According to the State of Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Rules and Regulations, Impairment Ratings (PPD) are only to be calculated using the Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, American Medical Association, Fifth Edition.

During our evaluation, we will concentrate specifically on the area or areas of impairment. For example, if the lumbosacral spine is the only area of impairment, then we will concentrate testing procedures to that area only. Our evaluation includes a comprehensive history and physical evaluation to the area(s) of impairment. The nature of the physical evaluation will depend on specific testing requirements based on the area(s) of impairment as described in the Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, American Medical Association, Fifth Edition. Typically, this will consist of range of motion testing, using a goniometer and/or inclinometer, sensory testing, motor testing, and strength testing. Based on the Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, American Medical Association, Fifth Edition, only objective and consistent data can be used to determine a percent impairment.

We charge the allowable fee as noted in the State Workers’ Compensation Fee Schedule. Based on Workers’ Compensation Laws in Georgia, if Impairment Ratings are done by anyone other than the treating physician, they do require physician approval. Therefore, we do require physician authorization for us to do the impairment evaluation and will require physician approval for our recommended rating to become official. In addition to physician authorization, we ask that a specific diagnosis, with an ICD-9 code, be provided along with all of the relevant medical records prior to the evaluation.

If you would like more information on Impairment Evaluations and how they can be utilized in your work setting or promoting case closure, please call Leonard Bevill, Chief Executive Officer, at (478) 751-2925.