How is 'impairment' defined by the AMA Guides?

The definition of 'impairment' according to the AMA Guides focuses on the physical aspects of an individual's health status in relation to specific body functions or structures. When the term 'impairment' is used, it refers to any loss or derangement of a body part or its function. This encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect a person's physical abilities, such as decreased strength, range of motion, or sensory abilities.

This focus on body structures and functions aligns well with the clinical assessments performed in the context of injury and disability evaluations, which is a core component of the AMA Guides. The emphasis is on quantifying how certain injuries or medical conditions can impact an individual's physical capabilities, rather than broader concepts like job loss, temporary inability to work, or general quality of life, which are not explicitly defined under the term 'impairment' in this context.