Workers Comp Functional Capacity Evaluations
Functional capacity evaluation (FCE)
…is an extensive evaluation to determine an individual’s functional abilities and limitations in the context of a safe environment. The evaluation can last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours. It is highly valuable in establishing baseline abilities for disability evaluations or assessing an employee’s safe work abilities. Reasons that you may be sent for an FCE include, but are not limited to, no progress with treatments, difficulties demonstrated with returning to gainful employment, job placement, and/or case settlement.
- In addition to a subjective report, past medical history review, and range of motion and strength measurements, the evaluation also involves multiple other aspects, such as lifting, climbing, pushing, pulling, carrying, balance, fine motor skills, and cardiovascular tolerance to name a few.
- Additional tests may be incorporated based on job specific task requirements.
- A trained evaluator guides the evaluation, analyzes the results, and provides recommendations regarding return to work, functional abilities, and/or modifications to job activities.
In preparation for your FCE, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Please do not wear clothing that might restrict your movement.
- Please remember to take any prescribed medication as scheduled; however, pain medication could skew the picture of your actual ability by masking your pain. We suggest that you refrain from taking non-prescribed pain medication prior to the evaluation, if possible, unless otherwise directed by your physician.
- If you wear glasses for reading, then please remember to bring them with you as you will be doing paperwork and may be performing some fine motor tasks.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol the night prior to your evaluation. Avoid excessive caffeine consumption on the day of your evaluation.
- Get a good night’s rest the night before your test.
- Please silence your cell phone during the testing day to avoid interruptions.
- Please do not bring children with you to the appointment.
- Please do not wear nail polish or false fingernails.
