Completing A Medical Confirmation Form on Behalf of Partners/Staff

Here is the classic case through the eyes of a Practice Manager:

Just filled out the form for our Locum Insurance and as far as I am aware none of the individuals that are being insured have had any anything wrong with them in the period requested. Insurance now in place – On to the next job.

Some months later – One of the partners has been off sick with a stress related condition for the last 3 weeks and it looks as though he will be off for another 8 weeks at least. Contacted our insurance broker/company and requested a claim form. The claim form has been completed and has been sent to the insurance broker/company. I am now waiting to be paid as we are already employing a locum.

To my amazement I have received an email/letter from the insurance broker/company saying that they will not be paying the claim due to non-disclosure. I now find out that the partner who is off sick had suffered from a stress related condition in the preceding x months. Not a happy bunny at the moment to say the least!

The partners reason for not disclosing this to me  – He/She did not think that the previous condition warranted a mention.

Make sure you stress the implications of not fully disclosing medical condition.