For some seniors, going to a doctor’s office can be difficult for a number of reasons. Sometimes sitting in a waiting room may be physically uncomfortable. Or perhaps arranging transportation to get to and from appointments is troublesome. This is where an in-home visit with Signify Health can be a great option.

Signify Health provides in-home care to qualifying Blue Cross Medicare members. These visits provide a no-cost, convenient, annual wellness visit with a licensed clinician.

Sandra Ogato has been a licensed clinician with Signify Health for over a year. After graduating with her Ph.D. at Iowa State University, Sandra went to Bethel University to become a physician’s assistant (PA).

“I’m glad to work at Signify because I enjoy doing something useful,” Ogato explains. “We get to meet, talk to and help all of these patients. They’re all different but they’re all excited to see me. I feel good getting to chat with them.”

Ogato is one of many licensed clinicians at Signify performing in-home visits. She says a typical visit lasts about an hour, beginning with checking blood pressure, heart rate, and reflexes. Clinicians will then review medications, discuss safety concerns and discuss the patient’s medical history. Lab tests and screening services may be included. The visit ends with answering any health questions the patient may have and leaving a visit summary. Additionally, upon completion of their visit, each patient will be sent a $25 gift card redeemable for food items at any restaurant or grocery store where Visa is accepted.

“When I’m there, we use the full hour to be thorough. I’ve had patients tell me they’ve never had such a thorough visit,” Ogato says. “I like using all of our time together.”

Ogato says there is huge benefit in meeting patients in their own spaces.

“It’s nice being in their home, because I just get to listen to them and answer any of their questions in a space that they feel comfortable in,” Ogato says. “When you’re in their home, patients are more likely to feel comfortable explaining their health history, including medications. Patients trust you with all these things they normally don’t think about.”

Ogato finds fulfillment in being able to help people from all backgrounds. “I see many clients. Some of them are not able-bodied and use canes or wheelchairs,” Ogato says. “One client’s PCA (personal care assistant) quit on her. She hadn’t been to the doctor because she physically couldn’t. I worked with her and her care management team to ensure she got the care she needed. We do everything we can to make sure they’re taken care of.”

While Ogato enjoys the health aspects of her job, she also finds reward in connecting personally with her patients.

“One client showed me a project they’d been working on that wasn’t related to what we were doing. It was heartwarming, being able to talk with them about their interests. Some patients are just happy to have someone to talk with,” Ogato says. “Every person and every home is different. No matter what, they are so appreciative of me being there. I’m there to listen.”

Learn more

Blue Cross provides in-home annual wellness visits to those who are enrolled in the Blue Cross Medicare Advantage and SecureBlue℠ plans with no additional costs or hidden fees.

Visit our website or call Signify at 1-844-226-8218 to check your eligibility for an in-home wellness visit program.

Signify Health is an independent company that provides in-home health visits.