Life insurer Acenda has created a new way for doctors to submit patient details.

Its partnership with EQ Pathology allows medical information to be provided through digital questionnaires instead of PDF forms. Acenda says this eliminates bottlenecks and delivers faster decisions.

“Insurance applications can sometimes require additional medical information to complete,” the insurer said.

“These requests currently involve manual intervention to process and can create delays for advisers and customers.”

Acenda chief executive for individual business Gerard Kerr added: “It is part of our focus to transform underwriting and to innovate how our underwriters get precisely the information they need the first time without the back and forth that can delay applications.

“Doctors will no longer have to download or print PDFs, so advisers can provide their clients with faster decisions in a streamlined experience that still respects their privacy.”

Acenda and EQ were recognised at last week’s Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association excellence awards, winning the partnership impact prize.

The insurer’s COO Jane Murray said: “It’s fantastic to see this industry-first initiative delivered by our team recognised with this award.

“I congratulate all of our people for what they continue to do to put customers first.”