After recovering from a significant work or auto accident injury, determining your readiness and ability to safely return to work is a critical step. A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) at Advantage Healthcare is a comprehensive assessment designed to objectively measure your physical capabilities related to work tasks. Our trained therapists conduct FCEs to provide clear information about your functional abilities and limitations, helping guide return-to-work decisions.
What Problems Does an FCE Address?
An FCE is typically performed to:
- Objectively determine your current physical abilities (lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, standing, walking, etc.).
- Assess your capacity to meet the physical demands of your specific job or potential alternative jobs.
- Identify physical limitations and provide recommendations for work restrictions or modifications.
- Determine if you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) regarding functional capacity.
- Provide objective data for work comp or disability case management and settlement discussions.
How Does an FCE Work?
An FCE is a structured evaluation, usually lasting several hours, that involves:
Review
Discussing your medical history, job demands, and current symptoms.
Musculoskeletal Screen
Assessing your range of motion, strength, sensation, and reflexes.
Functional Testing
Performing a series of standardized tasks simulating work activities (e.g., lifting weights, carrying objects, pushing carts, climbing stairs, performing positional tolerance tests like sitting/standing/kneeling).
Consistency Monitoring
Observing your effort, pain behaviors, heart rate, and body mechanics to ensure reliable results.
What Are the Benefits of an FCE?
- Objective Measurement: Provides unbiased data on your physical capabilities, rather than relying solely on subjective reports.
- Guides Return-to-Work: Helps determine safe work duties and necessary accommodations.
- Clarifies Limitations: Clearly defines what you can and cannot safely do from a physical standpoint.
- Facilitates Case Resolution: Offers valuable information for physicians, employers, insurers, and attorneys involved in your case.
Why Choose Advantage Healthcare for Your FCE?
- Performed by therapists certified or experienced in standardized FCE protocols.
- Comprehensive and objective testing procedures.
- Clear, detailed reports outlining findings and recommendations.
- Understanding of the requirements for work comp and auto injury cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FCE painful? Will it make my injury worse?
The FCE tests your current abilities. While you’ll be asked to put forth good effort, safety is paramount. Testing is typically stopped if unsafe body mechanics are used or if symptoms significantly increase beyond your baseline. It should not worsen your underlying injury. You might feel fatigued or sore afterward.
How long does an FCE take?
FCEs are comprehensive and typically take 4-6 hours, sometimes longer, depending on the specific protocol and the complexity of the case. Breaks are included.
What should I wear and bring to the FCE?
Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes suitable for physical activity. Bring any prescribed braces or supports you normally use. Follow any specific instructions provided by our clinic regarding food/water.
Who gets the results of the FCE?
A detailed report is sent to the referring physician and the insurance adjuster or case manager who requested the FCE. Your physician will typically discuss the results with you.
Objective Assessment for Your Work Capabilities.
An FCE provides valuable information for your safe return to work and case resolution. If an FCE has been recommended for you, contact us to schedule or learn more.