Impairment Rating*
What is an Impairment Rating?
An impairment rating is conducted once the authorized treating physician has determined that the injured worker is at maximum medical improvement (MMI). Impairment ratings are conducted by Level II accredited physicians in accordance with Rule XIX of the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Physicians determining permanent physical impairment shall: 1. Limit such rating to physical impairments not likely to remit despite medical treatment; and 2. Use the instructions and forms contained in the AMA guidelines.
Impairment ratings may include permanent impairment of the extremities, permanent mental and behavioral disorders, and permanent impairment for cumulative trauma.
Are there standardized criteria for determining Permanent Impairment Ratings?
Yes, all permanent impairment ratings shall be based upon the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Third Edition (Revised), in effect as of July 1, 1991 (AMA Guidelines).
When is it appropriate to conduct an Impairment Rating?
An Impairment Rating should be conducted when the authorized treating physician has determined that the injured worker is at maximum medical improvement and has not returned to his/her pre-injury state, physically or mentally.
How is apportionment determined?
Using the AMA Guides, 3rd Edition, Revised, and medical records or other objective evidence, the level II accredited physician shall apportion the pre-existing permanent medical impairment from that of a work-related injury or occupational disease. Any such apportionment shall be made by subtracting from the injured worker’s impairment the pre-existing impairment as it existed at the time of the subsequent injury or occupational disease. The physician shall fully explain in his or her written report the basis of any apportionment. If there is insufficient information to measure the change accurately, the Level II accredited physician shall not attempt to do so.
Which CROM physicians conduct Impairment Ratings and at Which Offices?
AURORA
830 Potomac Cir. #290
Aurora, CO 80011
J. Tashof Bernton, MD
Usama H. Ghazi, D.O.
Barry Ogin, M.D.
Dave Reinhard, M.D.
George Schakaraschwili, M.D. |
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DENVER
2480 W. 26th Ave.
Building B, Suite 90
Denver, CO 80211
Usama H. Ghazi, D.O.
George V. Schakaraschwili, M.D. |
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CROM-DTC Office
8200 E Belleview Avenue, Suite 380E
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Gretchen Brunworth, M.D.
Scott Primack, D.O. |
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ENGLEWOOD (Hampden Place)
401 W. Hampden Place, Suite 220
Englewood, CO 80112
Barry A. Ogin, M.D. |
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FORT COLLINS
1300 Oakridge Drive, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80525
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FORT COLLINS OFFICE at Orthopedic Center of the Rockies
2500 East Prospect Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Scott Primack, D.O.
Dave Reinhard, M.D. |
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LITTLETON / SOUTHWEST
8246 W. Bowles, Suite T
Littleton, CO 80123
Jill A. Castro, M.D.
Scott J. Primack, D.O. |
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LONGMONT
205 S Main Street, Suite C
Longmont, CO 80501
Michael B. Tracy D.O., M.S. |
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LOVELAND OFFICE at Orthopedic Center of the Rockies
2923 Ginnala Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
Dave Reinhard, M.D. |
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THORNTON
9351 Grant St. #100
Thornton, CO 80229
Roberta Anderson-Oeser, M.D.
Usama H. Ghazi, D.O.
Lawrence Lesnak, D.O.
Michael B. Tracy D.O., M.S. |
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WHEAT RIDGE
9830 W. I-70 Frontage Road South, Suite B
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Jill A. Castro, M.D. |
*Source: Colorado Workers’ Compensation Rules of Procedure with Medical Treatment Guidelines.
Rule XIX, Permanent Impairment Guidelines.
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