Criteria: Table 15-2 Digit Regional Grid: Upper Extremity Impairments (391-394), Table 15-6 Adjustment Grid: Summary (406), Table 15-7 Functional History Adjustment: Upper Extremities (406), Table 15-8 Physical Examination Adjustment: Upper Extremities (408), Table 15-9 Clinical Studies Adjustment: Upper Extremities (410-411).
Accurately define diagnosis, and assess history, physical examination findings, and clinical studies, as explained in Section 15-1 (385-386). Impairment is based on Diagnosis-Based Impairment (DBI). Diagnosis is specified in Table 15-2 (392) under the Category of “Ligament / Bone / Joint”. Assure accuracy of adjustment factors, net adjustment calculation, and grade modification. Note revisions provided in “Corrections and Clarifications” (AMA Press, August 2008) on page 18 to Table 15-7 Functional History Adjustment and modifications to Section 15.3b explaining that if a physical finding is used to determine class placement that specific finding should not be considered again for adjustment. If more than 1 diagnosis can be used, the highest causally-related impairment should be used. In rare case, if significant, consistent motion impairment deficits that result in greater impairment rate via Range of Motion. If multiple digits involved, convert digit to hand impairment using Table 15-12 (421-423) and add these hand equivalents. Hand impairment may be converted to whole person impairment using Table 15-11 (420). Figure 15-2 (388) summarizes findings.
