Functional Capacity Evaluation – Series Of Physical Tests
FCE or Functional Capacity Evaluation in Workers Comp is a series of tests administered to a claimant by a physical therapist or other health care professional.
FCEs can be beneficial in determining an injured worker’s restrictions and capabilities. FCE evaluators can review job descriptions and make a determination regarding whether the injured employee is capable of performing certain jobs. After a claimant undergoes an FCE, the evaluator typically provides a detailed report on the results, including the claimant’s capabilities and restrictions.
Some FCE’s can also show if the tested injured employee gave full effort on the tests. The full effort test produced a few negative reactions questioning whether or not the test actually can show a less than full effort.
Functional Capacity Evaluations keep the injured employee from reinjuring themselves when the employee returns to work. The FCE’s are usually given to evaluate the injured employee for work hardening. The FCE’s can also be administered at the conclusion of the work hardening program.
Functional Capacity evaluations can be a successful tool for a safe return to work. The treating physician usually reviews them at the return to work assessment appointment.
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