Online training is the best way to learn how to use the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment – it is also the most cost-effective.
Completion of the online training provided at www.fifthedition.com and successfully obtaining “AMA Guides Fifth Edition Certification of Training,” as explained below and at www.impairment.com/trainingcertificate5/, fulfills the training requirements specified by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Disability Evaluators Panel (DEP). This online offering was approved by the BWC in May 2020. Subscribe today to www.fifthedition.com.
Disability Evaluators Panel
Per the Disability Evaluators Panel Handbook (Chapter 2, Page 2), physician applicants must “provide documentation of successful completion of eight (8) hours of training in the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment currently in use by BWC”, current DEP providers must “annually provide documentation of attendance of six (6) hours of workers’ compensation-related continuing education”, and “every five (5) years provide documentation of successful completion of eight (8) hours of training in the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment currently in use by BWC”.
Physician Certification (Other than psychiatrists and psychologists, see below)
Subscribers to online training on the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fifth Edition, provided at www.fifthedition.com, will receive Certification of Training, at no additional cost, upon completion of the following steps.
- View all presentations and videos relevant to their scope of practice.
- Read the syllabus Guide to the Guides.
- Perform the case exercises for chapters that may be used in the assessment of impairment.
- View the available forms for the examinee and examiner.
- View the Resource “Rating Guidance” for body parts relevant to their scope of practice.
2. Complete the Mini-Assessment on the Fifth Edition provided at www.certifiedrater.com.
3. Complete the Application Form (no additional fee, restricted to individual subscribers of www.fifthedition.com).
Note the Application Form (Click here for the form, this is the hyperlink) includes the following:
- Affirming your involvement in the training.
- Providing your examination score from the Mini-Assessment.
- Completing a ten-item examination satisfactorily. (You must score at least 70% to receive the certificate.)
Upon meeting all of the above requirements, you will receive immediately by email your Certification of Training. Subscribe today to www.fifthedition.com.
Psychologists and Psychiatrists
For psychologists and psychiatrists, training is provided by studying the presentations on the principles and practices of impairment evaluation, pain evaluation, and central nervous system evaluation. They must also view the discussion with Les Kertay, Ph.D., on using Chapter 14, Mental and Behavioral Disorders, and assigning impairments while they are studying that chapter. Following completion of these learning experiences, they are required to perform a separate assessment that focuses on these areas. Their process for certification is:
- View all presentations and videos relevant to your scope of practice. Focus on Chapters 1, 2, 14, and 18, and review Chapter 13 relevant to central nervous system dysfunction.
- View the interview with Les Kertay, Ph.D., on the use of Chapter 14.
- Read the syllabus Guide to the Guides.
2. Complete the 25-item assessment on the Fifth Edition provided at www.certifiedrater.com. This assessment is specifically designed for psychologists and psychiatrists and focuses on principles, mental and behavioral disorders, and pain.
3. Complete the Application Form (no additional fee, restricted to individual subscribers of www.fifthedition.com).
Note the Application Form (Click here for the form, this is an active hyperlink) includes:
- Affirming your involvement in the training.
- Providing your examination score from the Assessment (You must score at least 70% to receive the certificate.)
Upon meeting all of the above requirements, you will receive immediately by email your Certification of Training. Subscribe today to www.fifthedition.com.
Access to Monthly Subscriber-Only Sessions
We encourage subscribers to www.fifthedition.com to participate in the monthly Question and Answer sessions which are offered at no additional fee.
Summary
We embrace the goal of the BWC in “providing world-class medical examinations and file reviews for Ohio’s injured workers and employers.”
