AMA Guides® Newsletter - Issue Archive

Articles

1. Cognitive Screening Tools

   Sarah H. Gulick, Steven Mandel, Edward A. Maitz, Christopher R. Brigham, Lorne K. Direnfeld

   Pages 3–7

   DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2021.MayJune01

   Abstract

   Physicians performing impairment evaluations on patients with cognitive complaints and possible central nervous system disorders should perform a clinical mental status assessment. Assessing cognitive complaints efficiently, in a systematic and supportable way, can be challenging. The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment specifies that objective criteria are important to consider when assessing impairment. Physicians may choose to use standardized cognitive screening tests (cognitive screeners) as a relatively quick, practical tool to initially assess patients and aid in decision making. Several cognitive screeners will be discussed in detail below. A patient's performance on such tests may indicate that more comprehensive testing is needed. Cognitive screeners have limitations and are not designed to assess symptom validity or the extent to which psychological factors may contribute to cognitive complaints. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment may be indicated in these situations and when the screeners demonstrate findings of potential concern help define MMI.
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2. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Impairment Assessment

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

   Pages 8–13

   DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2021.MayJune02

   Abstract

   Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by chronic spontaneous and/or evoked regional pain disproportionate in severity, distribution, and/or duration to that typically experienced after a similar injury or illness. The pain may also begin without a known precipitant. While various authors have questioned the validity of the diagnosis, physicians will be asked to perform impairment ratings on patients diagnosed with CRPS. Hence, it is important to understand the issues associated with this syndrome; the diagnostic criteria for it, including the need to rule out other diagnoses that may explain the patient's presentation; and how to rate CRPS. The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fifth Edition, provides approaches to assessing CRPS impairment that are refined in the Sixth Edition.
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3. Q&A: Motor Vehicle Collisions and Meniscal Tears

   Charles N. Brooks, James B. Talmage

   Pages 14–14

   DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2021.MayJune03