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.
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 Andrew’s story.
You might say a health care career is part of Andrew Kitterman's DNA. After all, his mother is a physical therapist, his father is a counselor, and his brother is a physician. But it was a broken bone that actually led him to become a physician assistant.
“After I broke my leg in college, I was treated by the PA at my orthopedic office. I shadowed him to learn more about his career,” Andrew said. “That experience was what drew me to becoming a PA.
After earning his B.A. from Florida State University, Andrew earned his master’s at South University and became a PA. Initially, he worked at an outpatient spine surgery clinic. While he enjoyed helping patients, the long hours took a toll.
“I was on call 24-7, constantly answering calls from surgeons late at night. I was glued to my phone all the time. I wanted greater autonomy and better work-life balance,” he said.
Enter Signify Health, Andrew connected with a recruiter and quickly joined our network of clinicians. After nearly a year, he knows he made the right decision.
“I like how Signify Health manages my schedule. I’m just doing the clinician part of my job without all the administrative responsibilities,” he said.
Time to focus on what health plan members need
Andrew appreciates many aspects of the IHE and the benefits for health plan members including:
- Time to ask and answer questions and provide education on chronic conditions
- The opportunity to see members where they live
- Less burden on those without reliable transportation
“I have the opportunity to meet members in their home and build trust with them over that hour. I have the time to provide education so they have a better understanding of their health. I can answer their questions without rushing out the door,” he said.
Diabetes is one of the conditions he encounters frequently when completing IHEs. The length of the visit allows more time to provide education on diabetes, including an explanation of a healthy A1C and what people can do to manage their diet and get moving.
“For some people, the Signify Health IHE is one of the most comprehensive assessments they have received in a long time. That time with health plan members is one of the best things about the job,” he said.
When he’s not making a difference for health plan members, Andrew is making a difference for his community. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), he helps children in foster care have a voice in the legal proceedings affecting their lives. Andrew is also involved in the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, serving as the chair for a recent fundraising initiative that secured a record-breaking level of donations.
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.