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Paramedical Exams For Health & Life Insurance

Good exam results could save you money. Here are some suggestions.

NOTE: Not so long ago, a brief paramedical examination was often required as a routine part of a health insurance application. Today, this is no longer the case. However, these exams are still required for most life insurance applications. Therefore, we continue to make this information available.

This paramed exam may be done at your home or office, wherever is most convenient for you. Since you'll be watching what you eat prior to the exam, mornings are usually best.

A representative of the paramedic company will call to set an appointment. In order not to delay your insurance application, you should set this appointment as soon as practical.

Paramedics are normally professional and prompt. (In the unlikely event you encounter someone who is unprofessional or misses the scheduled appointment, notify your insurance agent right away.)

The exam is usually brief, generally lasting approximately 15 minutes. There is no undressing required. The exam will consist of a series of questions pertaining to your medical history and doctor visits, and taking your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure.

When the paramedic calls to schedule the exam, you should be informed as to what specific tests will be necessary. Sometimes a blood test is required. Almost certainly, a urine sample will be required.

To save you time and help ensure the best possible results, here are some suggestions.

1. Because blood pressure and pulse rates can be artificially stimulated, relax for 15 minutes prior to the exam, minimize or avoid caffeine intake, and if you smoke, don’t for 1 hour prior.
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages for 1 to 3 days before your appointment.
3. If a blood test is required, cut back or avoid fried fatty foods, dairy products, red meat, butter, margarine, ice cream, chicken skin and cream sauces for 1 to 3 days prior to the appointment. Then be sure to fast 8 to 14 hours prior to the appointment. During the fast, water, black tea or coffee and/or diet sodas are acceptable forms of liquid. Then water only during the last 2 to 3 hours.
4. Avoid vigorous, strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
5. If you take prescription drugs, be sure to take them, but inform the examiner of names/dosages.
6. Consume water plentifully up to the time of your appointment.
7. You should have available a valid form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license.

You will most likely be asked about your medical history. To save time, you should have your doctor’s names, addresses, and approximate dates and reasons for visits, especially within the last 3 to 5 years.

Generally, the examiner will call you just prior to your appointment. If you find out ahead of time that you cannot keep the appointment, you should call the examiner's office as soon as possible to reschedule.

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