Basic Concepts

Five New Axioms of the Sixth Edition
In the Sixth Edition, there is a paradigm shift which adopts a contemporary model of disablement; it is simplified, functionally based, and internally consi...
Wed, 23 Oct, 2013 at 9:43 PM
Non-key Factors explained
Most impairments are based on the Diagnosis-based Impairments (DBI) where Impairment Class is determined by the diagnosis and/or other specific criteria; ...
Thu, 24 Aug, 2017 at 4:30 PM
Reliability and Consistency
The AMA’s definition of reliability: The extent to which a test or measurement yields consistent results when repeated. Synonymous with reproducibility. ...
Wed, 29 Jan, 2014 at 11:32 AM
How to rate disk narrowing and bulging disk
With the 6th edition of the Guides, the first step in rating an impairment is to select the Key Factor, or diagnosis. The regional grids generally group the...
Wed, 22 Jan, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Who uses the AMA Guides™ Sixth Edition?
United States of America Alaska Arizona Illinois Louisiana Mississippi Montana New Mexico ...
Thu, 15 Sep, 2016 at 10:37 AM
Who performs impairment ratings?
Impairment evaluation requires medical knowledge; therefore, mostly doctors who are qualified in allopathic or osteopathic medicine or chiropractic medicine...
Wed, 22 Jan, 2014 at 11:14 AM
The Anatomy of an Impairment
The 6th edition of the Guides attempts to standardize how impairment value is assigned to a specific condition. Most impairments are based on the Diagnosis-...
Wed, 23 Oct, 2013 at 9:49 PM
What are the examiner's roles and responsibilities?
The physician's role in performing an impairment evaluation is to provide an independent, unbiased assessment of the individual's medical condition,...
Wed, 23 Oct, 2013 at 8:56 PM
When are impairment ratings performed?
Only permanent impairment may be rated according to the Guides, and only after the status of "Maximum Medical Improvement" (MMI) is determined, as...
Wed, 11 Dec, 2013 at 10:16 AM
Apportionment (Guides 6)
Reproduced from the AMA Guides 6th edition, page 25, 2.5c Apportionment is an allocation of causation among multiple factors that caused or significantly...
Wed, 20 Sep, 2017 at 11:53 AM