Functional Capacity Evaluation

Functional Capacity Evaluations

After a work injury, you may be asked to take an evaluation during your recovery. Clearway offers professionally-administered and accurate Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs). An FCE is an objective test of a patient’s function and ability to perform work-related activity. Most people are asked to have an FCE completed so that there is medical documentation objectively stating what aspects of the job an injured worker can and cannot do. Depending on what the evaluation is being used for, it may be ordered by a:

Physician
Lawyer
Employer
Insurance Company

What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

This evaluation was scientifically developed to measure and evaluate work-related physical abilities. It involves a series of tests that can take about 4-6 hours to complete but will ultimately be determined by what is being tested. It can sometimes be carried out over a two day time period. Patients will be referred for an FCE to assess their current level of physical capabilities to:

Determine ability for employment or return to the same or modified job
Determine their goals for rehabilitation or readiness for discharge as well as their ability to meet work-related demands
Determine when and if they can return to work (also often needed to determine need/qualify for disability benefits).

What to Expect

WHAT TO EXPECT

An FCE involves a few steps beginning with a conversation about your job and what the physical requirements are. A formal job description from your employer will be helpful. The therapist will thoroughly review all your medical records to understand the extent of your injury and will perform a musculoskeletal screening. You will then undergo a series of physical tests that will gauge your ability to perform certain activities. These include:

Material handling activities – Your ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects

Positional tolerance activities – These will test your ability to squat, kneel, walk, reach, bend over, sit, crawl, balance crouch, handle certain objects, and hand grasping and manipulation

Depending on your profession, other job-specific physical tests may be conducted. Your therapist may also take note of your pain level while doing certain tasks.

Benefits of Using Functional Capacity Evaluations

Many people are worried when they are asked to undergo an FCE. It is important to remember that the goal is to ultimately keep you safe. Returning to work before you are ready or performing tasks that you are not physically capable of puts you at risk and you become a liability to your company. There are many benefits to have an FCE completed including:

Determine if you are ready to return to work
Determine if you are able to perform certain work-related activities to prevent re-injury
Use as a reference for any legal cases
Help reduce the chance of additional injury
They can provide additional information about your injury