From Book News, Inc.
This reference for clinicians describes criteria for the assessment and rating of an individual's permanent impairment in the United States. Introductory chapters discuss such topics as impairment evaluation in Workers' Compensation cases and the physician's role based on the Americans with Disabilities Act. The main part of the text consists of individual chapters devoted to various systems of the body. Each of these chapters includes an overview of impairment assessment for that body system; a description and interpretation of common signs and symptoms of disorders; a summary of common investigative clinical procedures; case studies; and clinical criteria used to determine impairment ratings.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
The Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment has been the disability professional's reference of choice for more than three decades. The new Guides Fifth Edition delivers state-of-the-discipline information you can put to practical use in your day-to-day applications immediately. Get the most current, consensus-based, scientific and clinical information from every relevant medical specialty. It features: -Enhanced coverage of chronic pain assessment -New conditions, such as HIV and latex allergy -Major enhancements to cardiology, skin, visual, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems -Standardized formatting across topics makes it the most accessible Guides ever


Book Info
Major reference source for assessing and rating an individual's permanent impairment in the United States and abroad. Includes chapter outlines, boldface terms, interpretation of signs and symptoms, principles of assessment, criteria for rating permanent impairment, description of clinical procedures, and impairment evaluation summary. Previous edition: c1993.

ANNOTATION

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

This updated standard in quality evaluations is the approved uniform way to evaluate, measure, and report impairment. The material in this new edition is scientifically and consensus based, and is prepared by society experts. The organization is improved for enhanced readability, use, and consistency among chapters making this edition more user friendly and less confusing. All body systems are covered with significant improvements in major chapters including cardiology, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and skin. Also covered are new conditions including HIV and latex allergy. This guide is mandated or recommended in over 40 states, Australia, and Canada.

SYNOPSIS

This reference for clinicians describes criteria for the assessment and rating of an individual's permanent impairment in the United States. Introductory chapters discuss such topics as impairment evaluation in Workers' Compensation cases and the physician's role based on the Americans with Disabilities Act. The main part of the text consists of individual chapters devoted to various systems of the body. Each of these chapters includes an overview of impairment assessment for that body system; a description and interpretation of common signs and symptoms of disorders; a summary of common investigative clinical procedures; case studies; and clinical criteria used to determine impairment ratings. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

FROM THE CRITICS

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Daniel L. Sudakin, MD, MPH (Oregon State University)Description: This is the newest edition of the most commonly used guide for rating permanent impairments in the U.S. The previous edition was published in 1993. Purpose: The purpose is to update the diagnostic criteria and evaluation process used in impairment assessment, incorporating the available scientific evidence and prevailing medical opinion. These are clearly worthwhile objectives given the important role that the physician assumes in the impairment assessment process. Audience: Physicians who provide independent, unbiased assessments of an individual's medical condition and ability to perform activities of daily living are the intended audience. Other stakeholders in the disability assessment process, such as attorneys, judges, and claim adjudicators, will find this to be an important reference. Features: A brief history of the philosophy, purpose, and appropriate use of the guides is followed by an organ system approach to the assessment of impairment. Although many new references have been incorporated in the current edition, the quantity and quality varies from chapter to chapter, and in some cases the manner in which these data have been incorporated to the guides is unclear. Most chapters rely heavily upon theoretical case examples, although these cannot simulate the complexity of an individual patient. Many tables and figures are used to supplement the text. Readers of previous editions will probably not find much difference in the content. Anatomical figures are clearly presented, yet some of the tables and figures (particularly in the upper extremity chapter) remain complex and difficult to decipher. Assessment: There is clearly a growing need for objectivity in the assessment of impairment and disability, and this most recent edition makes some positive steps in this direction. Many readers will have an improved understanding of the complexity of this process, but will still find the current edition to be difficult to understand and implement in their practice.

RATING

3 Stars from Doody

ACCREDITATION