"Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fourth Edition"

Overview

• Title: Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fourth Edition
• Author: American Medical Association (AMA)
• Edition: Fourth

Key Themes

• Assessing permanent impairment after injury or illness
• Using a standardized system for impairment ratings
• Considering various body systems and their functional limitations

Features

• Diagnosis-Related Estimates (DRE) model for spinal injuries
• Alternative approaches for evaluating lower-extremity impairment
• Dedicated chapter on pain assessment

Target Audience

• Medical professionals involved in impairment evaluation
• Insurance companies and adjusters
• Attorneys working on personal injury cases

Strengths

• Standardized approach ensures consistency in impairment ratings
• Comprehensive coverage of multiple body systems
• Addresses the challenge of pain evaluation in impairment assessment

Chapter Headlines (Examples may vary slightly):

• Introduction and General Principles
• Musculoskeletal System
• Neurological System
• Mental and Behavioral Disorders
• Sensory and Communicative Disorders

Closing Paragraph

Published in 1993, the fourth edition of the "Guides" offered a refined framework for permanent impairment evaluation. While superseded by later editions in many jurisdictions, it remains a valuable resource for understanding core concepts and specific approaches to assessing limitations caused by injury or illness.