To establish your medical profile, we may review some or all of the following information.

Your Financial Representative may ask you to complete a medical questionnaire as part of your application. In some cases, this completes the medical profile process. However, in other cases a medical examination is required. If an examination is required, either a qualified paramedical technician or a licensed physician authorized by Northwestern Mutual will review your history with you. The examiner will also ask questions regarding the results of any diagnostic tests and the responses to treatment of any medical condition.

Also be prepared to provide:

• Photo identification.  
 
• Name, address and telephone number of your personal health care provider.  
 
• Name(s) and dosage(s) of any medication(s) you are taking.  
 
• Date you last saw your personal health care provider.  
 
• Date, location and reason for each hospitalization or important medical event, including outpatient surgery.  

 Note: Do not sign any paramedical or medical questionnaires unless all information is accurate and complete. 

With your authorization, we will contact your health care provider(s) and ask them to provide your medical records to us. These records provide information about your medical history—an important part of the risk appraisal process.

A basic health examination generally involves the following tests:

• A urine specimen may be collected to test for such factors as kidney function, heart and blood pressure medication, cocaine and nicotine.

• Sometimes an oral fluid sample is collected instead of a drawing blood. The sample will be tested for factors such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antibodies, nicotine and cocaine.

• A qualified technician may draw about one ounce (two small vials) of blood from your arm. A laboratory will test your blood for such factors as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antibodies, liver and kidney functions, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Northwestern Mutual will send a copy of the results to you or a designated physician. A morning appointment after an evening's rest is recommended. Fasting for 6-12 hours before the draw will provide the best conditions.

Additional examinations may be required when applying for large amounts of insurance or when a risk factor is present. A medical exam is conducted by a physician to assess for factors such as the presence of tumors, heart and lung disease, or abnormal organ enlargement.

Avoid vigorous exercise the day of the exam, and get a good night's sleep the evening before. All examinations must be conducted in private. Financial Representatives and family members should not be present. Requests for a same-gender physician or attendant will be honored.

The types of exams we may request are listed below. Not all will be requested; some are reserved for large amounts of insurance or when a risk factor is present.

• Paramedical Exam—A paramedical examiner will weigh you, measure your height, take your pulse, take three blood pressure readings, draw blood and collect a urine specimen or oral fluid sample if required.

• Medical Exam—A physician will weigh you, measure your height, take your pulse and three blood pressure readings, check your skin, head, eyes, ears, nose and throat, and listen to your lungs and heart. The physician also checks other body systems such as muscle and nervous function.

• Resting 12-Lead EKG—The EKG, or electrocardiogram, records the electrical activity of your heart. You lie on your back and have 12 electrodes placed on your chest, arms and legs. The EKG recording takes only a few moments to complete. A same-gender technician will be made available upon request.

• Treadmill EKG—A Treadmill EKG provides information about your heart during exercise. You walk on a treadmill, increasing the level of exercise until you have reached the maximum heart rate for your age. Electrodes are placed on your chest and legs to record the electrical activity of your heart. Your blood pressure will also be taken periodically.
  
  This test must be administered in a doctor's office or hospital, and a doctor will be present during the test. If you are unable to walk on a treadmill, discuss a comparable form of exercise with your personal physician.

• Chest X-ray— A chest X-ray is a radiological exam of the chest to evaluate the heart, lungs and major blood vessels. Views will be taken from the back and the side. This test must be administered in a doctor's office or hospital.