JTECH MEDICAL ANNOUNCES NORTHSTAR SYSTEM UPDATE WITH NEW DRE IMPAIRMENT FUNCTIONALITY
Quick answer: JTECH Medical has released Northstar v1.2.4, a free update to its functional assessment platform that adds the DRE (Diagnosis-Related Estimates) method of impairment for spinal evaluations using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition. The update also upgrades the Theia data converter, adds trunk strength ratios to muscle testing reports, and improves the narrative cover page.
Northstar v1.2.4 at a Glance
- Product: JTECH Medical Northstar System
- Version: 1.2.4
- Release Date: October 1, 2024
- Headline Feature: DRE method of impairment (AMA Guides 5th Edition)
- Primary Users: Chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational medicine, personal injury, and workers’ compensation providers
- Manufacturer: JTECH Medical, Midvale, Utah (USA)
What Is the DRE Method of Impairment?
The DRE (Diagnosis-Related Estimates) method is the AMA Guides 5th Edition’s primary approach for rating spinal impairment in injured individuals. Clinicians place a patient into a DRE category based on objective diagnosis and clinical findings, then assign a whole-person impairment percentage. It is the standard rating method used in most workers’ compensation and personal injury cases in the United States.
What is New in Northstar Update 1.2.4?
DRE Method of Impairment
Northstar now lets providers calculate permanent impairment ratings using the DRE method directly inside the software, based on the patient’s specific diagnosis and clinical findings.
Theia Data Converter Update
The Theia data converter, which migrates existing Tracker 5 data into Northstar, now runs without JTECH Medical customer service involvement, making the transition faster and self-service.
Muscle Testing Trunk Strength Ratios
Narrative reports now display trunk strength ratios, giving clinicians a clearer view of muscular function and imbalances for rehab planning and outcome tracking.
Improved Narrative Cover Page
The updated cover page now includes patient name, visit name, and visit date for a professional, patient-centric report.
Why Does This Matter for Clinicians?
For chiropractors, physical therapists, and occupational medicine providers, the addition of DRE impairment ratings inside Northstar means:
- Faster, more accurate impairment reports for personal injury and workers’ comp cases
- Documentation aligned with AMA Guides 5th Edition standards used by most U.S. jurisdictions
- Less manual calculation and lower risk of rating errors
- A single platform for ROM, strength, and impairment data
As JTECH Medical President and CEO Dano Ybarra stated: With the addition of the DRE method, we are not only empowering clinicians with more accurate diagnostic tools, but we are also ensuring providers can offer clearer, more precise data in patient assessments, especially in personal injury cases.
About the JTECH Medical Northstar System
The Northstar system integrates a wide range of objective functional measuring devices, including inclinometry, muscle strength, goniometry, algometry, grip strength, pinch strength, and a static force gauge. Data is transferred wirelessly to the Northstar software, which generates an objective narrative report with a single click. Northstar can be configured for Active Care Rehab, Personal Injury, Hand and Upper Extremity, Pain Management, Occupational Medicine, and Sports Medicine practices, making it suitable for both large healthcare facilities and single-practitioner clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northstar v1.2.4?
Northstar v1.2.4 is the October 1, 2024 update to JTECH Medical Northstar functional assessment system. Its headline feature is the DRE method of impairment for spinal evaluations using the AMA Guides 5th Edition.
What does DRE stand for in impairment rating?
DRE stands for Diagnosis-Related Estimates. It is the AMA Guides 5th Edition primary method for rating spinal impairment based on a patient diagnosis and clinical findings.
Which AMA Guides edition does Northstar support for DRE?
Northstar v1.2.4 supports the DRE method using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition, which is the edition required in most U.S. workers’ compensation jurisdictions.
Who should use the Northstar DRE impairment feature?
Chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational medicine providers, and any clinician performing impairment ratings for personal injury, workers’ compensation, or disability cases.
How do I upgrade to Northstar v1.2.4?
Current Northstar customers can contact JTECH Medical at +1 (385) 695-5000 or info@jtechmedical.com to update to v1.2.4 and enable the new DRE impairment functionality.
About JTECH Medical
For over 30 years, JTECH Medical has provided functional assessment and testing devices to chiropractors, physical therapists, sports medicine specialists, and occupational medicine providers. JTECH devices are proudly made in the USA and used by over 40,000 clinics worldwide.
Media contact: Dano Ybarra, CEO. JTECH Medical. 7633 S. Main, Bldg D, Midvale, UT 84047. +1 (385) 695-5000. info@jtechmedical.com. www.jtechmedical.com