Impairment Rating
A standardized numeric estimate, expressed as a percentage, of the degree to which a medical condition reduces a person's whole-body functional capacity.
Full Definition
An impairment rating is a formal medico-legal assessment conducted by a qualified physician—often a physiatrist—that quantifies permanent functional loss attributable to a specific injury or condition. Ratings are most commonly calculated using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment and are expressed as a percentage of 'whole person impairment' (WPI). In editorial contexts, 'impairment' must not be confused with 'disability,' which is a legal and societal designation encompassing the interaction between impairment and environment. Editors working on workers' compensation or medicolegal documents must ensure the correct edition of the AMA Guides is cited. Percentage values should be expressed numerically (e.g., 15% WPI) and never spelled out.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the edition of the AMA Guides when cited. 'Impairment' and 'disability' are legally distinct; do not substitute one for the other.
In Context
- "The physiatrist assigned a 12% whole person impairment rating consistent with the AMA Guides, Sixth Edition." — Workers' compensation independent medical examination report
- "Editors must ensure 'impairment rating' is not used interchangeably with 'disability rating' in medicolegal documents." — Style guide for medicolegal publishing