Who Needs Them? Who Can Provide Them? What Do They Involve?
When you’re hurt and can’t work, there can be a natural desire to return to your job as soon as possible. That may not, however, always be in your best interests. You don’t want to go back to work before you’re physically healthy—that could put you at risk of a more serious and long-term injury. So how do you know when you’re physically ready to get back to work? One of the more common ways to make that determination is through a functional capacity evaluation (FCE).
What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
An FCE is an extensive assessment, customarily performed over a 2-3 day period, whereby a specialist carefully examines your physical skills, work tolerances, endurance, and functional capabilities in order to determine whether you can safely return to work and fully perform the tasks required by your job. If you’ve just recovered from a serious injury, an FCE may be necessary if you have a job that requires physical exertion, including lifting, squatting, bending, carrying, and even standing for long periods of time. If the assessment concludes that you’re not ready to return, the person conducting the FCE will identify a strategy to help you reestablish functional capacity.
Who Conducts a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
An FCE may be performed by a licensed occupational therapist but is more often conducted by a physical therapist.
Who Stands to Benefit from a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
An FCE may be valuable for:
- A person seeking social security disability benefits, because an FCE can serve as evidence that the person is unable to work
- Someone attempting to return to work after serious illness or injury who may require a different type of employment
- Anyone who has suffered an injury on the job
- Candidates for vocational rehab services
What Does an FCE Involve?
Every FCE is a little different, depending on the job responsibilities of the patient. The evaluation typically starts with an interview and thorough examination, including musculoskeletal screening, followed by a review of all relevant medical records. The assessment may include an evaluation of a variety of physical skills or actions, including standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, bending, stooping, crawling, crouching, balancing, carrying, reaching, or handling objects. When performing an FCE, a physical therapist may assess pain response, as well as muscular strength and physical dexterity.
Contact InjuredCare to Find a Physical Therapist to Perform a Functional Capacity Examination
If you need to schedule a functional capacity evaluation, we can help. Contact InjuredCare online or call our offices today at 866-952-7045.
