Module_4_Flashcards_Part1

Question 1

What are AMA impairment ratings used for in workers’ compensation?

Answer 1

They standardize how physicians quantify permanent impairment from a work injury to determine effect on daily activities and work capacity, guiding permanent disability (PD) benefits. (Mnemonic: A.M.A. → Assess, Measure, Award)

Question 2

Which AMA Guides edition is most used in California?

Answer 2

The 5th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. (Mnemonic: CA loves 5 — California = 5th)

Question 3

Define an impairment rating.

Answer 3

A percentage quantifying permanent loss of function due to injury, including anatomical damage and functional loss; converted to a Whole Person Impairment (WPI). (Mnemonic: % = Permanent loss)

Question 4

Main steps in determining impairment rating?

Answer 4

1) Medical history & physical exam. 2) Identify body system category in AMA Guides. 3) Rate severity (ROM, sensory, functional limits). 4) Convert to WPI using tables. 5) Combine multiple impairments via combined values chart. (Mnemonic: H-E-S-C-C: History, Exam, Severity, Convert, Combine)

Question 5

Two components AMA Guides consider in impairment?

Answer 5

Anatomical impairment (structural loss) and Functional impairment (impact on tasks/ADLs). (Mnemonic: A & F — Anatomy and Function)

Question 6

Examples of body system categories in AMA Guides?

Answer 6

Orthopedic (musculoskeletal), Neurological, Cardiovascular, Mental/Cognitive, Vision/Hearing/Sensory. (Mnemonic: ONe Clever Mind Views Health)

Question 7

How are psychological injuries rated under AMA Guides?

Answer 7

By assessing how the condition (e.g., PTSD, depression) affects work and daily life tasks, assigning a WPI % based on severity. (Mnemonic: Mind → Measure Impact on daily life)

Question 8

Why can impairment ratings be subjective?

Answer 8

Different physicians may interpret functional loss, pain, and ROM differently, leading to variability. (Mnemonic: Subjective = Specialist’s Spin)

Question 9

Key purpose of Whole Person Impairment (WPI)?

Answer 9

Reflects the impact of injury on entire body; drives permanent disability benefit calculations and guides ongoing care. (Mnemonic: WPI = Whole Picture Impact)

Question 10

Steps to calculate Whole Person Impairment (WPI)?

Answer 10

1. Rate impairment for each body part (ROM, strength, function). 2. Convert part impairment → WPI via AMA tables. 3. Combine multiple WPI %s with the Combined Values Chart. 4. Adjust for special conditions (e.g., spine, mental health). (Mnemonic: Rate–Convert–Combine–Adjust)

Question 11

Conversion example: 20% knee impairment (leg = 40% body). WPI?

Answer 11

20% × 40% = 8% WPI.

Question 12

Formula to combine multiple impairments (simplified)?

Answer 12

Combined WPI = A + B − (A×B/100), where A and B are WPI percentages. (Mnemonic: Add, then subtract the overlap)

Question 13

Example: Arm 10% (60% body = 6% WPI), Leg 5% (40% body = 2% WPI). Combined WPI?

Answer 13

6 + 2 − (6×2)/100 = 7.88% WPI.

Question 14

Why use the Combined Values Chart?

Answer 14

To avoid simple addition and more accurately represent interaction/overlap of multiple impairments. (Mnemonic: CVC = Combines Values Correctly)