The Purpose of Impairment Evaluation: Reparation/Compensation/Welfare

ABSTRACT

An impairment evaluation by the independent medical examination is requisite for the preparation of reparation, compensation, and welfare. The reparation is defined 1) something done or given as amends or satisfaction, 2) the payment of damages restoration to good condition, 3) the making of amends for wrong or injury done. Compensation means that something given or received as an equivalent for services, debt, loss, injury, suffering, lack, and others. Welfare is a very popular term in recent modern society. It is a goal of the ministry for health, welfare and family affairs' policies. It means the health, comfort, happiness and general wellbeing of a person or social group. An independent medical examination is possible when a doctor who has not been involved in a patient's care examines the patient. It may be conducted to determine the cause, extent and medical treatment of a work-related injury; whether a worker has reached maximum benefit from treatment; and whether any permanent impairment remains after treatment. Independent medical examinations serve valuable individual and social goals, but participating physicians must appreciate the legal exposure they create. Given the realities of our medical malpractice system, physicians' employment decisions, like patients' treatment decisions, should be adequately informed.