Disputes in workers’ compensation are costly, time-consuming, and unpredictable, especially when questions arise around impairment ratings. The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment provide a standardized framework, but interpreting Whole Person Impairment ratings can still spark disagreement. That’s where BICMD’s independent medical opinions (IMOs/EMOs) play a critical role. We offer fairness, consistency, and defensibility that help resolve cases more efficiently and with greater confidence.
How Do Workers’ Comp Disputes Drive Up Costs?
Workers’ compensation disputes often stem from biased or inconsistent evaluations, which increase the risk of litigation and inflated payouts. When disagreements, such as impairment ratings or age of injury escalate, employers and insurers face rising administrative costs, volatile reserves, and prolonged claim timelines. Each delay in resolution not only compounds expenses but also disrupts return-to-work planning and overall claim efficiency. The longer a dispute lingers, the more unpredictable the financial exposure becomes. Disputes transform what could have been a straightforward claim into a costly, drawn-out process that strains both business resources and injured worker outcomes.
AMA Guidelines to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment Ensure Consistent Ratings
The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment are the recognized gold standard for determining impairment in workers’ compensation cases. When applied properly, they promote consistency, fairness, and fewer disputes. This helps employers, insurers, and injured workers reach resolution more efficiently. However, the misapplication of these Guides can invite challenges, increase litigation risk, and undermine defensibility. Ensuring accurate use of the AMA Guides is essential for controlling costs, reducing delays, and maintaining trust in the claims process.
Whole Person Impairment Ratings Keep Payouts Fair and Predictable
Whole Person Impairment (WPI) ratings reflect the total impact of an injury, ensuring that benefits align with the actual level of impairment. Accurate WPI calculations help avoid inflated payouts, while promoting fairness for injured workers and cost control for employers. This predictability allows insurers and employers to budget and negotiate claims more effectively. Partnering with BICMD ensures expert, independent evaluations that apply WPI ratings consistently. We have a track record of the following:
- Delivering defensible outcomes
- Reducing disputes
- Keeping the claims process fair, efficient, and financially sustainable.
Independent Experts Strengthen Defensibility in AMA Impairment Claims
In workers’ compensation, defensibility hinges on credibility. Partnering with independent, board-certified experts like BICMD, reduces bias and ensures evaluations are rooted in medical accuracy. Our unbiased medical opinions provide a stronger negotiating position and help resolve claims with fewer disputes. Over time, the consistency delivered across multiple cases builds trust with stakeholders and significantly reduces litigation exposure. By aligning impairment evaluations with the AMA Guides, BICMD’s experts can create fair, defensible outcomes that protect both employers and insurers while ensuring injured workers receive appropriate benefits.
How BICMD Delivers Value for Employers and Insurers
When it comes to workers’ compensation claims, employers and insurers need reliable medical evaluations that reduce risk and control costs. BICMD delivers value by combining medical expertise with defensible, high-quality reporting. With a national network of unbiased, board-certified experts, BICMD ensures every case is evaluated with consistency and accuracy. Their approach includes:
- Consistent use of AMA Guides and Whole Person Impairment (WPI) methodology
- Rigorous quality assurance to guarantee reports are court-ready
- Independent, board-certified opinions that strengthen defensibility
The bottom line: Using BICMD means fewer disputes, lower costs, and faster resolution, empowering employers and insurers to manage claims with confidence.
Secure Defensible Impairment Ratings and Reduce Workers’ Comp Costs with BICMD
BICMD is able to ensure that every case has applied the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment consistently, delivering accurate Whole Person Impairment ratings that reduce disputes and protect the bottom line. By partnering with our independent, board-certified experts, employers and insurers gain defensible evaluations, predictable outcomes, and lower costs. Contact BICMD today to secure defensible impairment ratings and reduce workers’ compensation claim expenses.
BICMD delivers consistent AMA Guides evaluations and accurate Whole Person Impairment ratings, helping employers and insurers reduce disputes, control costs, and secure defensible outcomes in workers’ compensation claims. Contact BICMD today to ensure reliable impairment ratings and protect your bottom line.
Next Steps for Claims Professionals
Strengthen your workers’ compensation strategy with expert AMA impairment ratings from BICMD.
- Schedule a Demo to see how our platform improves claims efficiency and reduces administrative burden.
- Request a Referral and connect with board-certified AMA Guide experts to clarify true impairment ratings.
- Explore Medical Cost Projections and High-Quality IME Reports to drive cost containment and support defensible outcomes.
- Learn More About Our Business Solutions and Contact Us to align with a dedicated account manager and care coordinator for streamlined workers’ comp case support.
