AMA Guides overview for 2022 and Oct. & Nov. meeting highlights
Stakeholders are encouraged to review AMA Guides Sixth Edition 2022 with educational support through the AMA Ed Hub™ available on Dec. 9. The 2022 update will be considered the most recent version of the AMA Guides® and the most current version of AMA Guides Sixth Edition on Jan. 1. All subscribers to the digital sixth edition will automatically receive the new update as part of their subscription.
Following the discussion during the October meeting, the editorial panel is considering the following topics as priorities for updates in 2022 and beyond:
- Use of telemedicine for independent medical evaluations and impairment ratings
- Long-haul COVID symptoms
- Pain
- Loss of range of motion for upper extremity
- Improved examples that reflect more complex scenarios encountered in practice
Three AMA Guides Newsletter articles were approved by the Editorial Panel as authoritative. Authoritative articles reflect an official AMA interpretation, application or clarification. Revisions to the AMA Guides are not made via the newsletter. These designated articles are in the process of being identified on AMA Guides Digital.
- Christopher R. Brigham; Rating Spinal Nerve Extremity Impairment Using the Sixth Edition. Guides Newsletter 1 July 2009; 14 (4): 1–6
- J. Mark Melhorn; Shoulder Impairment Rating: Sixth Edition Clarifications. Guides Newsletter 1 September 2018; 23 (5): 11–15.
- Douglas W. Martin, J. Mark Melhorn, James B. Talmage; Q&A: The Role of the QuickDASH in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Guides Newsletter 1 July 2020; 25 (4): 14–15.
Continued development of the spine proposal includes a 3-grade modified system based on current best science. If adopted, a move to 3-grade for the other musculoskeletal chapter is anticipated to follow. PROMIS-29 patient-reported outcome measure presented to the Panel for consideration. Additional study of the measures and comparing the scoring between the paper and computer versions of the measure is needed. ENT proposed changes include rotary chair testing and a new dysphagia example approved by the Editorial Panel. Neurology chapter under revision to address Panel feedback.
The AMA Guides Editorial Panel is delegating portions of their meeting time to workgroups and subcommittee activities. Proposed content updates will be addressed in a public forum and will occur on a bi-monthly basis.
Sign up for invitations to virtually attend the AMA Guides Editorial Panel meetings. Learn more about AMA Guides Digital, review information on AMA Guides Sixth Edition 2021 and 2022. The AMA Guides—regardless of edition—are part of the legislative and regulatory fabric in most states. To discuss how to best approach legislative and regulatory changes in your state, please contact the AMA Advocacy Resource Center.
