Learn the AMA Guides on CD Rom and DVD with packages of $400 - $900 savings... Save a bunch on our Platinum Plus & Bronze Bundle packages which contain DVD's, CD ROM's, books & Quick Reference Charts! You must order before December 25 to obtain this very special pricing. Never before have we offered such a discount - give yourself the gift of knowledge - essential to your professional success.

The Platinum Plus includes:

• AMA Guides 101 DVD (Reg. $395)
• AMA Guides 102 DVD (Reg. $395)
• AMA Guides Webinar™ 101 (Reg. $395)
• AMA Guides 201 Webinar (Reg. $395)
• Quick Reference Chart
• All for just $695.95!! Total Value= $1,609.95!!

The Bronze Bundle includes:

• The Guides Casebook, 2nd Edition (Reg. $62.95)
• AMA Guides 101 DVD (Reg. $395)
• AMA Guides 102 DVD (Reg. $395)
• Quick Reference Chart (Reg. $29.95)
• Package Only $495.95!! Total Value= $882.90

Presented by Phil Walker, JD & Chris Brigham, MD along with other Specialists from across the U.S. including Robert Barth, PhD, Charles Brooks, MD, Lorne Direnfeld, MD, Mark Melhorn, MD, Mark Hyman, MD, Vert Mooney, MD and Henry Roth, MD.

This highly acclaimed Webinar will be available mid- January, as an 8 CD set. You will learn how to assess cause and to apportion problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, cardiopulmonary disease, and many other conditions.

• Over 14 hrs of quality AMA Guides training on CD ROM!
• 8 Sessions: each session appr. 1½ - 2½ hours!
• Call today for your copy! (619) 299-7377

Now you are able to have direct access to Christopher Brigham, MD, Phil Walker, JD and other leading experts on the AMA Guides, via biweekly teleconference sessions. This is a very cost- effective method to address specific questions about the Guides and your cases. For less than Dr. Brigham's consulting rate for a single hour, you can access his expertise for six months by joining others in these sessions. The investment is comparatively minimal and the benefits are great.

Schedule

• Physician Session: Begin Tues.- 5-6 pm Pacific Time 1/10/06, 1/24/06
• Claims, Attorney & Others: Begin Tues.- 2-3 pm Pacific Time 1/10/06, 1/24/06

This article is the first of a series in which we will take a closer look at physical examination tools and techniques.

How do you know if physical examination findings are reliable, accurate and valid? This is a question many physicians, practitioners, adjusters and attorneys ask as they evaluate the data used for determine permanent impairment in a case. The Guides are very specific in their instruction on how data must be obtained at the time of physical examination. One of the most quoted statements taken from the Guides is that “two physicians, following the same methods of the Guides to evaluate the same patient, should report similar results and reach similar conclusions”. (AMA Guides, page 17) This is an interesting statement given the fact that our experts tends to see inconsistent measurements of the same patient by different physicians. We also find that many impairment evaluations fail to document appropriate physical examination measurements. There is an apparent lack of experience or knowledge of the examination protocols outlined in the Guides. Chapter 2 of the Guides provides the “rules” physicians must follow for doing evaluations. Each chapter in the Guides provides specific instruction on how the evaluation for that region should be done.

These tools assist in achieving reliable, valid and accurate data collection. If the physician does not perform the evaluation according to the standards in the Guides the rating is subject to challenge. Attorneys will find these standards are an excellent basis for defining effective cross-examination questions.

There are several commonly used instruments based on the directives given in the Guides. We will focus on what these tools are and how they are used. Each tool will be illustrated and we will provide you with references from the Guides.

Dual Inclinometer: Spine-range of motion testing.

Spinal range of motion measurements must be obtained using inclinometers as described in Section 15.8 Range-of- Motion Method (pages 398-403). They are essential for Range of Motion impairment assessments and also recommended in obtaining data for Diagnosis-Related Estimate assessments. There are detailed specifications about how spinal motion must be measured. The goal is to provide reliable measurements of specific spinal movements. The Guides note on page 399 that "The greatest source of error that occurs is due to test administrator inexperience or lack of knowledge." Very few of the spinal impairment evaluations we review provide documentation that appropriate inclinometery measurements were obtained.

There are manual and electronic inclinometers. They range from small angle-measuring devices traditionally used by carpenters, mechanics and tradespersons to sophisticated dual electronic spinal inclinometers. We are distributors of the Acumar Digital Inclinometer, our favorite among the electronic inclinometers, since it is efficient, convenient to use, and reasonably priced.

In upcoming issues we will discuss the use of goniometers (used to measure joint motion), two point discriminators (used to test 2 point discrimination), Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (used to test sensibility), and dynamometers (used to measure grip strength).

Distinguish yourself and your organization by demonstrating knowledge and skills in the assessment of impairment using the AMA Guides, Fifth Edition.

Unique, highly cost and time effective evaluation and educational opportunity, leading to certification. The examination is open book and requires you to use the AMA Guides, therefore you will increase your abilities to apply the Guides. You will have one week to complete the process once the examination is started; typically the examination involves a total of approximately four hours of time.

Utilize a Certified Impairment Rater (sm) to obtain a more reliable and accurate rating, therefore avoiding needless cost, delays and conflict.

Register Today

AMA Guides Webinar™ 101 - The Fundamentals is an overview on the use of the AMA Guides, with a focus on principles of impairment evaluation, and assessment of spine, upper extremity, lower extremity, neurological, and pain impairments. The seminar is offered in four convenient two hour sessions, totaling eight hours of superb training. This seminar is designed for physicians, attorneys, and claims staff with minimal or no experience in the use of the Guides but is also an excellent review for individuals who may have attended an introductory course and desire further review and clarification.

Schedule: All sessions 2-4pm P.S.T

Session 1: Overview, Lower Extremity 1/3/06

Session 2: Upper Extremity 1/10/06

Session 3: Spine 1/17/06

Session 4: Other Chpts, Strategies 1/24/06

Discounts for 10 or more attendees!

Call 619-299-7377

Jenny Walker

Ms. Walker is our Business Administrator and is responsible for operations, human resources, and financial management. Her goal is to assure an efficient organization that provides you, our clients, with the highest quality service.

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Ms. Doerfler is our Client Services Representative in our Portland, Maine corporate office. She exemplifies excellence in customer service and is always willing to assist our clients with special requests. Do not hesitate to give her a call at 207- 879-9400, Toll Free 866-848-9205.