Frequently Asked Questions

Pathrec understands that medical testing and collection of data for insurance purposes may seem to be complex and possibly daunting. Our role is to make it easy, so to put your mind at rest, we have provided some answers to questions we are frequently asked.

If you have other questions, please contact us:

• From Australia by FreeCall phone 1800 066 895 or fax 1800 631 582
• From overseas by phone +61 3 9618 6700 or fax +61 3 9614 6599
• By email at medicals@pathrec.com

Insurers

We already have an electronic underwriting system. Why do we need Pathrec?

You still need to collect and input your applicants' medical data to your system. If you use financial advisors, call centre staff or other non-medical staff to collect and input data, you increase the risk of keying and terminology errors, and needing repeat calls or interviews. With Pathrec, our qualified staff understand medical terms and guarantee the data we enter. We can also answer questions, so applicants understand and give the right answer first time. Our new service TeleCheck, enters applicant data directly into your system, so it's not only more accurate, it's far faster too.

How will we access applicant details?

Pathrec will email a password for secure login to our website, where insurers can access:

• Client identification details
• Memo updates and communications between Pathrec, financial adviser and yourself
• Personal Statement from the Client (Telecheck Only)
• Appointment time (updated)
• Pathrec Staff attending the appointment
• Results/Reports as we receive them
• Digital Recordings of Tele-interviews (TeleCheck only)

Financial advisors have a different level of security and can access all but the last 2 of the above.

We use another provider. How does Pathrec compare with others?

Pathrec is the only provider of medical services for underwriting purposes who has:

• A comprehensive network with uniform services in Australia and overseas
• Qualified medical and paramedical staff who are expert, understanding and impartial
• Rules of Conduct that assure consistent professional and ethical standards
• Combined physical testing and online systems that ensure accuracy and secure access
• A complete end-to-end solution, TeleCheck, which links seamlessly with insurers' own systems.

Financial Advisors

I like contact with clients. Why would I want to use Pathrec to collect medical histories when I can do it myself?

We respect your relationship with your clients, which is why Pathrec can help. When it comes to medical details which can be embarrassing and medical terminology which can be complicated, we know them both well. We can ensure your clients are at ease answering these questions, and make sure they understand what they mean and give the correct answer first time. With TeleCheck and other Pathrec services, we can ensure you spend more time on the client relationship and writing more policies, while we focus on the medical detail.

How much of the process can Pathrec handle?

If you use TeleCheck, we handle the whole process including gathering medical history, organising tests, updating appointments, collating the full applicant file and sending to the underwriter. We also maintain the data on our website, so you have secure access to view progress of your clients' applications. With TeleCheck, all you do is make a time with your client for us to call and leave the rest to us.

You also have the choice of using other Pathrec services.

Applicants

What do I need to know before my test?

Factors like exercise and time of day can affect your test results. Read our How to Prepare guide to make sure your test results are optimal.

How do I know my personal medical data will be kept confidential?

We have a strict Privacy Policy to preserve your privacy. In addition, your medical material is available only to those who need to know, via secure login to our website. Your financial advisor has one level of access to track the progress of your application and the insurer has another level of access, for the detail required to assess your insurance risk. You can also read the Privacy Act:
VIC Privacy Act, NSW Privacy Act.

How much information do I need to give?

Depending on your age and lifestyle, and the type and value of insurance, the insurer will ask for different tests to be done and details to be provided. Your answers and results may also indicate additional tests. In any case, with our understanding, qualified staff, Pathrec can ensure the experience is comfortable and easy for you, and completed efficiently and professionally. As an insurance applicant though, you do have a Duty of Disclosure

How do I find out my results?

We can forward your results to your doctor, or you can call our office. Please note that we are unable to comment on your results. Only a doctor can advise you on the results.

Can I have a copy of my results?

We will forward your results to you upon receiving a signed request from you. Please read our Privacy Policy on how to access your results.

How long do I need to fast for?

An 8 hour fast is long enough. You may have water before your test, as this will not alter you cholesterol or glucose level. It will help to hydrate you and make your veins more prominent.

How much blood do you take? I only had to have my finger pricked at the chemist/ shopping centre.

We take approximately 12 mmols of blood- about 2 tablespoons. When your blood is taken, you will note several little tubes are filled to a level. All these tubes are either plain or have additives to prepare your blood for certain testing.

Each tube goes to a different department within the laboratory. (Biochemistry, Haematology, Serology, Microbiology) Your blood usually reaches the laboratory within 2- 4 hours for testing.

Can the insurance company run tests on my DNA?

No one can run DNA tests on you without your permission.
If you or any family member (to your knowledge) has had DNA testing in the past, you must disclose this information to the Insurer.

The insurance company can only run tests that you have agreed to. The authority form the nurse provides you with should be signed prior to having your blood taken. The nurse will be able to explain what each test is.

What happens to my blood when the tests are completed?

All blood is disposed of by the lab by incineration.
The law requires any blood that has been collected for HIV testing must be kept for 3-6 months before being discarded.

Why do I need these tests? My wife/ husband didn't need any.

First, men and women have different risks so they have different criteria for insurance.
The need for tests is dependent on the policy you are taking out. It can be because of a condition or family history on your application, the amount you are insuring for or an increase in your coverage, your age & other risk factors determined by each insurance company.

Who gets to see my results?

When results come in, they are checked by our Registered Nurses to ensure that all tests have been completed & that your details are correct.

The only people who see your results are those involved in checking those results. They are then forwarded to the requesting insurance company. If you nominate a doctor (recommended) at the time of the blood test, they will automatically get a copy of your results. We do not forward them to anyone else without your permission.

If you do not nominate a doctor and we find abnormal results that need be sent to your doctor, we will contact you. We will advise you that you need to consult your doctor and then forward them on to the doctor of your choice.

Why do I need repeat tests? My doctor says they're fine.

Insurance companies look to protect the interest of existing policy holders and their long term viability.
While your doctor may be happy for (example) your cholesterol to be slightly elevated and will either recommend a change of diet and possibly medication, the insurance companies look at the risks of having high cholesterol.

Doctors will always get you back after 3-6 months to check your cholesterol level again. Insurers do it within a few weeks as they are attempting to insure you sooner than later.

Repeating Blood tests gives you (the applicant) a chance to improve on previous results so you are either accepted at a normal premium rate or accepted at with a loading (pay more than regular premium) rather than being rejected altogether.