Close to Home: Meet Makula Brown, Signify Health Nurse Practitioner

At Signify Health, 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 Makula's story.

Every day, Signify Health clinicians have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of health plan members. Sometimes, that impact is lifesaving.

Signify Health nurse practitioner Makula Brown recently encountered a member at a crucial moment. During the In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE), she noted very low blood pressure and pulse oximeter readings. As Makula proceeded with the visit, she saw "bradycardia" listed among the member's pre-existing conditions, but no medications were prescribed.

The member wasn't scheduled for another visit with her primary care provider (PCP) for several weeks. Makula discussed her concerns with the member and her daughter, and they called the PCP together. The physician shared Makula's concerns, and the member was promptly transported to the hospital emergency department.

Through a follow-up call from the member's daughter, Makula learned the member received the care she needed in the hospital. Without Makula's intervention, the member could have faced a life-threatening outcome.

"It feels good to know I made a difference in this member's life. I'm glad I was there to help," she said.

Helping people is why Makula came to Signify Health in 2021. She values the focused time she can spend with every member, a luxury generally unavailable in other health care settings.

"I worked in the hospital at the start of the pandemic and suffered burnout. I wanted a change in my environment and the pace of my work. A friend recommended Signify Health, and here I am," she said.

From discussing current medications and vaccines to offering education on applicable health conditions, Makula believes the IHE offers tremendous value to members. In her experience, members also see that value.

"We have the time to provide education on their diagnoses, time they may not always have with their PCP. The more IHEs we complete, the greater our impact," she said.

Beyond the satisfaction of helping members, Makula also values the flexibility of working with Signify Health and the ability to create a schedule that works for her and her family.

Over the last few years, she's learned a few important lessons. First, she finds a reminder call to members paves the way for a smoother visit.

"I'm a guest in their home. I want to call, introduce myself, and tell the member exactly what to expect. This helps members feel more comfortable with me and the visit," she said.

Second, she encourages clinicians to contact Signify Health when they need help. She appreciates the assistance available through her recruiter and Network Support.

Nursing is a second career choice for Makula. She also has a bachelor's degree in E-Business from The University of Phoenix and a Master's in Human Resource Management from Central Michigan University.

Brown lives in Detroit, MI. When she's not working or caring for her family, she enjoys relaxing at home, disconnecting from the day, and catching up on Law & Order.

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.

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