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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: