Impairment ratings are typically based on the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (Guides). Impairment ratings should be correct, objective and unbiased. Most are not. Studies have documented the observation that most ratings are higher than the clinical data would support. Sometimes, ratings may be lower than appropriate. It is paramount that ratings are accurate and reflect the respective clinical condition.
Many impairment ratings are erroneous1,2 because most physicians lack skills in the use of the Guides. Erroneous ratings also result from incomplete or inaccurate clinical assessment, reliance on unreliable data, faulty causation evaluation, inaccurate determination of maximum medical improvement (MMI), lack of impairment analysis skills, and/or bias.
The critical review of an impairment rating requires knowledge, skill and experience in clinical analysis, causation evaluation and proper application of the Guides. It is essential to determine that the clinical data used as the basis for an impairment rating is both reliable and is the result of a subject injury.
Dr. Dagher‘s expertise in the use of the AMA Guides and experience as a teacher in the proper use of the Guides qualifies him as a reliable expert in this subject matter.
1https://doi.org/10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2010.MarApr02
2https://doi.org/10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2006.MayJun01
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