Certified Independent Medical Examiner Cime
Certified Independent Medical Examiner Cime
Medical Examiner
CIME
MEDICAL DOCTOR
CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
Board of Registry Information
Examination Information
Application Information
Examination Application
Exam/Education Schedule
The ABIME Board of Registry consists of Certified Physicians who pay an annual fee of
$195 to qualify for the following menu of Activities, Programs, and Services.
ABIME is committed to keeping its members up to date in disability medicine by providing programs and
services that foster professional development throughout their careers. The following is a partial list of
informational and educational tools that keep member physicians at the top of their profession. All benefits,
including subscriptions to publications, are activated upon receipt of the annual Board of Registry payment.
· Members of the Board of Registry are eligible for the Alternate Pathway Recertification Program.
· Listing in the Print Directory and listing in the Directory online at www.abime.org.
· A subscription to DISABILITY MEDICINE- the quarterly journal of the American Board of
Independent Medical Examiners.
· Discounted rates on ABIME education programs.
· New developments in programs including the Expert Witness, and Report Writing Seminars.
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Your colleagues are saying...
“Physicians who have excellent clinical skills in combination with a discerning understanding of the unique issues involved in a
functional restoration/return to work, and are willing to document their findings and opinions objectively, are of great value to all
parties involved. ABIME certification implies an enhanced level of understanding of these important components”.
Karen M. Wielde, RN, BSN, CCM, VP, Business Development Medical Legal, Best Doctors, Inc.
"I am more confident about doing quality evaluations and reports. In three months, my referral base doubled. The biggest problem I
have is the waiting list!"
Rick Zabrodski, MD, CIME, Alberta, Canada
"As a result of my certification by ABIME, new clients requiring IMEs have sought out my services and have enhanced my referral
base. I recommend the ABIME certification process."
Harvey Goldberg, MD, CIME, West Bay Shore, New York
The insurance industry is increasingly turning to ABIME-certified physicians to assist them with difficult cases:
"ABIME recognizes the need for very high quality Independent Medical Exams and has created a useful and practical process for
physicians to develop and enhance the requisite knowledge base and skill sets."
Mark E. Battista, MD, Medical Director, UNUM Life Ins. Co. of America, Portland, Maine
"We are most interested in a timely, fair, and accurate independent medical evaluation and impairment rating. Training and examiner
accreditation will help achieve the consistency we demand."
Barton G. Margoshes, MD, Vice President, Liberty Mutual Group, Medical Director, Risk Services, Boston, Mass.
"The need for trained physicians who understand the requirements for managing disability and focusing on the return to work aspects
for medical delivery is a significant value to the industry."
Lester L. Sacks, MD, PhD, President, Medical Management Services Travelers Property Casualty Corporation, Hartford, Conn.
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What You Need to Know About ABIME
The prestigious distinction of certification through the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners
(ABIME) sets you apart as a nationally recognized medical examiner. ABIME certification represents
professional competency and integrity. Physicians certified by ABIME meet the demand for quality,
impartial impairment and disability evaluations. ABIME has certified over 3000 physicians since 1996.
ABIME certification is recognized as the national standard for physicians performing IMEs.
Expectations for highly qualified medical examiners have never been greater. Insurance companies,
workers’ compensation commissions, employers, and attorneys are continuously engaging independent
medical examiners to assess challenging cases.
Workers’ compensation and other disability cost total billions of dollars every year. As a result, cost-
conscious organizations are closely scrutinizing medical providers. The needs of healthcare organizations,
disability managers, employers and insurers have changed dramatically over the last decade. Biased,
inadequate and superficial medical examinations are unacceptable in today’s competitive marketplace.
The American Board of Independent Medical Examiners addresses the need for competent, reliable
disability/compensation evaluations. Key leaders within the medical, legal and disability management
communities established ABIME to:
1. Set and maintain high standards of conduct and performance among independent medical examiners
2. Identify and promote qualified individuals who meet these standards
ABIME is incorporated as a national quality assurance board. It ensures uniformity of standards and
competency of physicians performing independent medical and disability examinations. ABIME’s board of
well-known experts from multiple disciplines regulates its application and examination process to identify
qualified independent medical examiners.
ABIME requirements for knowledge, skills and abilities qualify physicians to:
¨ Conduct superior, independent medical examinations
¨ Write comprehensive, accurate reports
¨ Interpret relevant workers’ compensation and disability law
¨ Provide credible, defensible testimony
As an ABIME certified independent medical examiner, your credentials and advanced knowledge
bring you:
¨ Significant recognition among your peers
¨ Added credibility with prospective clients
¨ Increased referrals and case assignments
¨ Greater practice and career expectations
ABIME certification is a special distinction that sets you apart as one of the best in the field.
Your achievement instills greater client confidence in your capabilities and professionalism, and
identifies you as an experienced physician who understands the unique issues of disability evaluation.
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Qualifying for ABIME certification
ABIME certification is granted to physicians who successfully achieve the following criteria:
¨ Continuing medical education in the performance of independent medical examinations and disability
and impairment evaluation
¨ A selective application process meeting standards of education, experience and ethical conduct
¨ A signed agreement to abide by professional guidelines of conduct
¨ A competency examination covering such key aspects as clinical competency, behavioral science,
impairment and disability systems, and the AMA Guides to the evaluation of Permanent Impairment
¨ Recertification is required every 5 years
ABIME certification singles out exceptional independent medical examiners dedicated to performing quality
evaluations and recognized for their unique qualifications.
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Guidelines of Conduct
Each physician certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME) is expected to
comply with these guidelines of conduct:
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Confidentiality
Review of credentials for ABIME certification is completely confidential and privacy is protected. ABIME maintains only a
list of ABIME Certified Independent Medical Examiners.
Fees
The American Board of Independent Medical Examiners has instituted the following fees to better support our educational
mission. Price of the examination: First attempt is $995.00 (US Funds). A check or money order payable to ABIME must
accompany the application. Credit card payments are also accepted (Visa, MasterCard, or Amex). Requests to transfer must
be made in writing and received in the ABIME office 14 days prior to the examination date and there will be a $100.00
charge for each transfer.
Certification/Directory
Upon successful completion of the examination, the applicant will receive a certificate stating that he or she has been found
to possess special knowledge as a Certified Independent Examiner (CIME). Certified physicians are required to pay a fee of
$195 each year to be listed on the ABIME Board of Registry. The Board of Registry benefits include receipt of the Journal
Disability Medicine, the physician’s listing in the print and online directories, discounted rates on ABIME education
programs, and eligibility for recertification through the alternate pathway. Candidates who have taken the examination will
be notified of the results within 60 days of the examination date.
Application
Application requests may be directed to ABIME, 6470-A Merritts Creek Road, Huntington, WV 25702, or by calling
(877) 523-1415. We request, but do not require, that your application be sent at least two weeks prior to the exam
date. Please call the ABIME office to request permission for late registration.
ABIME reserves the right to cancel examinations based on registration numbers. Hotel reservations and travel arrangements
are the sole responsibility of the examination registrant.
Recertification
Ongoing developments in this rapidly changing arena require a certification time limit. Therefore, certification is valid for a
five-year period following date of issuance, at which time certification expires. Requirements for Recertification by
examination include:
· A medical license, current and unrestricted;
· A record clear of any disciplinary action for an ethical or other offense as imposed by a state board of medical licensure
within the past 5 years;
· Evidence of completion of additional impairment and disability evaluation continuing medical education;
· Signed agreement to abide by the ABIME Guidelines of Conduct; and
· Satisfactory completion of the then current examination.
Recertification by Alternate Pathway allows physicians to recertify by compiling 60 points through a combination of
continuing medical education courses and completion of Questions pertaining to articles listed in the ABIME Journal
Disability Medicine.
Guidelines of Conduct
Each applicant must agree to comply with the ABIME Guidelines of Conduct.
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EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Introduction
This booklet provides you with the information necessary to prepare for your upcoming examination by the American Board of
Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME), including:
· General information
· Instructions
· Sample test items
· Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Test Outline
· Bibliography
The examination lasts no more than 4 hours in duration and consists of 120 multiple choice test items, distributed by content area
according to the test blueprint. The exam includes recall, interpretation, and problem solving types of questions. State-of-the-art
psychometric procedures are employed for scoring and determination of the minimum passing level. Scores are based upon the total
number of items answered correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.
ABIME recommends that applicants prepare adequately for the examination through readings, training, and experience.
Instructions
Admission
· Bring the ABIME examination confirmation letter with you to the examination room.
· Report to the examination room promptly at the registration time indicated on the letter. Verify your name and social security
number with the information on the answer sheet you receive.
Materials
· All materials required to take the test (e.g., #2 pencils and applicable figures and tables from the AMA Guides to the Evaluation
of Permanent Impairment) will be provided.
· You will not be permitted to bring any books, notes, electronic paging devices, recording or filming devices, radios, other
mechanical and/or electronic devices, beverages, or food into the testing room.
Examination Procedures
· At the appointed time, the Chief Proctor will begin the examination with introductory remarks. These include reading the
instructions and agreement form. You are required to follow proctor directions. You will receive an examination booklet
immediately following the remarks.
· Read materials carefully and listen to directions given during the exam.
· Do not communicate with any other examinee during the examination. If you are detected attempting to provide or receive
assistance, your test score will be invalidated.
· If you must leave the test room temporarily, your identity must be verified before you are readmitted. You will not receive
additional testing time.
a. report on and be prepared to testify as to whether or not the Answers to sample items
floor condition was an unreasonable hazard. 1. Answer: a
b. not report prior similar falls with successful suits, as that 2. Answer: c
information is inadmissible. 3. Answer: c
c. be prepared to testify according to, and cite in the report, 4. Answer: d
Federal Rules of Evidence 25-29. 5. Answer: c
d. record exams of central and lower extremity nervous 6. Answer: d
system, cardiovascular evaluation including standing pulse 7. Answer: d
and blood pressure 8. Answer: d
9. Answer: c
10. Answer: d
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Test Blueprint
The description of examination content areas and bibliography are provided as general guides to assist you in preparing for the
ABIME examination. The knowledge, skills, and abilities of the examinee will be tested in the content areas listed. The areas are
weighted by both their significance and frequency encountered in a typical independent medical examination. The percentage refers to
the relative weighting of these areas on the exam.
a. Behavioral assessment (e.g., mental status exam, psychosocial assessment, clinical assessment of dangerous patients,
interpretation of pain drawings, basic interpretation of psychological testing, recognition of non-physiologic findings)
b. Psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, organic brain syndromes, substance abuse, and personality, affective, and psychotic
disorders)
c. Pain disorders and psychological factors (e.g., malingering, somatization, symptom magnification, factitious disorders)
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5. AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment and Report Writing 25%
Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition.
a. Concepts, principles and report writing (e.g., whole person concept, adding versus combining, ADL’s relationship to
impairment, medical documentation, apportionment, causality, maximal medical improvement, components of a report,
continuing care, future medical needs)
b. Neuro-musculoskeletal impairment evaluation (e.g., spine [DRE versus ROM], upper extremity, lower extremity,
peripheral nervous system, neurological system)
c. Other systems (e.g., mental and behavioral, pain, cardiopulmonary)
Core Readings
Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. 6th Ed., Chicago, IL: American Medical Association; 2008 (ISBN1-57947-888-9).
Suggested Readings
Ranavaya MI, Rondinelli RD. The impairment and disability evaluations. In: Mayer TG, Gatchel RJ, Polatin PB, eds. Occupational
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Function, Outcomes & Evidence. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2001.
Rondinelli, RD. Impairment Rating and Disability Evaluation. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, WB, 1999. Available through Elsevier
Health Sciences 800-523-4069 X 2127
Aronoff, G. Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Pain. Baltimore, MD Williams & Wilkins, 3rd Ed., 1999.
Hoppenfeld S. Physical Examination of the Spine and Extremities. New York, NY: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1976.
Kasdan M (ed). Occupational Hand and Upper Extremity Injuries & Diseases. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc., 1991
LaDou, J. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2nd Ed. Stamford, CT. Appleton & Lang, 1997.
Ranney D. Chronic Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Workplace. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company, 1997.
Reference Materials
Department of Labor: Physical Demand Characteristics of Work chart in Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed, Revised, Vol. 1
and 2, Washington, DC, 1991.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994 (ISBN 0-89042-
061-0).
Disability Evaluation Under Social Security. Washington, DC: Social Security Administration; September 1995. SSA Publication No.
64-039, ICN No. 468600.
Technical Assistance Manual on the Employment Provisions (Title I) of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Washington, DC: Equal
Opportunity Commission, 1992.
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AMERICAN BOARD OF INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINERS
EXAM REGISTRATION FORM ~Please Complete All Pages of Application
The American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME) requests careful and thorough completion of this application form.
Incomplete applications or errors will result in delay and possible disqualification. Applications MUST BE COMPLETED
LEGIBLY and mailed or faxed to 304-733-5243. Completed application, supporting documentation as outlined below and payment
of examination fee must arrive in the ABIME office no later than 2 weeks before the exam date listed to guarantee exam registration.
Documentation required with the Application
Your file must be complete in order to receive exam results. The following items are required to complete your file:
1. Photocopy of medical degree or relevant diploma and current, and unrestricted medical license(s)/practitioner
registration for the state/province/territory in which you practice and, if applicable, proof of ABMS Board
Certification or other specialty certification.
2. Photocopy of a certificate of completion from an ABIME approved impairment and disability training program with
at least 15 hours of continuing medical education. (After attending the ABIME training program you will receive a
certificate of attendance and are then eligible to sit for the ABIME Certification Exam. Both training and exam can be
done at the same ABIME training program.)
3. Two passport size photos & Current Curriculum Vitae.
Professional License Issuing State, Territory or Province: _____________ Lic. #:_________________ Exp. Date: ______
Specialties:
Address:
Please print your name, including credentials, as you would like it to appear on your certificate:
U.S. Social Security Number/Canadian Insurance Number (if applicable): ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___
Please indicate the date and location of the exam for which you are applying:
Examination Date: City/State:
Signature: Date:
EXAM REFUND POLICY: (Please read carefully as registering for any ABIME event constitutes your acknowledgement of the following)
Please take notice that for the ABIME exam the fee is non-refundable after it is paid and can only be transferred to another exam location within the same
calendar year for a $100 transfer fee. NO Substitutions are permitted. NO Exceptions Allowed. ABIME and its affiliates reserve the right to cancel or modify any
activity for any reason with maximum liability of refund only of educational fees paid. ABIME and its affiliates hereby expressly disclaim any liability for damages
incidental to or resulting from any cancellation or modification of any event. The laws of the state of West Virginia shall govern any disputes arising out of this
agreement and venue shall lie exclusively in Cabell County, WV.
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ABIME Examinee Agreement:
In making this application for American Board of Independent Medical examiners’ (ABIME) certification exam and in
consideration of its review and/or acceptance by the ABIME, I hereby agree to accept and be bound by all the terms
and conditions governing ABIME exam and certification process, CIMETM status or CICETM status (should I pass the
exam) as well as ABIME guidelines of conduct and with established examination administrative procedures and policies
including the refund policy of ABIME as well as the Exam Agreement and General Instructions (all of which are available
at www.abime.org), as they now exist and as they may be amended from time to time in the future.
In further consideration of acceptance of my exam application by ABIME for CIMETM status or CICETM status, I hereby
further agree:
1. To indemnify and hold harmless the ABIME and each of its members of board of directors, trustees, officers, agents,
employees and examiners, individually and collectively, from and against any claim or liability arising out of any act or
omission related to or arising out of (a) the processing of this application, (b) the examination or the grading of it, or (c)
the granting or failure to grant certification, recertification or CIMETM status or CICETM status;
2. That I will not receive and am not entitled to review my exam book or answer sheet once I have submitted them to
ABIME after the exam. Nor would I demand or cause to demand on my behalf to receive or review my exam book or
answer sheet or my exam grade or a copy of the exam report or related documents or to know of its contents, and I further
understand that the contents of my exam report are confidential. I also agree that I would receive my exam result only in
pass or fail grade and that the ABIME is the final arbiter of my exam results and its decision regarding my exam result
shall be final and binding on me;
3. That any certificate of CIMETM status or CICETM status or any diplomate status issued to me shall be and shall remain
the property of the ABIME and that I shall promptly return the certificate to the ABIME in the event my status as a
CIMETM is terminated, either voluntarily or by action of ABIME or when it expires as stated on the certificate;
4. That the CIMETM status or CICETM status or any ABIME granted diplomate status is not for life and is therefore time
limited and I hereby pledge to continue re-certification of the CIMETM status or CICETM status as prescribed by ABIME
every five years; If I fail to do so, I promise to refrain from using or displaying the CIMETM status or CICETM status with
my name. I further agree that after expiry of my CIMETM status or CICETM status and without recertification; my
continuing use of the CIMETM status or CICETM status or any diplomate status shall constitute professional dishonesty and
a breach of ABIME code of conduct;
5. That I am obligated to inform the ABIME immediately of any change in my status as described in this application
occurring after its submission, and I understand that my failure to so inform the Board is grounds for my disqualification
as a candidate for examination or as a CIMETM status or CICETM status or any ABIME granted diplomate status, if I am
recertified;
6. That my name, along with names of all doctors certified with CIMETM status or CICETM status or any ABIME granted
diplomate status of the American Board of Independent Medical examiners will be published in ABIME’s Board of
registry international Directory of certified Specialists, and will be posted on and the ABIME web site
(www.theABIME.org). I understand that this information is available to the public;
7. This application for ABIME exam and in consideration thereof the resulting agreement entered into as above between
myself and ABIME shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia,
regardless of the law that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. The parties
further agree that any suit, action or proceeding arising out of, or with respect to, this agreement, or any judgment entered
by any court in respect thereof shall be brought in the courts of the State of West Virginia and venue shall lie exclusively
in Cabell County, West Virginia.
8. I warrant that each of the statements made in support of this application are true and correct.
I hereby authorize ABIME to request information from organizations referred to in this application, and to verify
academic and/or clinical training and licensure deemed necessary to make a determination of my eligibility.
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ABIME Guidelines of Conduct:
Each doctor certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME) has agreed to comply with
these guidelines of conduct:
Physicians should:
After completing all pages of this application, include payment and mail or fax, along with a copy of your
Current and Unrestricted Medical License and Current Curriculum Vitae to:
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ABIME National Directory Survey
Survey answers are used for the ABIME National Directory Listing of each physician.
8. Total Hours of AMA Category 1 CME training on impairment & disability evaluation completed within
the past three years: _____
9. ABMS Board Certifications (proof must be submitted in order to list as Board Certified in the
Directory): _________________________________________
Signature: Date:
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American College of Disability Medicine & American Board of Independent Medical Examiners
Joint Sponsored by Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Presents
Cost: $895.00 US Funds Course #RVW Intended Audience: Physicians from a variety of Specialties
Presented By:
Mohammed I. Ranavaya, MD, JD, MS, FFOM, FRCPI, CIME: Dr. Ranavaya is a Professor of Occupational and Environmental
Medicine at the Marshall University School of Medicine in West Virginia.
Robert D. Rondinelli, MD. PhD: Is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehab. He is editor in chief of the AMA Guides 6TH Ed.
Kathryn L. Mueller, MD, MPH, CIME: Dr. Mueller works for the National Jewish Medical Center in Denver, Colorado and is one of
the founding members of ABIME. Dr. Mueller is board certified in Occupational Medicine.
Robert B. Walker, MD: Is board certified in Occupational Medicine and Family Medicine. He currently serves as Vice Chancellor for
Health Sciences for West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
This course is specifically designed to educate and prepare physicians in the use of the AMA Guidelines to the
Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 6th edition.
Educational Objectives
· At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be able to:
· Describe the knowledge content related to the A MA Guides 6th Edition.
· Discuss new developments in the A MA Guides 6th Edition.
· Differentiate symptoms, pathology, impairment, function and disability
· Explain the fundamentals of quality disability evaluation services
· Relate clinical data to case issues and discuss skills needed to perform evaluations
· Perform musculoskeletal permanent impairment ratings according to the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.
· Utilize skills to perform complex case evaluations of musculoskeletal pain disorders
· Explain the use of other chapters of the AMA Guides 6th Edition.
· Define the steps needed to implement the use of the AMA Guides 6th Edition in your practice.
Practical Objectives
· Perform impairment evaluations according to the AMA Guides 6th Edition.
· Demonstrate skills in evaluating complex cases
· Evaluate and manage difficult impairment evaluations patients
· Perform excellent independent medical evaluations
· Provide IME services and serve as an expert medical witness
· Improve the quality of medical reports
PROGRAM SCHEDULE: A comprehensive review of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 6th ed.
Day 1
7:00 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
7:30 a.m. Welcome & Introduction and review of course objectives
7:45 a.m. Key concepts, philosophy and underlying principles of the AMA Guides, Chapters 1 and 2
9:45 a.m. Morning Refreshment Break
10:00 a.m. Spine Impairment Rating with Case Presentation
12:15 p.m. Lunch and learn with the faculty, Questions/Answers, Discussion
1:15 p.m. Upper Extremities Impairment Rating with Case Presentations
3:00 p.m. Afternoon break
3:15 p.m. Lower Extremities Impairment Rating
4:00 p.m. Beyond Musculoskeletal Systems, An overview of Chapters 4-12 of the AMA guides
and non-musculoskeletal systems mock questions
6:00 p.m. Adjourn
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Day 2
7:00 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
7:30 a.m. More AMA Guides 6th Edition Case Presentations
8:30 a.m. A primer on Biostatistics, controversial diagnoses and other issues on the exam
9:00 a.m. What is the ABIME exam about? An introduction and some tips for MCQ exams
9:30 a.m. Mock exam questions and practice
10:00 a.m. Morning Refreshment Break
10:15 a.m. Impairment Rating of the Nervous System
11:00 a.m. Impairment Rating for Mental and Behavioral Disorders
12:15 a.m. Impairment Rating for Pain
1:00 p.m. Adjourn
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 39 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and
attendance verification are required.
Presented By:
Mohammed I. Ranavaya, MD, JD, MS, FACPM, CIME: Dr. Ranavaya is a Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at
the Marshall University School of Medicine in West Virginia.
Kathryn L. Mueller, MD, MPH, CIME: Dr. Mueller works for the National Jewish Medical Center in Denver, Colorado and is one of
the founding members of ABIME. Dr. Mueller is board certified in Occupational Medicine.
Robert D. Rondinelli, MD. PhD: Is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehab. He is editor in chief of the AMA Guides.
Robert B. Walker, MD: Is board certified in Occupational Medicine and Family Medicine. He currently serves as Vice Chancellor for
Health Sciences for West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards
School of Medicine and ACDM/ABIME. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is accredited by the
ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 39 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and
attendance verification are required.
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Segment Two – 8 hrs AMA Category 1 CME Credit
A Workshop on Building A Successful
Independent Medical Examiner/Expert Witness Practice (Course No. IEW)
Cost: $695.00 US Funds Course #IEW Intended Audience: Physicians from a variety of Specialties
Presented By: Mohammed I. Ranavaya, MD, JD, MS, FACPM, CIME: Dr. Ranavaya is a Professor of Occupational and
Environmental Medicine at the Marshall University School of Medicine in West Virginia.
This course is specifically designed for Physicians/Surgeons of all specialties and Chiropractic Doctors and others to learn
a nuts and bolts approach to start, build and successfully run a Independent Medical Examiner/Expert Witness Practice
either part-time or full time.
This is an interactive workshop with a hands on approach to learning the skills required in dealing with Lawyers and the
legal system as a medical expert witness. The format is mainly audience participation, including mock deposition and
trial testimony from volunteer participants. Whether you are a beginner or experienced you will find this training very
useful in enhancing your skills in dealing with legal issues related to your role as Independent Medical Examiner/Expert
Witness.
Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this learning activity, the participants should be able to:
· Reveiw the need for evidence based scientific testimony in Medicolegal cases
· Describe ethical and professional conduct as Medical Expert Witness
· List the key components of a successful Independent Medical Examiner/Expert Witness Practice
· Discuss various issues commonly addressed in an Independent Medical Examiner/Expert Witness Practice
· Describe how to deal with questions on direct and cross examination during deposition and trial testimony of an
Independent Medical Examiner/Expert Witness
· Discuss the proper preparation for deposition and trial testimony
· Discuss how best to deal with the abusive attorneys and their tactics
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing
Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and ACDM/ABIME.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and attendance verification
are required.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing
Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and ACDM/ABIME.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 39 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and attendance verification
are required.
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Segment Three – 4 hrs AMA Category 1 CME Credit
Medicolegal Issues for Independent Medical Examiners and Expert Witness: A Workshop
Facilitator: Prof. Mohammed I. Ranavaya, MD, MS, JD, FFOM, FRCPI, CIME
4 hours of AMA Category 1 CME. Educational Tuition is US $350. Course # MLG. Intended Audience: Physicians of all
specialties. Others who would benefit from this workshop include physicians’ assistants and nurse case managers.
This 4-hour workshop is designed to teach physicians who perform independent medical examinations and serve as expert witnesses
the skills critical to effectively deal with lawyers and the legal system.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
· Increase effectiveness in practice through a better understanding of the disability and compensation systems
and the related law in the US.
· Learn the critical steps involved in providing medical expert witness and independent medical examination services.
· Understand the liabilities and risks for independent medical examiners and how to manage those risks.
· Learn essential skills for deposition and other testimony in court.
· Improve the knowledge of medicolegal considerations for independent medical examiners.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards
School of Medicine and ACDM/ABIME. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is accredited by the
ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 39 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and
attendance verification are required.
4 hours of AMA Category 1 CME - Educational Tuition is US $350 - Course# CPG - Audience: Physicians from a variety of
Specialties
This course is specifically designed to educate and prepare physicians in the use of the Clinical Practice Evidence Based Guidelines
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be able to:
· State at least 5 characteristics of quality evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
· Apply these characteristics to an existing guideline and properly identify the guideline’s weaknesses and strengths.
· Describe the basic practice principles in the ACOEM clinical practice guidelines.
· Explain the ACOEM clinical practice guideline recommendations for spinal surgery, discograms, and spinal cord stimulators and
apply them to case examples.
· List the requirements for medical management of chronic pain and opioid use in non-malignant pain per the ACOEM clinical
practice guidelines
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards
School of Medicine and ACDM/ABIME. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is accredited by the
ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 39 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and
attendance verification are required.
.
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Segment Five – 4 hrs AMA Category 1 CME Credit
Causation In Medicolegal Claims, What does the science say? A Workshop
Facilitator: Kathryn L. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACOEM,CIME
4 hours of AMA Category 1 CME - Educational Tuition is US $350 - Course# CAS - Audience: Physicians from a variety of
Specialties
This course is specifically designed to educate and prepare physicians in the use of the AMA Guidelines to the Evaluation of
Permanent Impairment.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be able to:
· Define standards for causality used in medical legal contexts
· Interpret medical evidence and scientific literature for causality analysis
· Apply steps for the medical legal causality analysis to cumulative trauma and other controversial cases
· Discuss the difficulties in interpreting common degenerative disease findings as causally based using spinal injuries as case examples
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards
School of Medicine and ACDM/ABIME. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is accredited by the
ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 39 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and
attendance verification are required.
4 hours of AMA Category 1 CME. Educational Tuition is US $350. Course # RPT. Intended Audience: Physicians of all
specialties.
This 4-hour workshop is designed to focus on the skills necessary to write winning reports in the medicolegal arena. Learn the
necessary skills from an expert who has written thousands of persuasive IME reports.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This 4 hour seminar will discuss how to write a report that
· Communicates information that readers need.
· Presents information accurately and convincingly.
· Establishes your credibility and professionalism to a reader.
· Structures material so readers can find information quickly and easily.
· States key points clearly and without ambiguity so that readers can understand your meaning.
· Uses language and sentence structure that lay readers can follow.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards
School of Medicine and ACDM/ABIME. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is accredited by the
ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 39 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and
attendance verification are required.
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Segment Two – 4 hrs AMA Category 1 CME Credit
Return to Work and Fitness for Duty Decisions –
How to Use a Function Based Approach Workshop (Course No. RTW)
Cost: $350.00 US Funds Course #RTW Intended Audience: Physicians from a variety of Specialties
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this learning activity, the participants should be able to:
· Define terms and concepts commonly used in Return to Work, Fitness for Duty, and disability determinations.
· Correlate biomechanical and medical consideration to functional elements of work.
· Discuss clinical tools used to evaluation physical functional capacity
· Provide strategies for completion of Return to Work, Fitness for Duty, and disability forms.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards
School of Medicine and ACDM/ABIME. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is accredited by the
ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and
attendance verification are required.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be able to:
· Discuss the diagnostic criteria and have a detailed knowledge of the various somatic, behavioral and cognitive complaints which
accompany traumatic brain injuries.
· Conduct a through evaluation of claims of concussion and be able to diagnose a post concussive syndrome.
· Interpret the commonly encountered neuropsychological tests.
· Discuss the recovery profile following a concussion.
· Apply the knowledge to clinical practice based on the current scientific literature.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards
School of Medicine and ACDM/ABIME. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is accredited by the
ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Segment registration and
attendance verification are required.
The training programs offered here are neither authorized nor sponsored by AMA.
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