AMA Guides® Newsletter - Issue Archive

Articles

1. Spinal Alteration of Motion Segment Integrity

   Patrick Luers

   Pages 1–3, 9-11

   DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2007.MarApr01

   Abstract

   The Diagnosis-related estimate (DRE) method is the principal methodology to evaluate spinal impairment, and alteration of motion segment integrity results at least in a DRE Category IV rating, based on a single-level fusion. Multilevel fusions are rated using the range-of-motion (ROM) method. Detailed examination of the medical literature identifies definitions of loss of motion segment integrity that differ from those in the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, (AMA Guides), Fourth and Fifth Editions. Evaluators should note that the descriptions of certain figures were revised in the Errata to the Fifth Edition of the AMA Guides. Evaluators should note three key points from the AMA Guides: permanent impairment is based on findings at maximal medical improvement (MMI); motion in the spite must be abnormal to qualify for permanent impairment; and imaging results, by themselves, cannot be used to establish a DRE impairment rating. Overall, evaluators should consider flexion/extension radiographs that are technically adequate and taken at MMI; read and understand the Errata for Figures 15-3a, 15-3b, and 15-3c; and apply only normal translation and angular motion thresholds that are consistent with the scientific literature.
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2. Case Exercise: Toxic Exposure-Related Illness: Causation, Diagnosis, and Permanent Impairment

   Frederick Fung

   Pages 4–8

   DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2007.MarApr02

   Abstract

   A diagnosis of toxic-related injury/illness requires a consideration of the illness related to the toxic exposure, including diagnosis, causation, and permanent impairment; these are best performed by a physician who is certified by a specialty board certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. The patient must have a history of symptoms consistent with the exposure and disease at issue. In order to diagnose the presence of a specific disease, the examiner must find subjective complaints that are consistent with the objective findings, and both the subjective complaints and objective findings must be consistent with the disease that is postulated. Exposure to a specific potentially causative agent at a defined concentration level must be documented and must be sufficient to induce a particular pathology in order to establish a diagnosis. Differential diagnoses must be entertained in order to rule out other potential causes, including psychological etiology. Furthermore, the identified exposure at the defined concentration level must be capable of causing the diagnosis being postulated before the examiner can conclude that there has been a cause-and-effect relationship between the exposure and the disease (dose-response relationship). The evaluator's opinion should make biological and epidemiological sense. The treatment plan and prognosis should be consistent with evidence-based medicine, and the rating of impairment must be based on objective findings in involved systems.
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3. Bulging Discs

   James B. Talmage

   Pages 11–11

   DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2007.MarApr03