Question 15

A supplemental attending physician's statement is appropriate at the request of the insurance company when it could affect the underwriting decision but with the consent of the applicant.

A supplemental attending physician's statement serves as an important document that can provide the insurance company with crucial medical information necessary for assessing the applicant's health status. This statement is typically requested by the insurance company to make informed underwriting decisions, ensuring that the applicant has agreed to its submission.

A) At the request of the insurance company when it could affect the underwriting decision but with the consent of the applicant.

This option accurately describes the appropriate scenario for obtaining a supplemental attending physician's statement. It highlights the importance of the insurance company's request in relation to underwriting decisions, emphasizing that consent from the applicant is necessary, which aligns with ethical practices in insurance.

B) As a matter of routine when the applicant signs the life insurance application.

This option is incorrect because a supplemental attending physician's statement is not typically gathered as a routine procedure during the application signing. Such statements are specifically requested based on the applicant's health information and the insurer's need for further clarification, rather than being a standard part of every application process.

C) At the request of the insurance applicant to be submitted with the life insurance application.

This option is misleading as it suggests that the applicant alone can initiate the request for a supplemental attending physician's statement. While an applicant may want to provide additional information, it is primarily the insurance company that determines the need for such a statement based on their underwriting criteria.

D) At the request of the insurance company without knowledge or approval of the applicant.

This option is incorrect as it implies that the insurance company can request a supplemental attending physician's statement without the applicant's consent. Ethical standards and regulations require that the applicant is informed and gives approval for any medical information to be obtained, ensuring transparency in the process.

Conclusion

The rationale for option A being the correct answer lies in the necessity for both the insurance company's request and the applicant's consent in the process of obtaining a supplemental attending physician's statement. Options B, C, and D fail to acknowledge the importance of the underwriting process and the ethical requirement for applicant approval, thereby making them unsuitable choices.