module 7 part 5

Question 1

Why is consistent terminology important in reports?

Answer 1

Ensures DEU can match impairment to correct body part codes and avoids rating errors.

Question 2

What if impairment is due to multiple pathologies in same region?

Answer 2

QME should integrate into one WPI for that region instead of stacking separate ratings.

Question 3

Mnemonic for same-region integration

Answer 3

“ONE” — One Region, One WPI.

Question 4

Why must QME state if impairment is ratable?

Answer 4

DEU cannot rate conditions not clearly described as ratable under AMA Guides.

Question 5

What is post-surgical impairment rating rule?

Answer 5

Rate residual function, not just the surgery performed (e.g., fusion residual vs “had surgery”).

Question 6

How are arthroplasties (joint replacements) rated?

Answer 6

Use specific AMA tables; residual motion and stability determine WPI.

Question 7

Mnemonic for arthroplasty

Answer 7

“PROST” — Prosthesis Outcome Sets Table.

Question 8

Why include complications (infection, hardware failure)?

Answer 8

Complications may increase impairment percentage beyond base surgical rating.

Question 9

How to rate spinal fusion?

Answer 9

Usually DRE Category III–V; ROM if DRE doesn’t fit; describe fusion levels.

Question 10

What is post-laminectomy syndrome?

Answer 10

Chronic pain/disability after spine surgery; rated per residual function and pain guidelines.

Question 11

Why list specific ADL deficits?

Answer 11

ADL impact directly drives WPI % per AMA Guides.

Question 12

Mnemonic for ADL tie-in

Answer 12

“LIST ADL.”

Question 13

What if worker changes jobs post-injury?

Answer 13

PD rating still based on job at time of injury (occupation group), not new job.

Question 14

Can QME suggest vocational adjustments?

Answer 14

QME may describe work limitations but cannot change statutory occupation modifier; vocational experts rebut if needed.

Question 15

Why is work preclusion language discouraged?

Answer 15

QME should describe functional loss, not legal disability categories like “cannot compete.”

Question 16

How to rate complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?

Answer 16

Meet AMA criteria (vasomotor, trophic changes, sensory findings) and assign WPI per neuro/skin sections.

Question 17

Mnemonic for CRPS criteria

Answer 17

“STAMP” — Sensory, Trophic, Autonomic, Motor, Pain.”

Question 18

What is dorsal column stimulator effect on rating?

Answer 18

Usually rated as spinal surgery residual with added neuro impairment if present.

Question 19

Can QME assign work capacity percentage?

Answer 19

No — QME gives medical impairment; work capacity is legal/vocational determination.

Question 20

Why describe future medical care?

Answer 20

Impacts ongoing treatment but not PD %; helps WCAB award medical benefits.

Question 21

What is residual neurological deficit?

Answer 21

Lasting sensory/motor loss post-injury; key in WPI assignment for spine/nerve injuries.

Question 22

How is knee impairment rated?

Answer 22

Based on ROM, stability, arthritis, surgical history; converted to WPI then PD.

Question 23

Mnemonic for knee rating

Answer 23

“ROM+Stability+OA.”

Question 24

Why must QME avoid percent of whole body language not tied to Guides?

Answer 24

Only AMA Guides-based WPI is acceptable; avoid vague “50% disabled” statements.

Question 25

What is scheduled loss vs unscheduled?

Answer 25

CA uses scheduled rating system; unscheduled injuries may require vocational analysis but still follow PDRS.

Question 26

Mnemonic for schedule use

Answer 26

“SCHEDULE FIRST.”

Question 27

What is the impact of SB 899 on PD ratings?

Answer 27

Made AMA Guides 5th mandatory and emphasized apportionment to non-industrial causes.

Question 28

Why should QME know legal updates?

Answer 28

Staying current prevents invalid ratings and deposition challenges.