A Proactive Way to Avoid a Possible Medical Underwriting Glitch

Posted by Jack Cotlar, M.D. on Mon, Sep 05, 2011 @ 10:19 AM

dreamstimefree 168394 resized 600Question: You have a client who is applying for a large amount of life insurance coverage and he sees a therapist for anxiety. The “APS” or attending physician’s statement you receive from the therapist is a one-page document that cites a diagnostic code for “anxiety” or only a diagnosis and no other useful descriptive information. You are concerned that the carrier’s underwriter will want more information given the size of the case, and you cannot afford a time delay. How would you manage this situation?

The most simple and direct way is to go to the client explaining the underwriting dilemma and to do so before the case is submitted. Providing the carrier up front what he or she will need to do their work properly is likely to greatly expedite the case being issued. There will be occasions when providing answers to key questions in a cover letter will allow the underwriter to make a decision about this issue without needing another APS. To see a brief case example, go HERE.

Topics: attending physician statement, underwriting glitch, underwriting dilemma, Dr. Cotlar, Life insurance medical underwriting, medical underwriting, Strategic Medical Consulting, medical records