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What is a
paramedical exam and how long does it take?
A paramedical exam consists of some questions about your medical
history, measurements of your height and weight, blood pressure
and pulse. A urine specimen is also collected. Undressing
is not required and the exam usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
Your application for insurance is not complete until we have
obtained this necessary information.
Why will a urine specimen be collected?
A urine specimen will always be collected during a paramedical
exam. The tests done are determined by the insurance company and
are performed by a laboratory. The test results will be sent
only to the insurance company and are used in the underwriting
process.
What happens to
this information?
All of
the information obtained during the paramedical examination is
strictly confidential and for insurance purposes only. It will
be forwarded to the insurance company for review to help
evaluate your individual policy.
How is the appointment made and where?
Portamedic will call you to schedule a date, time and place
convenient for you. You may elect to have the exam completed at
your home or office, or many people prefer to come to our
location. You make the decision to fit your schedule.
MEDICAL SERVICES
What
qualifications are required of physicians and what services do
they perform?
Sometimes
a physician is required by the insurance company to perform the
examination. Portamedic contracts with physicians who have a
current license, are in good standing and practice in a
specialty area approved by the insurance company and Portamedic.
These physicians provide services such as medical exams,
treadmill ECGs, X-rays, etc.
BLOOD TESTING
Why is
blood testing required?
Blood testing has been found to provide important information
for underwriting purposes. A wide range of tests are completed
by a laboratory and the results are sent only to the insurance
company.
How much blood
is required?
Less than
one ounce of blood is drawn from a vein, into 1-3 vials, by
experienced personnel. You may be required to fast from 4-12
hours depending on the requirements of the insurance company.
You should advice your examiner if you have had previous
problems such as fainting, nausea, are currently taking large
doses of aspirin, have difficulty clotting or bruise easily.
Can you get an infectious disease from this blood draw?
No. The sterile materials used are in disposable kits and used
only once. The examiner will open the kit in front of you as
well as show the seal being broken on the sterile needle.
What tests will be completed?
Each individual insurance company selects the tests they need
for the underwriting procedure. Portamedic is requested
only to collect and prepare blood for analysis; the insurance
company gives instructions to the lab regarding specific
tests. You are required to sign a consent form and a
chain-of-custody form for your own protection.
Who will receive the results of your test?
The lab sends the results directly to the insurance company.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
(ECG)
What is an electrocardiogram?
It is a recording of the electrical impulses associated with
cardiac contraction and relaxation. The ECG does not cause any
pain.?
What should I
expect?
You will be
asked to lie down flat with your shirt unbuttoned in order to
place the leads on your chest. Women must remove stockings prior
to the exam.?
What can I
do to assist the technician to obtain a good ECG?
The best preparation is to remain calm and totally relaxed to
prevent muscle interference.
EXAMINATION CHECKLIST
To
save you time and to obtain the best possible results, please
follow these helpful suggestions:
1. Blood pressure and pulse can
be artificially raised by stress, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.
Get a good night's sleep the night before the examination.
Abstain from alcoholic beverages for at least eight hours prior
to the exam. Do not smoke or chew tobacco for at least one hour
prior to your examination. Avoid drinking coffee, tea or
caffeinated soft drinks for at least one hour prior to your
examination. Limit salt intake and high cholesterol foods
24 hours before your examination. You should not engage in
strenuous physical activities 24 hours before the examination.
2. Advise your Paramedical
Examiner regarding any medications you are taking, even
non-prescription medications. Have available your
physician's names, addresses, dates of past visits, names of any
prescribed medications and any information regarding injury and
major illness during the previous five years. If you belong to
Kaiser or any other prepaid medical plan, have your medical
record number available.
3. Drink a glass of water an
hour or so before your appointment. This will help in obtaining
a urine specimen..
4.
If a blood specimen is required, you should fast according to
provider directives prior to the examination unless otherwise
instructed.
SHOULD YOU
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR PARAMEDICAL EXAMINATION,
PLEASE CALL TERM LIFE AMERICA AT 1-888-587-8511.
Related:
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Determine your underwriting classification
Preferred Plus l
Preferred l Regular/Standard
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Paramedical Exam
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Application underwriting your life insurance policies
▪
Completing The Application
▪ Completing The Medical Examination
▪ Medical Underwriting
▪ Risk Classifications
▪ Quoting A Premium
▪ Sample General Guidelines
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