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September 9th, 2010 |
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 For more information about Prince Edward Island, Canada, consult the Government of PEI website. |
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Impairment Assessment Guide
Impairment Assessment The purpose of this brochure is to provide the worker and employer with information related to an impairment assessment What is an impairment? In some situations, a worker may not fully recover after a work-related injury. In this situation, the Workers Compensation Board must determine whether an "impairment" has resulted from the injury. An "impairment" means a medically measurable permanent anatomical loss or disfigurement and includes, but is not limited to:
How is an impairment determined? The determination regarding whether an impairment has resulted from a work related injury is made by the Workers Compensation Board's Medical Consultant, who is an external physician contracted by the Workers Compensation Board. The Medical Consultant has specific training in this type of assessment as well as in the use and interpretation of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides). What are the AMA Guides? The American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment are an internationally recognized assessment, established by the American Medical Association. The Workers Compensation Board is required by the Workers Compensation Act Regulations to use the AMA Guides. The Workers Compensation Board conducts a review on an annual basis to ensure the appropriate edition of the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment is being used to determine impairment levels. When is a referral made to the Medical Consultant? Once it is determined that a worker's injury has reached a plateau in medical recovery, a request is sent by the Case Coordinator/Entitlement Officer (Case Worker) to the Workers Compensation Board's Medical Advisor to determine whether the worker has a measurable loss of body function as defined by the AMA Guides. If the response is yes, then the worker's name is submitted for an assessment by the Medical Consultant. Do I need to meet with the Medical Consultant? Following a thorough review of the medical information on file, the Medical Consultant will make the determination regarding whether a physical examination or personal interview is required. Is there a monetary value attached to an impairment? Yes, if a worker's injury date is on or after January 1, 1995. If a worker has an impairment, the worker is eligible for an "impairment award" which is based on a percentage of total body impairment, as established by the Medical Consultant. The impairment award is equal to 1/100 of the maximum annual earnings in effect on the date of the injury for each one per cent of total body impairment. The minimum award amount is $500 and the maximum is the maximum annual earnings in effect on the date of the injury. Example: If a worker has a five (5) % total body impairment for an injury that occurred in 2005, the impairment award would be calculated as follows: 5% X $42,300 (maximum earnings in effect for 2005) = $2115 The worker will be paid this amount in a lump sum payment. If a worker's injury date is prior to January 1, 1995, the worker is not eligible for an impairment award. However, the worker may be assessed to determine the need for medical services. How long will I need to wait to have the impairment assessment? The wait time for an assessment is dependant on the number of referrals. Please contact your Case Worker for further information. Can I have my impairment re-assessed? Yes. When there is a change in a worker's medical condition, the worker may apply to the Workers Compensation Board to review the degree of impairment. This can not take place until the expiry of 16 months from the time of the most recent impairment determination. Does an impairment entitle me to additional services? Workers with an impairment and a loss of earning capacity are eligible to access the Workers Compensation Board's vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs. Workers with an impairment who are a pre-1995 pensioner or in receipt of extended wage loss benefits are eligible for supportive care physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments Workers who do not have an impairment but are unable to return to their pre-injury employment may be offered job search services. For more information Workers Compensation Board |
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| Government of PEI, Canada. |