Do you know how to perform the examinations exactly as specified in the AMA Guides? Most physicians do not. These skills are absolutely essential. As a physician - are you certain that you are performing the evaluation as required? As an attorney or claims manager - do you know what is required for a correct examination and how to challenge an incorrect one?

In this new DVD learn from the experts how to perform a required impairment evaluation physical exam. All physicians and reviewers of reports must be knowledgeable of this content which is superbly demonstrated by experienced clinicians, step-by-step. Principles are explained and the required examinations are demonstrated.

As a result of viewing this program you will be able to perform:

• spinal inclinometry
• extremity evaluation
• assessment of each joint and special required testing
• accurate neurological evaluation - including two- point discrimination, monofilament testing & strength evaluation)
• & Much More!

This is a necessity for anyone involved in performing physical exams or reviewing impairment reports. Call or Click below to Save $50 off this exceptional DVD! The DVD will be shipped prior to December 25; give yourself the gift you need.

Don't miss this special price - only available until the end of the year. Make this a 2006 investment. Do not wait.

This on demand AMA Guides training contains over 60 modules of training on the Guides! View a complimentary video of how to assess impairment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at www.guidesiq.com

• Easy to Use Video Demonstrations
• Available 24 Hours a Day
• Necessity for all Physicians, Claims Professionals & Attorneys reviewing or performing impairment reports
• Daily, weekly, monthly & yearly subscriptions
• Monthly conference calls for all subscribers with Dr. Brigham
• Holiday Discount - $200 off annual subscription!
• Subscribe now and have unlimited access to Guides training whenever you need it!
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GuidesIQ is the equivalent of 3 to 4 days of seminars. You can access the resources whenever necessary – to build knowledge and to manage a specific case. The resource is available on a membership model: members pay a modest annual subscription – a fraction of the true cost associated with attending a meeting.

What does it contain?

• Video presentations on the AMA Guides – 5th and 4th editions – demonstration of proper examination techniques
• Online self-assessment
• Digital publications
• Members only forum and monthly teleconference calls, and much more!

• Price: $697.00/annual subscription (This reflects a special $200 savings available only until December 31. Make this a 2006 investment.)
• Register: www.guidesiq.com
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• Multiple-User Discounts Available

Chapter Four: The Cardiovascular System: Systemic and Pulmonary Arteries
By Aimee Lazell, CIR, WCCP

This article is the fourth in a series intended to point out a few of the highlights from each chapter of the AMA Guides.

This article will discuss important points of reference for Chapter Four which addresses the cardiovascular system, specifically the systemic and pulmonary arteries. This chapter is used more frequently than the previous chapter which addressed the heart and aorta. The conditions addressed in chapter 4 include hypertensive cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and pulmonary hypertension.

As in the previous discussion on the cardiovascular system, specialized testing is required to be performed in order to accurately evaluate the level of permanent impairment in this chapter.

Expert knowledge in this field of medicine is required for performing and interpreting the necessary testing and applying an impairment analysis. The physician performing an impairment rating according to this chapter should be well experienced in the application of the Guides.

Section 4.1 Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease is used for rating hypertension. Table 4-1 Classification of Hypertension in Adults (5th ed., 66) categorizes hypertension as stage 1, 2, or 3 based on blood pressure measurements. According to Table 4-2 Criteria for “Rating Permanent Impairment Due to Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease", the patient must have at least stage 1 hypertension or have a history of hypertension which is controlled with antihypertensive medication.

Section 4.3 Vascular Diseases Affecting the Extremities covers the issues of vascular disease in the upper extremities using Table 4-4 (5th ed., 74) and the lower extremities using Table 4-5 (5th ed., 76). In order to rate impairment using this section a specific diagnosis of vascular disease must be established.

Section 4.4 Diseases of the Pulmonary Arteries requires specialized testing be performed by a skilled physician. Evaluation of impairment in this section must also be evaluated by a physician experienced in the use of the Guides

Watch for the next article in the series, which will highlight sections of Chapter 5 The Respiratory System.

Date: December 19, 2006
Time: 1:00 pm Pacific, 2:00 pm Mountain, 3:00 pm Central, 4:00 pm Eastern, 11:00 am Hawaiian

Participate with us in this new webinar series to increase your practical understanding of how to manage psychological workers’ compensation claims. Your leaders, Drs. Norma and Steve Leclair, are experienced mental health professionals with the unique experience of working both as clinicians and directly with employers, workers’ compensation carriers and disability insurers. What information is relevant when you are determining the work-relatedness of a psychological disorder? How do you assess if the claimant has reached a point of maximum medical improvement? How do you evaluate the validity of an impairment classification for a psychological disorder, based on the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment? What information do you need from the mental health provider and what are the most effective ways to communicate with the provider? We will provide insights into these challenging questions and many others.

Submit your unanswered question at www.impairment.com/askleclair.htm

Register in advance, attendance is limited. You will find this client appreciation webinar of great benefit.