Income Protection Policy

dragon62

Need some clarification please.

Been recieving payments under an IPP for 4 years now . Recently completed a "review form" and this time ticked the "would like to see my GPs report" box, as my GP had retired and am not happy with the GP that has now been assigned to me.
Anyway, all was fine and was told the Ins Co would contact my GP as for the report.
Have just had a letter from an "Independent medical examiners" organisation who say the Ins Co have appointed them to obtain and review my medical records and then prepare a "summary" report.
Can they do this? and if so why is no mention made of this anywhere on review forms ? It is confusing for me, I mean would this "Independent medical examiners" report be the report that they base any decisions on ? Does this mean my own GP is now not even going to submit a report ? Am I right in thinking this is a bit sinister ? I see a specialist for my condition every year and am actually due to see him in mid June, can I insist that his opinion is sought or included in some way ?

Any thoughts appreciated - thank you.

dunstonh

Can they do this?

Yes, they can use their own doctors.

I mean would this "Independent medical examiners" report be the report that they base any decisions on ?

In part, yes.

Does this mean my own GP is now not even going to submit a report ?

They will still supply the records but thats about it.

Am I right in thinking this is a bit sinister ?

No.

I see a specialist for my condition every year and am actually due to see him in mid June, can I insist that his opinion is sought or included in some way ?

You should make them aware of the visit with the specialist but they should already know this from your notes.

A number of companies now do this because the GPs have got so expensive and its cheaper to pay a medical firm to do the checks rather than your GP.

dragon62

Thank you for that dunstonh it is clearer.

Where you mention "In part, yes".

in response to:


I mean would this "Independent medical examiners" report be the report that they base any decisions on ?

can you say what other factors come into play here when the Ins Co make any decision?
I guess what I'm asking is , how much weight does this report carry?

It seems wrong that some organisation can request your medical records and then formulate a report and conclusion on you, even though they have never seen, interviewed or examined you.

dunstonh

They will still look at the notes made by the GP and specialist and may still refer to them as well. Or it may be that the medical company they use has enough info to go on without it. The medical companies usually have nurses and doctors who get sent out to carry out tests if they need to.

It seems wrong that some organisation can request your medical records and then formulate a report and conclusion on you, even though they have never seen, interviewed or examined you.

That is what insurance companies have always done though. However, its been in house rather than contracted out.