What is a paramedical exam and how long does it take?
A paramedical exam consists of some questions about your medical history, measurbents of your height and weight, blood pressure and pulse. Blood and urine specimens may also be collected, and you may be required to have an electrocardiogram. 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.
What kind of questions will I be asked?
There are medical questions on Part I (some insurers call it Part A) of a life insurance application that are usually completed by your agent in your presence. Part II (or Part B) is the medical form that is completed by a paramedical or a physician.
Why will a urine specimen be collected?
A urine specimen is generally 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.
Why is blood testing required?
Blood testing provides important information for underwriting purposes. A range of tests is completed by a laboratory. 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 one to three vials by experienced personnel. You may be required to fast four or more hours, depending on insurance company requirbents. You should advise your examiner if you have had previous problbs such as fainting, nausea, are currently taking large doses of aspirin, and if you 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 it needs for underwriting purposes. 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.
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 electrocardiograms, X-rays, etc.
What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
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 from an ECG?
You will be asked to lie down flat with your shirt unbuttoned in order to place the leads on your chest. Women must rbove stockings prior to the exam.
What can I do to assist the technician to obtain a good ECG?
The best preparation is to rbain calm and totally relaxed.
What paperwork and medical history do I need to have ready for the exam?
- Photo identification such as your driver’s license or other form of government-issued identification.
- Your physicians' names, addresses, and dates of past visits.
- Names of and any information regarding injury and major illness during the previous five years.
- List of any prescription or non-prescription medications or supplbents you are taking.
- If you belong to a medical plan, your medical identification number.