MIB - What you need to know

What does MIB stand for? When I asked a couple of people this, the most common response was, "Men in Black?". And, while the Medical Information Bureau is just about as mysterious, they unfortunately are not protecting the earth from the worst scum of the universe. Instead, they are treating your medical history like a credit report.

The Medical Information Bureau is also a reality we all must live with. Insurance companies are paying big bucks to the MIB to gather information on applicants. MIB's website says their actuarial services exist to prevent omission and misleading fraud on insurance applications. However, in some cases if a person no longer suffers from an illness such as depression or has reduced their bad cholesterol, the documented diagnosis stays on record with the MIB.

As the article below explains, the MIB isn't supposed to be used to deny anyone coverage. In fact, members (usually insurance companies) who use MIB's services forbidden to use MIB's services for anything other than a basis for further investigation.

However, up until the 1980s people were unable to view their files to ensure their accuracy. Now, reportedly 15,000 people a year request to view their MIB files. According to the bureau, 97% of the requested reports were found accurate. However, there are several cases in which a person rehabilitated health was not reflected in their report, and they were subsequently charged a higher rate.

Your best bet? Access your information, and talk to your doctor.


More info on the mysterious MIB:
http://www.annualmedicalreport.com/08/15/nobody-knows-the-medical-information-bureau-mib/

Check them out for yourself:
http://www.mib.com/


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Break the ice with your Dr.

 I think its common for people to experience anxiety when going to the doctor - especially a new doctor.  What are they going to ask? What are they going to find?

The FNX Corporation of Trustees of Dartmouth College have created a survey that I think can help break the ice.  At www.howsyourhealth.org guests can take a simple survey and receive a printable health profile.

Of course this profile is not to be substituted for professional opinion, or used for diagnosis.  But, it does give you an easy to reference summary of issues that you may wish to explore. And, the best part is that you can take the survey in privacy - ensuring that you feel 100% comfortable answering honestly.

News concerning healthcare reform is repetitive and inconclusive.  Many people are waiting for changes and putting off getting insurance.  Or worse, put off getting the care they need.   And while we wait change,  I hope health surveys like this will remind people that prevention is always the best medicine - despite issues in D.C.

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