The American Medical Association's Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment provide methodology for rating permanent impairment across body systems. Multiple editions exist, with the Fifth and Sixth in widest current use.
The Sixth Edition changed methodology substantially, generally producing lower ratings for many musculoskeletal conditions.
Alternative Names:
AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Guides
Why it Matters?
Which edition applies is a live legal question in many states, and it materially affects claim value. Several states mandate a specific edition by statute, some have rejected the Sixth Edition as producing inadequate compensation, and constitutional challenges to mandated editions have succeeded in a few jurisdictions. Confirming the required edition before obtaining a rating avoids an unusable report.
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Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Which edition of the Guides applies?
Why is the Sixth Edition controversial?
