Symptoms, causes, complications, treatments, prognosis, prevention. In the medical world, there are many things to consider when treating a patient. As an insurance agent trying to get a policy placed on a client with a medical condition, your job is much the same – to make sense of it all and present the underwriter with a compelling case for the best offer. This can be a complex process, particularly if the client has a condition with multiple potential underlying causes, treatments and prognoses. In these situations, asking the right questions and selecting the appropriate wording for your cover letter may be critical to the outcome of the case.
Peripheral neuropathy is one such condition that can result from a variety of problems and progress differently in clients, and is more frequently being presented to underwriters for scrutiny. A result of nerve damage, peripheral neuropathy often manifests itself in tingling, burning, or loss of sensation in the hands and feet. In other words, the skin may become hypersensitive to any touch. Some individuals will experience this condition with symmetrical symptoms on both sides of the body, depending on the underlying cause, and some may see their autonomic nerves affected, which control functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and bladder function. As symptoms progress, those affected may suffer from impaired balance, difficulty walking or an odd gait. In more extreme scenarios, individuals may even see the neuropathy spread and require amputation due to a lack of blood flow in the extremities. Yet a client with this condition does not necessarily indicate an automatic decline.
Neurological damage, Lyme disease, leprosy, infections, chemical agents and even jellyfish stings can cause peripheral neuropathy. More commonly, the condition is a result of clients with diabetes whose blood sugar isn’t under control or who are experiencing medication complications. Depending on the identified underlying cause, the symptoms may be kept under control with the appropriate attention, diagnosis and medication. In some cases, the symptoms may reverse themselves over time (particularly if the neuropathy is a result of trauma, rather than disease). If the ideology is unknown, a series of blood tests will likely need to be performed to try to identify the root cause. Once this is determined, medical professionals may be able to stabilize the neuropathy and improve the individual’s prognosis.
When writing the cover letter on a client with peripheral neuropathy, be sure to identify if it’s due to disease, infection, trauma or otherwise. If trauma is the cause, clearly identify the degree of the neuropathy and the prognosis. If the individual is taking medication, indicate if it is effective in controlling and/or minimizing the symptoms. If your client is a diabetic, be sure you have thoroughly vetted any additional complications and/or comorbidities. By categorizing the neuropathy as trivial, mild, moderate, or severe and working closely with your Creative Life Sales Team, you can feel confident you’re doing what’s best for your client and keeping the underwriter’s concerns on the periphery.