(PRWEB) September 6, 2006 -- Studies by Brigham and Associates, Inc. reveal that the majority of ratings are erroneous. The high error rate reflects the complexity of assessing impairment and the fact that few professionals have obtained needed training. GuidesIQ is a convenient alternative to attending multi-day seminars, and offers several distinct advantages.

GuidesIQ consists of over sixty training modules on the AMA Guides (Fifth and Fourth Editions) and is comparable in content to a multi-day seminar. The training provides instruction on the use of the Guides, approaches to rating common problems, demonstrations of examination procedures, video presentations, digital publications, self-assessments, and other resources. There is also an online forum and scheduled monthly teleconference mentoring calls. The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine jointly sponsored this program for continuing medical education and physicians can earn up to 16 hours of Category 1 AMA Credit. Brigham and Associates, Inc. is an approved provider of State of California Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) training.

Web-based training offers many advantages to traditional training experiences. The resources are always accessible, participants can return to relearn content based on their specific needs, the resources are varied reflecting different learning styles, and material can be continually updated. Access is provided on an annual subscription basis, with discounts for multiple users from the same organization. An example forty minute demonstration on how to rate impairment for carpal tunnel syndrome is available at www.guidesiq.com.

The feedback has been exceptional. Lorne Direnfeld, MD, of Maui, Hawaii, a neurologist regarded as one of the nation’s leading experts on the Guides, stated "In describing this site there are several words that come to mind - valuable, creative, painless, authoritative, unique, and accessible 24/7. What you have developed is so needed." Todd Garner, DO, CIME, Medical Director of Lincoln Trail Occupational Health in Illinois, advised the creator of the site, Dr. Brigham, “You've outdone yourself on this one! I knew it would only be a matter of time before you invented something else I would want to add to my armamentarium."

This resource was developed by Christopher R. Brigham, MD, President of Brigham and Associates, Inc. and Editor of the Guides Newsletter. Dr. Brigham is Board-Certified in Occupational Medicine (ABPM), Founding Director of the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME), a Certified Independent Medical Examiner (CIME), a Certified Impairment Rater (CIR), a Fellow of the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians (FAADEP), a Fellow of the American College of Occupational Environmental Medicine (FACOEM), and a Master Fellow of the Academy of Independent Medical Examiners of Hawaii (AIMEHI). He has authored hundred of articles and other publications on impairment and disability evaluation, including being Editor of the Guides Casebook and co-author of Understanding the AMA Guides in Workers Compensation and the Guides to the Guides. He is a highly regarded professional speaker who has trained thousands of professionals and also has extensive experience in instructional technologies.

For further information please contact Mindy Brigham, Director of Marketing and Communications, at 866-262-1202 or visit www.impairment.com/guidesiq.htm

Brigham and Associates, Inc. (www.impairment.com) was founded in 1995, and is recognized as the nation's leading resource on impairment and disability evaluation. The firm provides expert services including the review and critique of ratings, consultation, training, publications, and other learning resources.