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 Erica’s story.
Health care can be confusing. That’s why Signify Health is helping people improve their health literacy during every visit. Signify Health physician assistant Erica Ramos is one of the clinicians helping health plan members better understand their medications, comorbidities, and other potential gaps in their care.
Erica believes patient education is particularly important for older people who are more likely to both live with chronic conditions and to take multiple medications.
“I have a really close relationship with the older people in my life. I have always tried to appreciate their experience and understand where they are coming from,” Erica said. “In health care settings, older people do not always feel heard and health care issues are always not explained properly. A lot gets lost in translation, including diagnoses that are not properly explained at the bedside.”
Initially, Erica was planning to go to medical school. After completing her undergraduate degree, she took a break from school to work as a scribe at a critical access hospital in upstate New York. She got to know her colleagues in the PA-run emergency department and decided becoming a PA was the right fit for her.
After completing her master's, she stayed on at the same hospital working in the ED. Around that time, a colleague encouraged her to look into Signify Health as a way to supplement her income. She quickly embraced the opportunity to complete In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs).
“I loved seeing health plan members at home. You get a better picture of their health when you see where they live,” she said. “When people go to the physician’s office, they want to put their best foot forward. They may say what the clinician wants to hear rather than communicating what they really need.”
Although Erica enjoyed seeing members in person, her schedule eventually got too busy, so she switched to Video Visits. Although the visit is completed virtually, she still feels that she’s making a difference.
Whether in-home or virtual, Erica sees tremendous value in the Signify Health visit, including the opportunity to:
- Assess the health plan member’s emotional and mental well-being
- Review all medications and explain how they help manage symptoms and conditions
- Explore unmet needs, including difficulty paying for medication or accessing transportation to travel to medical appointments
- Explore whether they need more help from an in-home attendant to help with daily activities
“Some of the health plan members are lonely and they appreciate the opportunity to meet with me and be heard. At the end of the visit, they seem happier. I also enjoy the chance to meet them,” she said.
In her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with her husband—the couple was married last year. They recently bought a house and share it with three dogs, two rabbits and a fish. In addition, they enjoy trying new things near their home in upstate New York, including outdoor activities, new restaurants and festivals.
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.