Doctrine of priority

The priority given to an assignee under the Policies of Assurance Act 1867 when a deed assigning a life policy has been executed and proper notice given. Until notice is given the assignee has no right to sue under the deed and the Act provides that the date on which notice is received shall regulate the priority of all claims – this is known as the doctrine of priority. See ASSIGNMENT.

Doctrine of reasonable expectations

Rule or theory used by some courts that supports policy owners’ and beneficiaries’ rational expectations even though this is not stated in the policy. It means that the actual language of the insurance contract may not be the controlling factor if the insured could reasonably have expected something other than what the insurance contract states because of the circumstances of the case. Also known as reasonable-expectation doctrine .

Documentation

1. Detailed chronological recording of pertinent facts and observations about a patient’s health as seen in chart notes and medical reports, such as the patient’s condition, treatment, and progress. These entries are required in the medical record to support charges submitted to third-party payers, as well as prescription refills, telephone calls, and other pertinent data. 2. Act of creating records to substantiate the performance of an action (e.g., financial records). 3. Claim forms, written communications, telecommunications, explanation of benefit documents, notes, transactions, and work papers that are relevant to a claim.

Documents

Forms and papers such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, W2 forms, tax returns, and deeds. These may be used by individuals applying for federal benefits.