Medical exam question for insurances

[Rajah]

We're trying to pick up some extra life insurance (were doing that even before my dad did this) and the insurance company is wanting to send out a team to do an easy medical exam. I have no problems with most of what they're wanting, but I'm not sure I want a "portable medic company" doing bloodwork.

Am I being silly for being uneasy about the "PortaMedic" doing bloodwork, or reasonable? I'm tempted to tell them I want my regular doctor to do the bloodwork instead, but I don't know. I don't want them to decline me for not cooperating, either. It's not that I want to hide anything in bloodwork, it's that I don't know what their background is and how reliable the clenliness if their equipment is.

Any experience with "PortaMedic" companies?

 

[HaleyB]

I am sure that an INSURANCE company would be pretty careful on who they send to draw your blood. Still if you are more comfortable, I think using your own Dr would be best, I doubt the company would care. When we did our exams we had the choice and I just went to my regular Dr because I needed refills on my allergy med scripts anyway. Just make sure you get it done in the time frame they need you to.

 

[CEDmom]

DH had this done for his policy and the guy came to our house which made it really easy. Everything is packaged in sterile containers so we never gave it a second thought. I wouldn't think it much different than giving blood at a school or community center.

 

[crz4mm2]

My DH and I did this several years ago. The insurance company sent out a RN to do the "physical" and blood work. She really just did vital signs (BP, pulse, respirations) weight and height. Then did the bloodwork. She was very nervous and had a terrible time getting my DH's blood drawn. I almost did it myself (I am a RN too)! She had no trouble drawing my blood.
I think she was just nervous.
I wouldn't worry over the sterility of things. They send packages out with everything necessary and it is all sealed and sterile. Most Insurance folks have been doing it for awhile and are very good at it.

Best of luck!
Cathy

 

[pixiemomma]

No problems here either. We aquired life insurance about 3 years ago. In fact it was so painless I can't even remeber that part of the exam! (However, I can remember a nurse painfully jamming an IV into my hand when I gave birth three months before that.)

 

[Aprille]

Tammi - I don't think you're being silly at all since I'm stressing over the exact same thing!

DH and I are also in the process of getting additional life insurance and I am not AT ALL comfortable with someone (RN or not) coming to my home to take blood. I have teeny, tiny veins and bloodwork is always a major ordeal for me.

The insurance company hasn't contacted us yet but I am definitely going to ask if I can use my own doctor. I hope it is an option.


EDIT: I found it! Thought I'd add a link to this thread I read a few weeks ago. Made me laugh because the original poster has a great sense of humor but it certainly did nothing to ease my fears about having a "home physical".

life insurance physical experience

 

[clh2]

I am the OP from the link in the previous post.

I was not given the opportunity to use my own physician & regular clinic, but would have done so in a minute. Had I known what a stressful event that whole thing would have been, I would have probably tried a different company.

For my own peace of mind - I had a nurse take my BP at the hospital I work at the Monday after the exam, and it was perfectly fine!

The insurance company is graciously allowing my BP to be re-measured on Valentine's Saturday. At least there won't be anything contaminating my kitchen table this time!

 

[Pop Daddy]

give them blood