What is a paramedical exam, and how long does it take?

A paramedical exam consists of some questions about the applicant's medical history, measurements of height and weight, blood pressure and pulse. A urine specimen is usually collected. Undressing is not required and the exam usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The application for insurance is not complete until we have obtained this necessary information for the underwriter.

Will a urine specimen be collected?

A urine specimen will almost always be collected during a paramedical exam. The tests done are determined by the insurance company and are performed by the insurance company's approved 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 the individual's policy.

How is the appointment made and where?

Medical Services, Inc. will call your client to schedule a date, time and place convenient to them. They may elect to have the exam completed at their home or office, or come to our local office. They make the decision that best fits their schedule.

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. Medical Services, Inc. contracts with physicians who have a current license, are in good standing and practice in a specialty area approved by the insurance company and Medical Services, Inc. These physicians provide services such as medical exams, treadmill ECG's, X-rays, etc.

Why is blood testing sometimes 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?

Sometimes blood is procured via fingerstick method, where several drops of blood are placed on a filter paper and dried. The filter paper is then shipped to the laboratory to be reconstituted and tested. Other times blood is procured via veinapuncture method. Less than one ounce of blood is drawn from a vein into 1-2 vials by experienced personnel. The applicant will be asked if they have had previous problems such as fainting, nausea, or are currently taking large doses of asprin, have difficulty clotting or if they bruise easily

Can you get an infectious disease from these blood collection procedures?

No! The sterile materials used are in disposable kits and used only once. The examiner will open the kit in front of the applicant as well as show the seal being broken on the sterile needle or lancet.

What tests will be completed?

Each individual insurance company selects the tests they need for the underwriting procedure. Medical Services, Inc. is requested only to collect and prepare blood for analysis; the insurance company gives instructions to the lab regarding specific tests. The applicant is required to sign a consent form and chain-of-custody form for their protection.

Who will receive the results of the test?

The lab sends the results directly to the insurance company. Medical Services, Inc. never gets these results in our office.

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG), what should I expect, and how can I assist the technician to obtain a good ECG?

Sometimes an electrocardiogram is required by the insurance company. It is a recording of the electrical impulses associated with cardiac contraction and relaxation. The ECG does not cause any paid whatsoever. You will be asked to lie down flat with your shirt unbuttoned in order to place the leads on your chest. Female applicants will only have ECG's performed by female examiners. The best preparation is to remain calm and totally relaxed to prevent muscle interference.

To save the applicant time and to obtain the best possible results, here are some helpful suggestions:

Blood pressure and pulse can be artifically raised by stress, alcohol, caffine 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 the exam. Do not smoke or chew tobacco for at least one hour prior to the appointment. Avoid drinking coffee, tea, or caffinated soft drinks for at least one hour prior to the exam. Limit salt intake and high cholesterol foods 24-hours before the exam. Do not engage in strenuous physical activities 24-hours before the exam.

The paramedical examiner should be advised of any medications being taken by the applicant, even non-prescription medications. The applicant should have available any attending physicians' names, addresses, dates of past visits, and any information regarding injury and major illnesses during the recent past. If the applicant belongs to any H.M.O. plans, or other prepaid medical plans, they should have the medical record number available.

The applicant should drink 1-2 8 oz. glasses of water about one hour prior to the appointment. This will help in obtaining a urine specimen. If a blood specimen is required, the applicant should not eat any food for a minimum of four hours prior to the examination, unless otherwise instructed. If it is possible for the applicant to fast a full twelve hours, this would give the best profile results but it is not always feasible.