AMA Guides® Newsletter

Articles

Rating Repeat Partial Meniscectomies, Unoperated Meniscal Tears, and Meniscal Repairs

Charles N. Brooks

Pages 3–6

DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2021.JanFeb01

Abstract
Rating repeat partial meniscectomies, unoperated meniscal tears, and meniscal repairs requires thoughtful clinical assessment and application of directives provided in the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides). Although the AMA Guides provide a specific impairment value for a partial meniscectomy, repeat meniscectomies may result in further impairment not to exceed the maximum value assigned for a total meniscectomy.
The Conundrum of Impairment and Disability Related to Chronic Pain

Steven D. Feinberg, Christopher R. Brigham, Charles N. Brooks

Pages 7–8

DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2021.JanFeb02

Abstract
Assessment of impairment and disability experienced by patients with chronic pain is challenging. The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) assesses impairment primarily based on objective findings, but pain is subjective. The sixth edition of the AMA Guides provides a pain-related impairment (PRI) of up to 3% in rare situations. Otherwise, pain is considered to be reflected in the conventional impairment rating system. There are still many unanswered questions.
Delving Into the Visual System in the AMA Guides, Fifth Edition

Daniel C. Schainholz

Pages 9–17

DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2021.JanFeb03

Abstract
The assessment of visual impairment using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides), Fifth Edition, requires a thoughtful ophthalmologic evaluation and careful application of the functional vision tests and arithmetic criteria provided in Chapter 12, The Visual System, and other chapters, as applicable. The interpolation of the multiple dimensions of the visual system into the enumeration of a single impairment percentage may involve complex mathematical manipulations. Properly enumerated, the value can be utilized rigorously in impairment evaluations, functional evaluations, and even for academic research.
Q&A: Assessing Corneal Abrasion Impairment

Daniel C. Schainholz, August Colenbrander, Christopher R. Brigham

Pages 18–18

DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2021.JanFeb04

Articles

Rating Repeat Partial Meniscectomies, Unoperated Meniscal Tears, and Meniscal Repairs

The Conundrum of Impairment and Disability Related to Chronic Pain

Delving Into the Visual System in the AMA Guides, Fifth Edition

Q&A: Assessing Corneal Abrasion Impairment