Medical Orientation

This advanced course is designed to assists participants in understanding medical terminology, anatomy and medical testing so they can interpret medical information in Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) files. Participants will learn medical terminology, and human anatomy with attention to the different organ systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, auditory, ocular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and integumentary). Specific injuries (back, bone, MSIs, lower extremities) that are commonly seen in WSIB cases are discussed. Disorders such as chronic pain and fibromyalgia are discussed in detail. Mental stress related injuries are examined and the WSIB policies relating to traumatic stress, psychotraumatic disability and behavioural disorders are presented.

The legislative authority for health care and the relevant WSIB policies are discussed. Evidence based medicine and the difference between disease oriented evidence (DOE) and patient-oriented evidentiary medicine (POEM) are discussed. Medical specialists and Ontario standards are presented. Medical records, independent medical examinations and treatment modalities and the use of OHCOW services are explored. Diagnostic test used in determining workplace Injuries and some treatments are presented with their advantages and disadvantages. Determining disability and impairment Permanent Impairment rewards, how they are assessed and the different types of awards (PPDS and NELs) are discussed. Participants will follow detailed calculations for these awards to understand how the degree of impairment translates into a monetary value. Finally, when and how re-determinations occur, are discussed.