, registered nurses – who also have completed a master’s or doctoral degree program – assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and manage treatment plans. A half-century later, NPs have become an integral part of healthcare, expanding access to high-quality medical treatment in communities across the country.

Taking a small step toward better health can be as simple as answering the phone. As part of our in-Home health evaluation program, Signify Health partners with leading health plans to offer their plan members a no-cost visit by a licensed Signify Health clinician.

For example, a Medicare Advantage plan will identify members who might benefit most from an in-home visit. Once they are identified, Signify Health team members contact them to schedule an appointment.

These no-cost annual check-ins function as a supplement to a person’s annual primary care check-up and happen in the comfort of their home. According to a recent Signify Health survey, these in-home visits are well-received by the people we serve, with results showing:

Signify Health clinicians meet people where they want to be: at home. As part of our In-Home Health Evaluation program, health plan members are eligible to receive a no-cost, in-home visit from a licensed, highly trained clinician. During these visits, a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant examines the member’s whole health, including mental well-being, and identifies potential barriers to care. We partner with many leading Medicare Advantage plans, as well as provide services to certain Medicaid and commercial plan members.

When President John F. Kennedy established Older Americans Month in 1963 there were just 17 million Americans over the age of 65. Today, that number is 54 million, and growing rapidly. Then as now, the needs of older Americans are too often not fully appreciated or acted upon.

While it’s no secret preventive measures are essential to keeping people healthy, many seniors wait for their annual wellness visit to gain updates on their health status. For individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, preventive and diagnostic screenings and services provided as part of an In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE) can help fill the gap between office visits and serve as a hub for the continuum of care.

To fulfill its vision to achieve the highest level of health and well-being and to eliminate disparities in health care quality and access for all they serve, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) supports a range of initiatives designed to provide equitable, cost-effective, and person-centered care. This vision is ambitious, but achievable if all within the extended care team – and the organizations that support them – collectively embrace initiatives that meet the medical and nonmedical needs of beneficiaries in cost-effective ways. 

In its recent Strategy Refresh, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Innovation Center performs a needed introspection of the work done to-date with the alternative payment models piloted and fully implemented, and lays out a clear agenda for continuing its work and meeting important objectives. This report, which is the focus of the virtual Value-Based Payment Summit, has elicited many reactions from health policy experts and, in some cases, raised questions about the potential negative impact of these models on Medicare beneficiaries and the enrichment of model participants at the expense of the Medicare Trust Fund.

Time has a special meaning in geriatrics, for both patients and the geriatricians like me that treat them. Older patients are focused on maintaining their function and independence so they can enjoy every day-week-month as happily and healthily as they can. Geriatricians know that to achieve those goals, we need time to connect with patients on both a personal and professional level. Doctors have traditionally been lucky to spend even 15 minutes with their patients — just enough time to cover the chief complaint and maybe some chronic disease basics. 

As the healthcare industry continues its transformation from the costly pay-as-you-go, fee-for-service model to paying for those services that actually make you better, all eyes are on health technologists. The transformation to “value-based care” requires a seismic shift of all market forces happening simultaneously and requiring a new level of interoperability, connectivity, scalability and usability. 

May is Older Americans Month, and this year we should use it as a time to think big about changes we can make for how seniors receive their health care. Coming out of the pandemic, we have an opportunity to embrace the lessons we learned about what is possible. Millions experienced their first home visit, their first doctor’s appointment by telemedicine, their first sharing of biometric data remotely to improve care management or even their first admission to the “hospital” at home.

Anyone age 65 and older can experience greater severity in symptoms and complications from influenza—and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults accounted for roughly 60-80 percent of flu-related deaths in recent years.