Attending physician statement (APS) is a detailed medical report obtained by an insurer directly from a proposed insuredTMs physician or medical providers to support underwriting decisions. The APS typically includes office notes, hospital records, diagnostic test results, diagnoses, treatments, and physician impressions covering a defined period. It provides far more depth and objectivity than self'reported application answers, particularly for complex or high'risk conditions. Because APS records can be lengthy and technical, they are often reviewed by underwriters, nurse underwriters, or medical directors who interpret their significance relative to mortality and morbidity risk. APS content plays a central role in determining whether coverage is issued standard, rated, postponed, or declined.

Underwriters order an attending physician statement when application disclosures, exam findings, or age and amount criteria indicate that additional medical detail is needed. BGAs and advisors manage client expectations about timelines, since APS requests can be one of the slowest steps in underwriting. They also encourage clients to notify physiciansTM offices so records are released promptly. Once received, APS findings may confirm benign conditions or reveal previously undisclosed issues. Advisors sometimes request informal feedback based on APS summaries to decide whether to pivot to more lenient carriers. Understanding attending physician statements helps advisors appreciate why certain cases move slowly and why complete, accurate medical disclosure upfront can reduce surprises later.