disability exams for VA

[AndyDufrane]

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Hi, so I recently heard about a contractor position w/ VA doing MSK disability exams, does anyone have idea what this entails? are there courses that are useful for preparing to do these exams? other good resources? any input would be greatly appreciated. thank you

 

[RUOkie]

Hi, so I recently heard about a contractor position w/ VA doing MSK disability exams, does anyone have idea what this entails? are there courses that are useful for preparing to do these exams? other good resources? any input would be greatly appreciated. thank you

Disability management is a whole area of PM&R that most of us got little to no training in during residency. The best courses are either through SEAK http://www.seak.com/ or through ABIME http://www.abime.org/ Personally I preferred the latter's courses and I have maintained my CIME status (certified independant medical examiner).

Neither emphasize the VA system. They only touch on it. The VAMC uses their own convoluted system for disabilty and the medical examinations are often cursory and fairly easy. As a result, they don't pay as well as private sector. But it is a good introduction to this part of PM&R (secondary gain issues are HUGE).

In general, you will be given a form to fill out. You see the patient and fill out the form. If you need more information (like an EMG for an Agent Orange, or Gulf War Syndrome case) you just ask for it. Simple.

 

[Louisville04]

They will provide training. There are videos you can watch. Don't sweat it, you can easily handle it.

 

[AndyDufrane]

sweet, thanks for all the good info