Professionally reviewed by Charlie Eberling, PT, DPT, CWCE, TPI, Manager, Outpatient Services, on 02/27/2023.
Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are a combination of tests that determine whether a person is physically able to perform specific job functions. FCEs are a key part of workers’ compensation determination.
Our focus on physical medicine and rehabilitation helps injured workers recover more fully and return to work faster.
Why Are FCEs Needed?
- Most medical evaluation processes do not include purposeful activities that represent actual work movements
- FCEs are part of a physician’s final impairment rating — determining the subject’s musculoskeletal status
- Most medical evaluations do not assess for effort or the presence of non-organic signs
- FCEs determine a subject’s level of willful participation in activity
Functional Capacity Evaluation Components
- Intake interview
- Musculoskeletal screen
- Cardiovascular test
- Static strength test
- Material-handling test
- Non-material-handling test
- Job-specific test
- Debriefing
When Should FCEs Be Completed in a Rehabilitation Program?
- After all necessary medical testing and treatment have been provided
- Patient has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Following a plateau in physical therapy
- After participation in work hardening or work conditioning
- Part of an independent medical exam (IME) process
- Fit-for-duty evaluation
- Existing worker requesting a transfer into a different, more demanding job
Request a Functional Capacity Evaluation
For more information or to request a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), please call 1.888.44.REHAB (73422) or fill out the form below.