Q:

Hello again, Dr. Margolies. 

I am advertising myself as a PI doc who is also in the process of 
applying for Independent Medical Examiner certification. I was 
wondering if you knew what resources were the most concise for 
treating PI patients and doing impairment and disability rating 
exams. I find lots of different bits and pieces of info online about 
injury classifications, the best way to treat a certain type of 
whiplash, etc., etc., etc. If I could find all this info in one resource 
or text, that would help me out a great deal. Thanks!

A:

Thanks for your e-mail. I recommend you search for Arthur Croft 
material. He has an active column in Dynamic Chiropractic .. check 
www.chiroweb.com and search his name. He also has many seminars 
.. books and other material with his San Diego Based Spinal Trauma 
Program .. great stuff. Dan Murphy has a number of seminars 
sponsored by the ICA .. I guess you can do a search for the ICA and 
see what they seel. As far as Impairment Ratings .. there is a 
certification seminar by Stan Kaplan he has a workbook. The AMA 
sells the latest impairment book and they also have a video that 
shows how to do an impairment. Also .. Dr. Fernandez dedicates three 
weekend seminars just for PI. He has audio and possibly video tapes 
of the seminar lectures and may have a book. His bookstore has many 
books on the subject .. one by Liberti and someother DC. Call them at 
1-800-882-4476 for info

As far as treatment .. in my opinion .. this is more a personal thing. 
Conservative care is necessary but it you wsh to incorprate therapy 
.. rehabilitation and diagnostic tests then there are seminars that 
show you how to play the game. One is Practice Mechanics and they 
have programs throughout the country .. you'll learn whe and why to 
incorporate these services and the proper codes to be paid.

As far as IME's .. just contact the auto insurance carriers and see if 
they need any IME doctors. You'll have to have a clinic facility and go 
from there.

By the way .. My PI workbook has some useful items. You can 
purchase it on-line at: www.chirosmart.net .. it's a steal at $25

Have a Great Day

Dr. M