Presentation
General Session: The $1,000 Genome: Impact on Science and Society Kevin Davies, PhD, MA In the decade since the completion of the Human Genome Project, the worlds of science and medicine have experienced profound change. The cost of sequencing a genome has plummeted from hundreds of millions of dollars to barely $1,000, while what once took years can now be done in about a day. Genome sequencing is now routinely applied in medicine and clinical trials, particularly in oncology. And the President has proposed a new Precision Medicine Initiative to build a biobank of 1 million volunteers. Kevin Davies, the founding editor of Nature Genetics and author of "The $1,000 Genome", will discuss the legacy of the Human Genome Project, the breakthrough technologies that have brought us to the brink of the $1,000 genome, the impact of clinical and consumer genetics, and v the legal and societal complications of what many view as the erosion of genomic privacy.
General Session: Predicting Who Will Be the Unhealthy Applicant Gerard Anderson, PhD Health economists and health services researchers are using new techniques and innovations to uncover who is most likely to become ill. Dr. Anderson is a professor of economics and medicine at Johns Hopkins University and has worked extensively on designing health care systems in the United States and abroad. One of his interests is identifying the characteristics of people who are likely to be high cost and high need in the health care system. His presentation will focus on the predictors of people likely to develop a serious illness in the coming years that could affect their life expectancy.
AHOU 2015 Lab Scoring Follow-up Eric Flender, FALU, FLMI, CLU, ChFC, ACS Melody Reas In recent years, organizations have been enticed by the idea that it's possible to take all the data that is collected and analyzed by our industry laboratories and end up with a value that will instantly and accurately provide us the mortality for every insurance applicant. Two companies who are currently using lab scores will discuss the process they used to select a vendor's scoring tool, how they interpret the laboratory information, the impact on underwriting actions, and their results to-date.
Global Travel, Human Migration, and Infectious Diseases Kamran Khan, MD, MPH, FRCPC With the advent of easy access to international travel, infectious disease outbreaks can quickly move from a local to a global concern. This presentation will outline the implications of infectious disease in a highly mobile world.
Low Cholesterol or Albumin - Alerts to Hidden Risk Michael Fulks, MD At what age and sex-specific levels is low cholesterol or low albumin associated with increasing mortality? Based on follow-up of millions of life insurance applicants, this presentation will share some insights into the mortality risks of low values for these tests.
Meeting the 21st Century Technology Expectation Nathan Golia Insurers face a number of challenges in the digital age retrofitting their familiar business processes to meet the demands of digitally focused customers and distributors. Hear how companies are adapting and where the leading edge of innovation will occur in the insurance industry.
SIU and You Michael Hagan, MS, CFE, CAMS This insightful presentation will demonstrate how underwriters and special investigation units (SIUs) can work together to evaluate and prevent questionable business practices. Red flags or anomalies that surface during the underwriting process will be discussed, and more importantly, insight into what to do with this information. Case studies will be presented to illustrate a team approach to combating fraud.
Current Questions in Cardiology - An Intermediate View Allan Brodersen, MD, DBIM, FACP The presenter will address choosing one cardiac test over another including: Are the various tests interchangeable in some circumstances? Why are certain pharmacological tests used instead of more traditional tests? Are biomarkers dependable predictors of the same outcomes compared to other more common cardiac tests?
Fraud: An Attorney's Perspective Spencer C. Aldridge, II, JD An in-depth analysis of insurance fraud will be discussed and case histories will be presented in the context of both underwriting and claims.
Risk Management of Life and Long Term Care Hybrid Products Pam Kreager, RN Tony Laudato, FSA, MAAA This session will focus on risk mitigation techniques for the main Life and long term care hybrid products including product design, underwriting, reinsurance, and claims management. The concept and differences of stand-alone long term care, chronic illness, and various hybrid products and what the marketplace currently is experiencing will be discussed.
Key Developments in the Simplified Issue Market John Fenton, FSA, MAAA Scott Whitmore, RPh In this session, we will explore key developments in the simplified issue market. First, we will look at key developments in the use of Rx tools, one of the most powerful tools available in simplified underwriting. Second, we will look at the tools available to underwrite in a fluid-less environment, and how this allows the market to provide premium rates that approach those offered on products that employ more traditional underwriting techniques, including drawing fluids.
Update on Oropharyngeal Cancer Richard Braun, MD, DBIM, FLMI This session will cover the epidemiology, predisposing risk factors, diagnosis, staging, and prognosis of orophyaryngeal cancers.
Current Questions in Cardiology - An Advanced Course Allan Broderson, MD, DBIM, FACP This cardiac workshop will place more emphasis on specific cardiac diagnoses and disorders, how to address unusual presentation of cardiac risks, and what tests should be expected in light of conflicting results.
CSI - Complex Sales Initiatives and the Financial Underwriting Challenges of Business Insurance Jeff Leutert, FALU, FLMI, FLHC, ACDS David McNamara, JD, CFP, CLU, ChFC, FLMI Have you felt at times as though you need to be a detective to decipher the unique advanced sales and marketing concepts that come across your desk? Our panelists will provide the latest information on these challenging concepts and offer suggestions on the best underwriting practices.
Fraud: An Attourney's Perspective (repeat) Spencer C. Aldridge, II, JD An in-depth analysis of insurance fraud will be discussed and case histories will be presented in the context of both underwriting and claims.
Senior Leader Roundtable Tom Marra Richard Paul, CLU, ChFC In this roundtable conversation, senior executives from two companies will be asked a series of questions on timely and relevant topics in the life insurance industry. Join this interactive and impromptu discussion on issues related to the economy's impact on insurance, changing customer expectations and preferences, and what the future holds for the industry.
Translating Clinical Research Into Insurance Medicine Gina Guzman, MD, DBIM, FALU, FLMI This session will explore how Medical Directors interpret various clinical studies and translate those results into valuable information to be used for underwriting life insurance risks.
CSI - Complex Sales Initiatives and the Financial Underwriting Challenges of Personal Insurance Jeff Leutert, FALU, FLMI, FLHC, ACS David McNamara, JD, CFP, CLU, ChFC, FLMI These two panelists will provide further insight into various advanced sales and marketing concepts related specifically to business insurance.
Underwriting Prescription Narcotic Use Sandra Mohr, MD, MPH Generally prescribed for chronic pain conditions, long-term narcotic usage is associated with an increased mortality risk. You will become familiar with commonly prescribed narcotics and associated favorable versus unfavorable factors helpful in underwriting these cases. An overview of recent research results will be presented along with sample case studies.
Shadows in the Dark: Evaluation of Breast, Pulmonary and Thyroid Nodules Mark Lewy, MD, FAAFP Learn the significance of nodules seen on imaging studies in the breast, lung, and thyroid as they apply to morbidity and mortality. This session will cover the national classification systems for these lesions and how it affects the underwriter's ability to immediately evaluate these clients versus the need for additional information or further evaluation.
Technology in Underwriting – Is It Changing How We Underwrite? John Sherman, FALU, MBA, FLMI Sharon Smith, FALU, FLHC, FLMI We live in the world of technology. Join these two industry experts as they discuss the benefits and challenges of using technology to improve Risk Assessment Analysis. Whether you are at the early stages of exploring how new technology can be incorporated into your business model or have already implemented an electronic application and/or underwriting rules engine, this session will answer many of the questions you have about how technology can improve your organization's productivity while managing risk and enhancing underwriter development.
The Underweight Applicant Mark Skillan, MD, DABIM Both high and low body mass indexes (BMIs) are known to be associated with increased mortality. Though high BMIs have well-characterized associated conditions which can affect mortality, the picture with low BMIs is often not as clear or as readily quantified. The workshop is intended to help underwriters more confidently approach the underweight applicant.
A Lot Remains up in the Air: Smokers, Tokers, and Vapers Bruce Henricks, MD, FACP Our presenter will examine the use and mortality implications of marijuana, e-cigarettes, and novel forms of nicotine delivery. The psychological and physiological effects of each will be discussed in relation to how they influence risk assessment. The potential impact of not testing for cotinine and marijuana will be approached in relation to simplified issue products and in an environment where the attitude toward and use of marijuana is one of liberalization.
Big Data - The Predictive Possibilities Beyond Underwriting Risk Assessment Chris Stehno, Director There has been much conversation surrounding big data and predictive analytics in underwriting assessment. The possibilities for the use of this data can extend further for many corporations. Discover how we can utilize various forms of data and predictive analytics to better understand our incoming business and how that could impact the way we lead our organizations into the future.
What's New with Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Robert Profumo, MD, Medical Director This presentation will cover Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), including epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Excess mortality will be highlighted as well as the approach to underwriting this common disease.
Pesky Pathology Reports - An Intermediate Perspective Jack Swanson, MD In this session, the speaker will provide important information to help guide an underwriter through the maze of pathology reports. Case examples will be included.
The Future of the Underwriting Profession Andrew Vigar, FALU, FLMI Bill Wysong Do you remember the great political debates in history...Kennedy-Nixon and Lincoln-Douglas? Now is the chance to see the modern day version of the great underwriting debate: Vigar-Wysong. Areas of discussion will include remote underwriting, the aging of the underwriting population, how automation will affect our profession, and many other popular topics.
A Lot Remains Up in the Air: Smokers, Tokers and Vapers (repeat) Bruce Henricks, MD, FACP Our presenter will examine the use and mortality implications of marijuana, e-cigarettes, and novel forms of nicotine delivery. The psychological and physiological effects of each will be discussed in relation to how they influence risk assessment. The potential impact of not testing for cotinine and marijuana will be approached in relation to simplified issue products and in an environment where the attitude toward and use of marijuana is one of liberalization.
Big Data - The Predictive Possibilities Beyond Underwriting Risk Assessment (repeat) Chris Stehno, Director There has been much conversation surrounding big data and predictive analytics in underwriting assessment. The possibilities for the use of this data can extend further for many corporations. Discover how we can utilize various forms of data and predictive analytics to better understand our incoming business and how that could impact the way we lead our organizations into the future.
Pesky Pathology Reports - An Advanced Course Jack Swanson, MD This presentation will dive deeper into the realm of reading, interpreting, and understanding pathology reports. Various case studies will be provided.
Premium Financing: Truth in Lending...The Fine Print Amanda Zukowski, CLU, ChFC Find out which market forces have driven the popularity of premium financing and how it has affected policy development as a result. The speaker will review a case study to provide the design elements, discuss what is and is not realistic, and discuss the best ways to structure a case utilizing premium financing based on the client's risk tolerance and ultimate planning needs.
Expert Panel Discussion on Underwriting Hot Topics Tom Gangemi Al Klein, FSA, MAAA Val Munchez-van der Wagt, AALU, CLU, ACS Our panel of experts: a vice president, actuary, and underwriting standards chief will explore current developments facing the underwriting of risks today. They will explain how the topics are researched, developed, and implemented in the underwriting department.
Functional And Alternative Medicine: An Overview Anne Sherman, FNP-B, Family & Functional Medicine NP By attending this presentation, you will learn the difference between Functional, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine. Attention will be paid to potential underwriting implications where possible.
Visa Holders and Recent Immigrants - Do You Really Know the Risk You're Underwriting? Lee Fluharty, ChFC, CLU, FALU, FLMI, MBA Kelly Stone, FALU, FLMI, CLU, ChFC, CASL Hear a discussion with a direct carrier and reinsurer on the unique underwriting challenges that recent immigrants and visa holders can present during underwriting. They will share general guidance related to financial documentation, medical information, confirming applicant's identity, and common visa types.
General Session: Extreme Teamwork Robyn Benincasa Two-time world champion Eco-Challenge Adventure Racer and San Diego Firefighter, Robyn knows all about creating human synergy or as she puts it, "that magic that allows groups of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things together." For the past 15 years, she and her teammates have studied Extreme Teamwork in the most unique and compelling classrooms on earth: the jungles of Borneo, the Himalayan peaks of Tibet, the rivers of Fiji, the rainforest of Ecuador, and the epic brush fires of Southern California. Her dynamic presentation will include ways individuals and groups can come together to deal with adversity and work in ways that increase the odds of winning. Robyn inspires people to grab life with one hand, grab their teammates with the other, and create that special magic that allows each of us to become better and stronger than we ever would have been alone.