6.2.4.2 Assessment methods
For claims lodged on or after 18 November 2004 Agents must use the following methods to determine impairment.
Note: Before 12 November 1997 assessment of impairment used other methodologies to assess impairment including AMA American Medical Association 2.
After 12 November 1997 the following methods of assessment apply to IB Impairment Benefits claims no matter when the injury occurred or when the claim is made.
Physical impairment
For physical impairment (excluding psychiatric and hearing loss), the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (4th Edition) – substituting chapter 14 Mental and Behavioural Disorders and excluding chapter 15 Pain.
Hearing loss
For hearing loss, The Improved Procedures for Determination of Percentage Loss of Hearing (1988 Edition or a later prescribed Edition), published by the National Acoustics Laboratory.
Psychiatric impairment
The Guide to the Evaluation of Psychiatric Impairment for Clinicians, prepared by MWN. Epstein, G Mendelson, NHM Strauss and published in the Government Gazette (No. G30 Thursday 27 July 2006).