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 Jacquelynn’s story. 
Signify Health nurse practitioner (NP) Jacquelynn Rubsam knows a great “bedside manner” goes a long way toward building trust with health plan members. Her commitment to meeting people where they are not only contributes to improved outcomes, it’s also driving high satisfaction and consistent compliments from the members she visits.
Here’s what one recent member had to say. “Jacquelynn visited me today, and the experience was amazing! She explained to me in great detail each of the tests she performed and how to take care of and maintain good health. I am very satisfied with the service that she provided during my visit.”
While Jacquelynn always appreciates positive feedback, she’s particularly driven by the desire to help people learn how to take charge of their health.
Jacquelynn’s interest in health care began early while helping to care for her grandfather after a terminal cancer diagnosis. As a registered nurse, she worked in home care and hospice for nearly 20 years. After becoming an NP, she found her way to Signify Health.
“Working with Signify Health is such a great fit for me. I love educating members about their health and the steps they can take to be more active,” she said.
Building trust
Jacquelynn begins building a rapport with members before she ever sets foot in their home. She always makes her reminder calls to communicate an accurate arrival time and explain the visit.
“Everyone’s time is valuable,” she said. “I introduce myself, answer any questions about the visit and warn them about my bad jokes.”
Once she arrives, Jacquelynn thinks those “bad jokes” help to break the ice and put members at ease. She strives to meet members where they are, regardless of their level of health literacy.
Time and teamwork
Jacquelynn makes the most of her time with health plan members, which is often up to an hour. She consistently sees people who do not have a good understanding of their conditions, their medications and the changes they need to make to better manage their health.
“Not everyone has time during a regular primary care provider (PCP) appointment to ask their provider about disease processes or why they're prescribed various medicines,” she said. “That’s why the Signify Health In-Home Health Evaluation and the screening tests we provide are so important. We can help members build the knowledge that will help them maintain a plan of care moving forward.”
Jacquelynn thinks her experience in hospice gives her a different perspective on health care and the importance of diagnosing and managing chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, early.
“I talk to members about how to make decisions to change things now. I can’t guarantee the quantity of years, but I can talk about the quality of those years,” she said.
Those discussions include:
- The importance of a healthy diet and daily exercise.
- How to take medications as prescribed.
- The best resources and websites for gathering more information about chronic conditions and how to make lifestyle changes.
Jacquelynn is proud of the value she and other Signify Health clinicians bring to the health care system. She also likes knowing she can help connect members with their PCP to get follow-up care.
For example, she recently encountered a member with a high A1C or elevated blood sugar. He had never been diagnosed with diabetes and hadn’t experienced any concerning symptoms. But, his test results told a different story. Jacquelynn helped him connect with his PCP and schedule a same-day appointment so he could receive the treatment he needed.
“People receive the best care when they have a health care team and we all work together as partners,” she said.
In her free time, Jacquelynn enjoys painting and reading. A Florida resident, she enjoys kayaking with her husband and spending time outdoors.