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PARAMEDICAL EXAM
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?
Tri Med 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. 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. Tri Med contracts with physicians who have a current
license, are in good standing and practice in a specialty area approved
by the insurance company and Tri Med. These physicians provide services
such as medical exams, treadmill EKGs, 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. Tri Med 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 (EKG)
What is an electrocardiogram?
It is a recording of the electrical impulses associated with cardiac
contraction and relaxation. The EKG 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.
What can I do to assist the technician to obtain a good EKG?
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..
You may wish to keep this brochure close to your telephone so you can
fill out
the date and time when we call for an appointment.
Date: _________________ Time: ____________________ .
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call the Tri Med
office at the number shown below; or your Agent we will gladly
reschedule.
SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR PARAMEDICAL
EXAMINATION,
PLEASE CALL US at 845-362-6080