Looking Your Best for that Medical Snapshot
Insurance companies request medical examinations to provide them with a snapshot of the client's current health condition. This information is then used to determine the client's insurability.
Abnormal findings can create problems in obtaining this coverage and possibly with future applications as well. It is in everybody's best interest that this snapshot be as accurate as possible eliminating as many false abnormalities as possible.
Some abnormal exam findings are indicative of a problem known or unknown to the client. These are the results the insurance company looks for as they represent a more accurate picture of the client's current insurability. Unfortunately there are also "false positive" results which cloud the picture making it harder for your Underwriter to fairly assess the client's insurability. You can help your client avoid these false positive results with a few tips. Just as you would spruce yourself up for a family photo, these tips can help your client make sure the picture they present is the best possible picture for the company.
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The client should get a good night's rest the night before the exam.
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The client should not exercise 12 to 18 hours before the exam.
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The client should not consume any form of alcohol for at least 8 hours before the exam.
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The client should not eat for at least 2 hours before the exam.
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The client should not consume any form of caffeine, food or beverage (except water), for at least 2 hours before the exam.
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The client should not smoke for at least 1 hour before the exam.
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If the client is taking prescription medication they should have it ready for reference at the exam.
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If the client is taking over the counter medication they must make sure they advise you and the examiner.
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The client should drink 8 ounces of water 1 hour before the exam.
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Reschedule the appointment if the client is under stress the day of the exam.
It is also important to note that certain tests performed on blood chemistry can become elevated due to over the counter medications such as antihistamines, cough syrup as well as some herbal and naturopathic medicines. Therefore, always ask the client, to the best of their ability, to make full and accurate disclosure of all prescribed and over the counter drugs and herbal supplements.
***Your cooperation will make the examination process more effective for the Insurance Company and create fewer problems for your client and their application for insurance.***
Alana Guthro, Investment Advisor and Insurance Specialist
