301 - Reliability of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment 6th Edition

Session Description: Impairment ratings are used to describe functional or anatomical loss of a body part or an organ system following an occupational injury or illness. Understanding the framework and challenges to accurately assigning an impairment rating is a critical component of the education of OEM, Orthopedists, Medicine sub-specialists, and PM&R clinicians. This session will present the background and framework of the AMA Guides 6th Edition for low back injuries and the method for assigning impairment. Participants will be given rating templates and presented with cases that they will rate within the AMA Guides framework. We will discuss accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility and the strengths and limitations of rating impairment.

Educational Gaps: Practicing OEM Specialiists are often called upon to assign impairment ratings, in their clinical practice, yet most have limited training to use and to critically assess the accuracy and reliability of the AMA and other guides to evaluating impairment.

Is this session being sponsored by an ACOEM Section or Component?: No

Has this session previously been presented?: No

The AOHC 2026 theme is Healthy workers. Healthy world: Assigning an impairment rating allows injured workers to exit a system of disability and return to the workforce.