A.R.S. | Assessment Rehabilitation Services Inc.|

At A.R.S. our motto “WE CARE” helps to define our total service commitment:

We always maintain a level of consistency – Every file is handled with care

Consistency and continual improvement of services
Available for seminars/training to meet customer needs
Rapid responses for quick and efficient service
Ease of communication between our company & clients

A.R.S. has a proven track record of providing clients with reliable, unbiased, and comprehensive reports which help our clients understand the individual’s impairments and abilities.

COVID-19 Advisory

A.R.S. is committed to safety through screening, enhanced cleaning, physical distancing, and the provision and use of personal protective equipment. While we continue to service the needs of our customers, we remain devoted to reducing exposure to and spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Feel free to contact our office (416-510-2468) if you have questions about the measures being taken.

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Alberta Accident Benefits/Section B

A.R.S. modifies its assessment protocols in accordance with legislation, relevant arbitration and court decisions. We are well versed in all legislative requirements during the onset of a claim and offer a range of services to manage the claim effectively.

Catastrophic Injury Management

A Injury is an extremely serious injury that may result in permanent disability, long lasting medical conditions, and a shortened life expectancy. At least one of the body’s systems is affected in a catastrophic injury, such as the respiratory system, muscular system, or neurological system. A Catastrophic Injury Case Manager, a Registered Nurse or Disability Specialist with appropriate training and understanding the in Glasgow Coma Scale, will be accountable to the administration of the case/claim. The Case Manager will liaise with all treatment professionals and keep the client up-to-date with respect to their claim and medical status, facilitate hospital discharge and coordinate, assess and monitor treatment(s) with all associated professionals.

Complimentary Services

When necessary, a staff member will come to the office and photocopy the medical files. We do not charge for preparing the medical file for the doctors and we provide additional copies of the reports for free. All telephone calls and faxes are also complimentary and our courier services are direct from A.R.S, guaranteeing that all reports are delivered in the timeliest manner. Our delivery rate is 100%.

Critiques

An objective review of the relevance and appropriateness of another supplier’s Future Care Cost Assessment (Life Care Plan) and/or Future Costs of Medical/Rehabilitation Benefits Assessment. Issues that need to be addressed are outlined in a detailed summary report.

Diagnostic Testing

If requested, our available array of imaging and investigations includes, but is not limited to, the following: plain film X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, computed tomography (CT) scans, diagnostic ultrasounds, bone scans, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS), and electroencephalogram (EEG) tests.

Early Intervention or Pre-Claim Examinations

An examination is set up with the insured, with a regulated health professional to determine entitlement to attendant care, assistive devices and home modifications. These examinations are available to an insured who is being discharged from a hospital or other facility and before an application for benefits is submitted.

Educational Seminars/Lunch and Learn Seminars

We recognize how difficult it is to keep up with the important changes that take place within this dynamic industry. As a unique feature of our roster, we have secured the services of some of our health professionals to provide complimentary seminars to insurers and insurance claims adjusters, rehabilitation counsellors, and new claims representatives regarding a diverse range of topics. We have experience in and are able to provide educational seminars on, but not limited to, the following topics: Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, Nuances of the Different Medical/Professional Disciplines, Report Preparation, How to Read and Interpret a Functional Abilities Evaluation, Complex Case Management – Psychosomatic Issues, How to Schedule Assessments to Best Meet Claimants’ Needs, and Form Preparation. Furthermore, we provide informative newsletters and updates regarding the latest changes occurring within our industry.

Executive Summary Report

An Executive Summary Report is compiled by a medical physician who reviews all relevant multi-disciplinary reports for a particular claimant and provides an abstract that summarizes the main findings of each report, organized by benefit and by medical/professional discipline. Where applicable, commentary on discrepancies, concurrences, and other relevant information may be emphasized for optimal transparency. This brief report is a useful tool when reviewing a number reports from multiple assessments performed on the same claimant as it assists the referral source in deciphering as well as conveniently accessing the various findings according the respective discipline. By breaking the report down into psychological, medical/physical and functional perspectives, for example, the client is provided with a report that responds very specifically to benefit questions in a practical and efficient manner.

File Reviews/Paper Reviews

Our health and medical professionals can provide a detailed file review and provide a response to questions posed by the adjuster. This determination is made based on the claimant’s medical history, documented limitations and the findings of any assessments completed and on file to date.

Future Care Cost Assessment

A comprehensive detailed assessment that outlines a disabled person’s current and future needs and quantifies the costs related to these needs over the individual’s entire life span. Typically completed for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic health care needs. Future medical and vocational expenses are forecasted with the focus on maximizing independence, minimizing medical complications and, where appropriate, planning for productive work activity. Accommodation, attendant care, transportation, aids to daily living, medical expenses, professional services, education, pharmaceuticals, home modifications, vocational needs and all other associated costs based on the individual’s disability are addressed.

Future Costs of Medical / Rehabilitation Benefits Assessment

A specific assessment of a disabled individual’s entitlement to med/rehab benefits based on the appropriate legislation. Outlines treatments, assistive devices, housekeeping, attendant care, transportation, and other applicable medical/rehabilitation costs required to maximize function but limited by legislated funding.

Graduated Return to Work Programs

Early efforts to help claimants return to work will increase the probability of successful transition, and reducing rehabilitation costs. We implement a proactive process for coordinating the activities of management, unions, insurance carriers, health care professionals, and vocational rehabilitation services to ensure a timely and safe return to work. Our company helps design and implements a comprehensive return-to-work (RTW) program including the completion of a Physical Demands Analysis, Functional Abilities Evaluation, Vocational Evaluation, and Transferable Skills Analysis for employees returning to work. At the case level, we can work with the claimant, insurer, and/or employer to develop and coordinate a return-to-work plan that utilizes graduated or modified duties, job accommodations if necessary, and other needed services.

Homesite & Worksite Analyses

Homesite & Worksite Assessments provide practical recommendations for clients to reintegrate themselves effectively in their environment with an emphasis in returning clients to their pre-accident level of function in a safe, cost effective and expeditious manner.
Independent Living Assessments are an objective evaluation of the client’s self-care and home environment tasks to determine their ability to function. IADL’s are valuable in determining if a client is able to live independently.
Homesite Assessments are used to evaluate the various tasks a client may have at home, and to what extent their injury may impair their ability to do so.
Worksite Evaluations provide objective information on the physical demands of the client’s job. The results of such evaluations can be used to structure treatment and work simulation programs, as well as to make recommendations on work site modifications or work aides to assist the client in returning to work.

Independent Chiropractic Evaluation

An Independent Chiropractic Evaluation involves a detailed documentation review, history, physical examination, and expert opinion as to any accident-related musculoskeletal impairment within the scope of chiropractic, and to the reasonableness and necessity of various treatment proposals from treating chiropractors and physiotherapists. Chiropractors are primary care providers with the training and expertise needed to render diagnoses and make appropriate referrals, as necessary. Chiropractors employ range of motion, joint movement testing, gait analysis, as well as postural, orthopaedic, and neurological assessments to help determine whether impairment is present, and if so, whether the impairment is attributable to the incident in question and whether any objectively supported functional limitations exist.

Independent Ergonomic Evaluation

Ergonomics (workstation): the science of arranging and adjusting your work environment to fit you and your body.
The purpose of an Independent Ergonomic Evaluation is to identify risk factors associated with the client’s occupational demands and to recommend ergonomic adaptations from which the individual may benefit in order to decrease or minimize the identified risk factors. The evaluation is carried out at the workplace by an occupational therapist or other appropriately trained regulated health care provider. The objectives of the evaluation are to reduce the chance of further injury, increase the individual’s awareness of proper body and working mechanics through education, and to make recommendations to ensure that the individual can continue engaging in their occupational duties within the limits of his or her physical impairment(s). The evaluation consists of a detailed history of relevant events taken by the assessor, injuries and current symptoms, basic job description, and a comprehensive workstation analysis. Reports contain a detailed overview of identified risk factors and suggested solutions such as ergonomic adaptations.

Independent File Reviews

Our medical and other health professionals can provide a detailed review of a claimant’s file and provide responses to questions posed by the referring source. File reviews can determine the reasonableness and necessity of various Treatment and Assessment Plan (OCF-18) proposals covering everything from to assistive devices to requests for Catastrophic Impairment Assessments as well as other claims for expenses in question such as prescription medication expenses. These determinations are made based on the documented injuries, the claimant’s documented medical history, and the findings of any assessments completed and on file to date and whether there is compelling evidence supporting the assessment request or treatment modality in question. As with any examination, whether through the file review process or a direct/in-person examination of the claimant, A.R.S. will promptly notify the referring source should the assessor require any additional documentation, such as treatment progress notes or the complete records of the claimant’s treating physician, in order to make his or her determination.

Independent Functional Abilities Evaluation/Functional Capacity Evaluation

A Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE), also known as a Functional Capacities Evaluation (FCE), is a quantitative method of assessing an individual’s work capacity or, alternatively, the level at which the individual is able to function. The FAE/FCE matches the individual’s current performance levels to the demands of his/her normal pre-accident level of function. An FAE/FCE is recommended to obtain accurate and quantified information regarding an individual’s physical/functional work capacity for comparison to specific pre-accident demands. The FAE/FCE is able to simulate actual job stressors to determine accurate information regarding the individual’s tolerance level for activities of daily living or essential tasks of employment. In addition, the FAE/FCE contains numerous validity measures which indicate whether a good effort was put forth and the results can be considered a reasonable reflection of the claimant’s likely abilities. When an FAE/FCE is scheduled in conjunction with a Jobsite Analysis, a comparison can be made between the individual’s present physical abilities and his or her pre-accident job demands.

Independent In-Home Evaluation

An Independent In-Home Evaluation is designed to evaluate the claimant’s ability to perform his or her activities of daily living and to identify any barrier(s) that may be present specific both to the claimant’s physical presentation and home environment, and which may hinder the return to full function. Contingent upon the referring source’s request, recommendations for housekeeping, attendant care and caregiving assistance are made as appropriate. In many cases, whether or not the occupational therapist believes that the claimant requires external assistance with activities of daily living, assistive devices are recommended to help prevent re-injury, alleviate pain, or enable the claimant to perform a task independently or in a modified manner.

Independent Job Site Analysis or Physical Demands Analysis

An Independent Job Site Analysis or Physical Demands Analysis is an evaluation by an occupational therapist or other appropriately trained regulated health care provider that takes place at the claimant’s place of employment and provides objective information on the physical demands of his or her job as reported by the employer and observed by the assessor. The results of such evaluations can be used by medical assessors to better evaluate the claimant’s ability to physically perform the tasks of his or her job. They can also be used to structure treatment and/or work simulation programs, as well as to make recommendations on worksite modifications or work aides to assist the claimant in a safe and timely return to work. When an employer does not grant access to the worksite for this purpose, the assessor will conduct a structured interview with the claimant and cross-reference the subjective reports with data the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and National Occupational Classification (NOC) systems to better objectify the physical demands of the claimant’s pre-accident employment.

Independent Living Assessments

Independent Living Assessments are an objective evaluation of the client’s self-care and home environment tasks to determine their ability to function. ILA’s are invaluable in determining if a client is able to live independently.

Independent Medical (General Practitioner) Evaluation

An Independent Medical Examination is an evaluation by a general practitioner. General practice is about caring for the whole person, and as such, general practitioners are ideally suited to comment on Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits when there is no evidence of orthopaedic injury, neurological injury or pre-existing conditions on file that would appear to warrant a specialist assessment,. Medical evaluations by general practitioners are appropriate when a review of a medical intervention proposal by the claimant’s treating practitioners is required, or if there may be pre-existing medical problems that would be outside the scope of a chiropractor or physiotherapist to comment as to their relevance to a claimant’s recovery. In addition, the general practitioner will make recommendations for other assessments or investigations, if necessary.

Independent Neurological Evaluation

An Independent Neurological Evaluation is a comprehensive and thorough medical evaluation with specific attention to the nervous system to determine whether there is objective evidence of neurological injury attributable to the incident in question, and if so, whether such injury constitutes an impairment that would result in one or more disabilities. Our expert neurological evaluators, in order to better objectify a claimant’s neurological presentation, may in the course of their evaluation request diagnostic imaging or investigations such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS), electroencephalogram (EEG) testing, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations in order to provide a definitive incident-related neurological diagnosis and optimally define the parameters of any potential impairment specific to the nervous system.

Independent Neuropsychological Evaluation

An Independent Neuropsychological Evaluation is a specialized assessment by a duly qualified psychologist who examines the neurocognitive and behavioural manifestations of brain injury. Through a clinical interview and a battery of neuropsychological testing consisting of tests measuring effort and validity as well as tests measuring variables such as cognitive abilities, intellectual functioning, language skills, visuospatial skills, attention and processing speed, executive functioning, learning and memory, and motor functions, a neuropsychological evaluation explores the impact of a brain injury on an individual’s neurocognitive functioning. This is a lengthy examination typically requiring a full day, and is typically carried out when brain injury has occurred and it is necessary to evaluate the relationship of cognitive complaints to the accident, what the resulting impairments are, if present, and the extent to which such impairment hampers the claimant’s ability to participate in pre-accident activities. Following the evaluation, the neuropsychologist will be able to determine whether there is evidence of a brain injury resulting in neurocognitive impairment, or whether the cognitive complaints are likely related to emotional factors or other aetiologies.

Independent Neuropsychovocational Evaluation

Similar to the Independent Psychovocational Evaluation, the Independent Neuropsychovocational Evaluation is conducted by a clinical neuropsychologist and determines the degree to which neurocognitive and behavioural processes or functions have been affected following an acquired brain injury (ABI) and the impact that they may have on occupational options. If possible, a list of suitable occupational options will be generated, based on the evaluation results. Comment on current, post-accident level of intellectual and cognitive capabilities will be provided along with suggestions for any formal treatment or rehabilitation programs that might be required from a neuropsychological point of view to facilitate a return to work following an ABI.

Independent Oral and Maxillofacial Evaluation/Independent Dental Evaluation

An Independent Oral and Maxillofacial Evaluation, also known as an Independent Dental Evaluation, is an evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dentist, depending on the documented injuries, in order to examine the oral cavity and associated structures to determine causality with respect to the claimant’s oral and maxillofacial complaints and whether any identified disorder can be attributed to the incident in question. Such evaluations are in order when claimants complain of symptomatology descriptive of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, such as jaw pain and/or “clicking,” and difficulty or pain with chewing following a motor vehicle or other accident. TMJ disorders involve acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint which connects the mandible to the skull.

Independent Orthopaedic Evaluation

An Independent Orthopaedic Evaluation is a comprehensive medical evaluation by an expert musculoskeletal evaluator and full report detailing the claimant’s subjective complaints, and the orthopaedic surgeon’s objective findings in relation to any musculoskeletal injuries and accidentrelated impairments that may result. The orthopaedic surgeons on our roster, some of whom are distinguished in their fields, spend considerable time reviewing the medical brief, and interviewing and examining the claimant to determine if there are valid indicators of musculoskeletal impairment and/or any or pre-existing medical conditions that could affect recovery from injuries sustained specifically in the incident in question.

Independent Physiatry (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) Evaluation

An Independent Physiatry Evaluation is a comprehensive medical evaluation of the claimant’s musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries, neurological complaints, and pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome, from the standpoint of an expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation. A physiatry assessment is recommended particularly in cases in which there is no definite evidence of bony or neurological injury on file, but pain symptoms persist beyond expected timeframes and/or there is documented evidence of pre-existing pain disorders that might impede recovery, or if the claimant’s treating practitioners have determined that such a medical condition exists as a result of the incident in question. Our physiatrists spend considerable time reviewing the medical brief, and interviewing and examining the claimant to determine the extent of any medically supported neuromusculoskeletal impairment or disability, if any, while providing recommendations for a safe and cost-effective return to their pre-accident level of function. Such recommendations may include community-based aquatherapy or medications that the family physician may wish to consider trialing. For more serious conditions, there may be recommendations for physical modalities, gym memberships with personal trainer sessions, assistive devices, orthotics, prostheses, and experiential training approaches. In Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, emphasis is placed on the optimization of function through the combined use of these modalities where appropriate.

Independent Physiotherapy Evaluation

An Independent Physiotherapy Examination comprises a review of the musculoskeletal system in order to determine the presence of an accident-related impairment with a specific view to determining the reasonableness and necessity of treatment proposals or making recommendations for reasonably required physical modalities for the claimant’s recovery, if indicated. The evaluation is based on a historical interview, objective measurements, and physical testing. Typical examinations can include the following: gait observation and comment, muscle strength, recruitment, flexibility evaluation, coordination testing, joint assessment, nerve function and sensitivity, and soft tissue examination.

Independent Psychiatry Evaluation

An Independent Psychiatry Evaluation a mental health evaluation by a medical physician specializing in Psychiatry to determine whether there is objective evidence of psychological/psychiatric illness as a result of the incident in question which may constitute impairment resulting in one or more types of disability. The psychiatric evaluation consists of an in-depth clinical interview and, rather than psychometric testing, a Mental Status Examination of the claimant to determine whether observational data corresponds with subjectively reported complaints. A psychiatric assessment involves a detailed and comprehensive evaluation, largely in the form of an interview, that will provide comprehensive information on the psychiatric status of an individual as related to accident-related impairment, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, if identified, and prognosis for recovery from any identified impairment or disability. In addition, an independent sychiatric evaluator is qualified to comment on the reasonableness and necessity of psychoactive medications that may have been rescribed to the claimant for recovery from injuries sustained in the incident in question, and to make recommendations for psychoactive medications the claimant’s treating physician(s) may wish to consider.

Independent Psychovocational Evaluation

An Independent Psychovocational Evaluation may be used for wide variety of circumstances in the vocational assessment and rehabilitation of an individual such as when the question of complete occupational disability arises in a given claim. This type of evaluation is typically conducted by a Psychologist and considers accident-related historical details as well as focuses on the claimant’s educational and occupational history in determining suitable occupational options from a psychological point of view. In a psychovocational evaluation, the psychologist addresses issues that could hinder a claimant’s return to his or her occupation such as whether an extensive formal education program would be required for occupational options deemed suitable through the evaluation, whether a learning disability is suspected, or whether the claimant is restricted in his or her capacity to return to pre-accident occupation due to chronic pain. This type of evaluation is also useful in the examination of a case involving an individual with an identified history of pre-existing disability.

Independent Rheumatology Evaluation

An Independent Rheumatological Evaluation is recommended in the evaluation of a claimant who presents with a painful disorder that affects the locomotor system. Independent rheumatological evaluators specialize in the assessment of joints, muscles, connective tissue, soft tissue surrounding joint and bones and autoimmune disorders as related to incident-related and/or pre-existing medical conditions. Examples of some of the disorders within the scope of rheumatology to assess and treat are arthritis, lupus or other autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders such as fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, and osteoporosis.

Independent Social Work Evaluation

In an Independent Social Work Examination, the evaluator conducts a detailed file review and comprehensive historical interview to gather the relevant biopsychosocial complaints of the claimant as related to physical pain, psycho-emotional concerns, or disrupted functioning of the family unit post-incident. Although they are not diagnosticians, social workers are counselors who are trained in psychotherapy and are qualified to evaluate assessment and treatment proposals and/or make such recommendations based on the documented injuries on file, and have specific interest in case management, evaluating the need for linking individuals with community-based agencies and programs that will meet their post-accident psychosocial needs.

Independent Vocational Evaluations

An Independent Vocational Evaluation is a systematic evaluation by a Certified Vocational Evaluator to identify appropriate vocational choices that considers, and incorporates comprehensive testing of, the individual’s aptitudes, abilities, personality traits, and prior life and vocational experiences. Ideally, a vocational assessment is performed following, or in conjunction with a thorough physical examination by a medical specialist such as an orthopaedic surgeon, and/or a Functional Abilities Evaluation (please see description of Functional Abilities Evaluation below). If requested, a Labour Market Survey (LMS) is also included as part of the Vocational Evaluation. A LMS is a detailed report that surveys the present job market in the field particular to the claimant and generates a selection of potential employment opportunities for the claimant that is reasonable and attainable. Also, it details the research performed by the Certified Vocational Evaluator in generating their selection.

No Shows and Cancellations

We make every effort to ensure that our clients avoid cancellations and no-shows. Our office contacts each claimant to offer the best available time and location for their evaluation in keeping with the SABS Guidelines. Two days prior to the scheduled date we telephone the claimant/legal representative to remind them of the date, time and place of their assessment. Our office requires 48 hours notice within the Greater Toronto Area and 72 hours notice outside the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada.

Ophthalmology Assessment

This is a comprehensive medical evaluation and full report, detailing the evaluee’s subjective complaints, and the physician’s objective findings. Our doctors specialize and focus on vision; blurry vision, double vision, detached retina.

Psycho-Vocational Evaluation

A Psycho-Vocational Evaluation may be used for wide variety of circumstances in the vocational rehabilitation of an individual. This type of evaluation is typically conducted by a Psychologist and addresses issues that could hinder a claimant’s return to his or her occupation such as, an extensive formal education program, a learning disability is suspected or if the claimant is restricted in his or her capacity to return to pre-accident occupation due to chronic pain. This type of evaluation is also useful in the examination of a case involving an individual with a identified lengthy history of disability.

Return To Work Case Management

Early efforts to help injured employees return to work will increase the probability for successful transition and, thereby, reduce rehabilitation costs. A.R.S will assign an Injury Case Manager, Registered Nurse or disability Case Manger with appropriate training who will be accountable for the administration of the case. The Case Manager will liaise with all treatment professionals and keep the client and employer up to date with the case and medical status. The Case Manager will also facilitate hospital discharge where necessary, as well as coordinate, assess and monitor treatment with all associated professionals. This proactive approach for coordinating the activities of management, union, insurance carrier, health care professionals and vocational rehabilitation services will insure a timely and safe return to work.
Assessment Rehabilitation Services Inc. helps to design and implement a comprehensive RTW program including the completion of a Physical Demands Analysis, Functional Abilities Assessment, Vocational Assessment, and Transferable Skills Analysis, for employees returning to work.
At the case level, A.R.S. can work with the claimant, insurer and/or employer to develop and coordinate a return to work plan that utilizes graduated or modified duties and job accommodations, where necessary. This benefits both employees and employers as downtime is reduced and the employee’s skills are being utilized during the recovery period. This also, in many cases saves the employer retraining and staff replacement costs.

Seminars and Information Sessions

At A.R.S., we recognize the challenges of keeping up with the constants changes occurring within this market. A.R.S. health professionals provide complimentary seminars to insurers and insurance claims adjusters, rehabilitation counselors, and new claims representatives, on a diverse range of interest and needs. A.R.S. also provides informative newsletters and updates regarding the latest changes within our industry.
The following is a list of examples of seminars.

Complex Case Management – Psychosomatic Issues.
The Management of Acquired Brain Damage.
How to Manage a Cardiology File – the Pitfalls – Understanding the Drugs.
How to Read and Interpret a Functional Abilities Evaluation.
When Do You Use an Orthopaedic Evaluation or Physiatrist Evaluation?
When Do You Use a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?
How Do You Use Functional Evaluations for Chronic Pain or Fibromyalgia?
Using the ARCON Protocol for Homesite Evaluations
Changes in the Industry Post DACS.

We would appreciate any suggestions from your Claim Representatives that will help us tailor our seminars to the current needs of the industry.

Transferable Skills Analysis

A Transferable Skills Analysis (TSA) is a method of evaluation, often part of the Independent Vocational Evaluation and Labour Market Survey, that is useful in determining what occupation a claimant is able to perform in respect of their education, training, experience, and earning potential. In the event that a claimant may not be able to perform the essential tasks of his or her pre-accident employment, the TSA determines what jobs are suited to the claimant, are financially similar in terms of salary range, and are suggested for the claimant in order to return to gainful employment and financial independence.

Work Trials and Work-Hardening Programs

Our work trials and work hardening programs assist claimants as they regain their capacity in real work environments. By using the outlined physical demands of their pre-accident occupation, and by providing support, guidance and instruction, a safe and cost-effective improvement in work tolerance and productivity is more readily achieved. Work trials are used in such circumstances as when an employer is unable to provide a modified work position or an employer is unable to accommodate the employee’s return to work until a full functional level of recovery has been achieved. We provide a work trial in an identical position, with another employer, working closely with that employee during an on-site work hardening program aimed at restoring the claimant to his or her pre-accident job demands. Throughout this process, active monitoring of the recuperative process is undertaken until the participant has achieved a full or maximum medical recovery and is deemed capable of safely returning to their full participation in his or her pre-accident work environment.

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Education Programs

At A.R.S., we can offer many types of educational sessions for employers. These sessions can include, ergonomic seminars, musculoskeletal information sessions and flu prevention strategies.

Labour Market Surveys

– Labour Market Surveys provides objective evidence that jobs thought to be reasonably suited for the individual in question are available in the individual’s home community. Telephone surveys help determine employers who are hiring and the range of wages and salaries being paid. If needed, on-site interviews with employers can be conducted so as to add reliability to the survey.

Catastrophic Injury or Illness

A.R.S. Assessment Rehabilitation Services Inc. is able to perform assessments involving any type of catastrophic injury or illness that usually occurs suddenly and without warning as a result of an accident. Injuries that are considered catastrophic, due to the enormous impact they have on the lives of the individuals who experience them, include the following: brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, severe burns, multiple fractures, or neurological dysfunction. A catastrophic injury or illness very often causes severe disruption to the central nervous system, which in turn affects many other systems of the body. In addition to possible loss of movement, sensation, and communicative and cognitive abilities, the injury or illness may impact respiration, circulation, skin, the urinary system, the gastrointestinal system, and other body systems. Management of such an injury is complex and may require the expertise that A.R.S. can provide with the use of a team of health professionals including physicians, consultants, nurses, therapists, and counsellors.

Within the systems established to provide for injured individuals, the medical evaluation of the degree of an individual’s impairment can have a huge impact on the level of compensation the individual will receive from all sources. Other issues for which A.R.S. can use medical evaluation include:

The injured person’s ability to work;
The right to receive different kinds of economic compensation;
Eligibility for protection against discrimination;
Whether independent living is possible; and
The type of physical therapy that might improve his or her health.

An evaluation of this type should include the significant changes an individual will undergo as they progress through acute hospitalization, then return to the home and community. An individual will likely experience the best possible outcome with rehabilitation that offers an interdisciplinary approach and coordinated care.

Life Care Planning

A.R.S. will utilize life care planning as the process of analyzing the medical and medically-related goods and services an individual will need because of a disabling injury or disease. A systematic and logical approach is utilized to trace all of the needs relating from the disability to the end of one’s life expectancy. Health professionals provided by A.R.S. that are experts within the field of rehabilitation and case management are often asked to develop life care plans, in consultation with medical and therapeutic specialists according to their clinical specialties. All past medical, social, psychological, vocational, educational, and rehabilitation data are taken into consideration to the extent that it is available and applicable. The goals and desires of the claimant and the claimant’s family are expressed in the plan. Medical literature is surveyed to reflect current concepts of claimant care management. In addition, in life care planning, consideration is given to changes in a claimant’s needs due to aging and the progression of his or her disability.

The life care plan provided by A.R.S. can be used for services that are needed to prevent or significantly reduce known complications over time. Potential complications associated with the principal diagnoses are discussed, and the care needs related to these complications are projected. The range of services in the geographic area or region, and prevailing costs and standards are utilized to provide an analysis of costs. These costs are typically expressed as present day costs derived from the best available data and resources.

Through the life care plan process, a template for current and future care is developed. The plan serves as a guide for family members, case managers, and health care providers. It is not a prescription for care, but represents a logical blueprint for an individual’s anticipated needs and to provide optimal outcomes, based upon reasonable medical probability and current concepts of care. An individual’s life care plan may be utilized by his or her attorney in seeking compensation for his or her injuries, and may also call for consultation with financial professionals to select appropriate investment strategies to preserve resources over the claimant’s life.

Future Care Cost Assessment

The Future Care Cost Assessment is a comprehensive, detailed assessment that outlines the current and future needs of an individual with a disability and quantifies the costs related to these needs over the individual’s entire life span. Typically, this is completed for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic health care needs. Future medical and vocational expenses are forecasted with a focus on maximizing independence, minimizing medical complications and, where appropriate, planning for productive work activity. Accommodation, attendant care, transportation, aides to daily living, medical expenses, professional services, education, pharmaceuticals, home modifications, vocational needs, and all other associated costs based on the individual’s disability are addressed.

Formal policy creation

Our policy experts will review your current HR/Disability Management policies and provide you with a full report outlining what improvements can be achieved. We will also work with each employer group individually where no written policies exist, to develop policies unique to your corporate culture and requirements.

A.R.S. Assessment Rehabilitation Services Inc. provides a variety of services to facilitate medical legal casework:

Medical Legal Examinations, including all medical specialties and para-medical scopes of practice;
Catastrophic Impairment Assessments by qualified CAT assessors;
Vocational Services including Psychovocational and Neuropsychovocational Assessments, Labour Market Surveys and Transferrable Skills Analyses;
Diagnostic Imaging Services;
Future Care Assessments and Critiques; and
Excellent customer service and support.

At A.R.S., we pride ourselves on offering clients a trouble-free approach to securing appropriate examiners and to having medical legal examinations and reports completed in a timely fashion. A.R.S. offers access to a wide range of examiners across Canada, fast booking dates and guaranteed report turnaround timeframes.

A.R.S. has a national roster of medical and para-medical experts with whom your requested examinations may be booked.

Evaluators:

A.R.S. is uniquely positioned to facilitate expert medical legal services that feature:

Nationwide evaluators with extensive experience in medical legal reporting within their respective scopes of expertise;
Highly qualified evaluators in a full range of medical and para-medical disciplines nationwide;
Evaluators who understand the importance of being available for testimony, should the need arise
Use of Certified Life Care Planning credentialed evaluators for Future Care Cost Assessments and Critiques;
Catastrophic Medical Evaluators, including the following areas of expertise:
- Neurological Disorders;
- Spinal Cord Injuries;
- Multiple Injuries;
- Amputations.

Medical Doctors and Clinical Experts Always Available to Assist:

A.R.S. works closely with medical doctors and clinical experts who routinely assist with complex situations, if the need should arise. If you should have questions or should you require assistance that may benefit from speaking with an experienced clinician, we would be happy to help. We always have a clinical expert available to help answer your medical or clinical questions.

Electronic Document Management:

A.R.S. utilizes state of the art software to safely and securely transfer documents electronically. SecureDox is PIPEDA and HIPAA compliant, providing tracking and confidentiality where email cannot. All medical documents are transferred utilizing this software, which allows A.R.S. to distribute reports directly to the client without the need for couriers.

SecureDox provides an internal auditing system which allows the document submission activity to be tracked. SecureDox also provides a 24-hour notification period that provides notification to A.R.S. when a document has not been opened. Large documents of more than 5,000 pages can be transferred instantaneously and SecureDox can also transfer photographs, audio recordings, or virtually any other electronic medium.