Module4_Flashcards_Part1

Question 1

Front

Answer 1

Back

Question 2

What does AMA stand for in the context of impairment rating?

Answer 2

American Medical Association — publisher of the Guides used in California Workers’ Compensation to rate permanent impairment.

Question 3

What edition of the AMA Guides does California workers’ compensation primarily use?

Answer 3

The 5th Edition.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the AMA Guides?

Answer 4

To standardize how physicians measure and report permanent impairment.

Question 5

What does “impairment” mean under the AMA Guides?

Answer 5

A loss, loss of use, or derangement of any body part, organ system, or function.

Question 6

How is impairment expressed in the AMA Guides?

Answer 6

As a percentage of Whole Person Impairment (WPI).

Question 7

What does WPI stand for?

Answer 7

Whole Person Impairment — the percent of a worker’s whole body affected by injury.

Question 8

What is the difference between impairment and disability in workers’ comp?

Answer 8

Impairment is medical loss of function; disability reflects work and earning capacity loss.

Question 9

Who decides disability percentage after impairment is rated?

Answer 9

The Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU) applies formulas to convert WPI to disability %.

Question 10

What 3 key modifiers adjust WPI to permanent disability?

Answer 10

Age, Occupation, and Apportionment.

Question 11

What is “apportionment” in impairment rating?

Answer 11

Splitting permanent disability between work and non-work causes.

Question 12

What is “MMI” and why is it important?

Answer 12

Maximum Medical Improvement — when a condition is stable and ready for rating.

Question 13

When should a QME rate impairment?

Answer 13

After the patient reaches MMI.