Helping Determine Whether You Can Perform the Duties of Your Job
When you’ve suffered any type of injury, whether it’s on the job or not, one of your primary concerns will be the degree to which you are capable of performing the duties of your job. If the injury happened at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
In order to establish the extent of an injury and its impact on your ability to work, you’ll need to have a functional capacity exam (FCE). During a functional capacity exam, a physician customarily will observe you performing tasks that are common in your job. The physician will then inform your insurance provider about the extent of your injury and its impact on your ability to work.
Criteria Evaluated in a Functional Capacity Exam
The primary purpose of the FCE is to establish whether you can work safely in your job—whether you pose an unreasonable risk of injuring yourself or others. To make this determination, the doctor will assess the following factors:
- Physical strength
- Range of motion and stability
- Stamina
- Tolerance for strenuous or repeated motions/activities, such as lifting, walking, bending, pushing, pulling or carrying
The Components of a Functional Capacity Exam
The doctor typically will start the FCE by gathering information about your personal and medical history, as that may help determine the course of the exam. The physician often will ask you to do things you routinely do in your job. Some examiners will have you work with weights or other exercise equipment as an objective test of your strength and stamina.
In most instances, the doctor conducting the functional capacity examination also will indicate what types of treatment or care you need.
Schedule Your First Appointment
We can help you determine whether you have the physical and functional capacity to do your job. Call Advantage Healthcare Systems toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 to schedule an assessment. We offer a number of convenient locations throughout Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio.