A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) will identify how much a person can lift and in what positions, whether they can bend, squat, or reach, and to what extent they are able to function with their hands. What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation? (FCE) is a comprehensive evaluation used to determine a person's safe ability to return to work and to identify limitations after an injury or illness.
The FCE is most frequently used to assess work-related injuries and helps determine the level of disability, rehabilitation needs and when the individual will be capable of returning to normal activity or work.
Physicians, case managers and employers are able to transition injured workers from disability to function by utilizing Functional Capacity Evaluations.
This physical assessment includes:
- Strength activities such as lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling
- Position tolerance activities such as standing or sitting/
- Mobility activities such as walking or climbing
Benefits Of FCE:
An FCE can aid the physician’s ability to evaluate medical impairments, provide baseline for treatment and establish safe physical abilities for making return-to-work decisions.
For a worker’s compensation carrier, an FCE can confirm an injury and be used to assist in case resolution.
For an employer, an FCE can help return an employee back to work safely, providing data for ergonomic interventions and possible job modifications.
Functional Capacity Evaluations are done on a one-on-one basis and lasts between 2 and 6 hours, depending on a patient's needs.
