|
Training > Professional Certifications ~ Skills Assessment
-
Written by Christopher R. Brigham, MD,
FACOEM, FAADEP, CIME
-
Online self assessment of AMA Guides
knowledge and skills
-
Superb learning experience
-
Only $197 to thoroughly assess your skills
-
Success completion of the Skills Assessment
meets the examination component for the
Certified Impairment Rater® designation
If you perform, review or manage impairment
evaluation ratings, this self assessment is
essential. The assessment is open book and
requires you to use the AMA Guides;
therefore it is a very effective learning tool
and you will increase your abilities to apply
the Guides. After you respond to the
question you are given the correct answer and
references.
This is a dynamic assessment
consisting of 100 items, typically taking 4
hours to complete. Each question is based on a
random selection of questions from specific
areas of the Guides. Therefore, each examination
is different. The weighting is consistent with
the ratings performed. 15-25% of the items are
on the Principles of the Guides, 25-30% spine,
20-25% upper extremity, and the remaining 20-25%
lower extremity and other areas.
Objectives
Participants should be able to
demonstrate:
- An understanding of key
terms and concepts in impairment evaluation.
- The ability to assess
permanent impairment of musculoskeletal
injuries, including those of the spine,
upper extremities and lower extremities.
- The ability to assess
permanent impairment of nervous system
disorders and pain.
Comprehensive Skills
Assessment - Only $197
If you've passed the Skills Assessment -
Obtain status as a Certified Impairment Rater here - $147
The certification of Certified Impairment Rater® was created to
establish and maintain standards of
knowledge, skills and abilities of
individuals who perform impairment
and/or disability evaluations. The
quality of ratings performed by physicians, attorneys, claims
staff, and others varies widely. The goal of certification
is to improve the quality and reliability of ratings - therefore
reducing conflict and facilitating fair resolution of claims.
This certification is essential to all professionals involved in
impairment and disability evaluation.
|
|
Who should seek this Certification?
-
Physicians
performing impairment ratings,
whether as independent medical
evaluators, Qualified Medical
Examiners, Agreed Medical Examiners,
or treating physicians. California
Medical Provider Networks should
require this of physicians
performing impairment ratings.
-
Attorneys (defense
and plaintiff) who are involved in
workers' compensation. Their law
firms and clients should require
this as a standard.
-
Claims professionals
and judges in systems that make use
of the AMA Guides.
|
Faculty Disclosure
This examination was developed by Dr. Brigham,
who is Chairman of Impairment Resources, LLC and receives royalties from the American
Medical Association.
Content
The weighting of the examination items are based
on the distribution of required knowledge and
skills to perform ratings typically encountered
in the workers' compensation and liability
arenas. The examination focuses on essential
principles and musculoskeletal case exercises,
demonstrating actual skills in using the Guides.
|
Content |
Chapter(s) |
Weighting |
|
Principles |
1
and 2 |
15% |
| Spine |
15 |
30% |
| Upper
Extremities |
16 |
20% |
| Lower
Extremities |
17 |
15% |
|
Nervous System |
13 |
5% |
| Pain
and Other Chapters |
18 |
15% |
Example Questions
The following are
examples of questions. Why not test yourself, the
answers are provided by clicking on the link below.
1. Which ONE of the following situations
would not be rated using the Range-of-Motion (ROM)
method
A. Fracture at L1 and L2
B. Fusion L3 to L5
C. Fracture at T12 and L1
D. Recurrent radiculopathy
2. A patient had
electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel
syndrome and underwent a release. At the time of
maximal medical improvement, several months later,
she has minimal difficulties that for the most part
are forgotten during activity. Examination reveals
normal two point discrimination, however abnormal
sensibility (tested with monofilaments) over the
thumb only, the rest of the median nerve was intact.
Motor examination was intact. Grip strength was 20
kg. in the operated hand and 30 kg. in the opposite
hand. What is a probable rating?
A. 0% whole person permanent impairment
B. 3% whole person permanent impairment
C. 6% whole person permanent impairment
D. 12% whole person permanent impairment
3. Which of the following lower
extremity methods can be combined?
A. Muscle atrophy and diagnosis based estimate
B. Gait and range of motion
C. Range of motion and peripheral nerve injury
D. Muscle strength and arthritis
Click Here for Answers
Contact
Kate Singer for more information or Call
619-299-7377 or 888-262-1202 |
