FCE Evaluation

FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATION

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a systematic process of assessing an individual's physical capacities and functional abilities. The FCE establishes the physical level of work an individual demonstrates they can currently perform. It is generally utilized any time an individual is in need of quantification of their physical capabilities for determination of a disability status.

An FCE is generally utilized by doctors, attorneys, employers or insurance carrier wishing to determine:

- maximum medical improvement (MMI), permanent and stationary status (P&S) or assist in determining restrictions post injury;

- furthermore recommendations for individuals who have achieved MMI but continue too have issues related to

.........re-injury and return to work;

- the individual's ability to safely return to work full time or on modified duty;

- if work restrictions, job modifications, or reasonable accommodations are necessary to prevent further injury;

- the extent to which impairments exist, or the degree of physical disability for compensation purposes;

- the potential ability to perform work following acute rehabilitation or a work conditioning program.

Parties who may potentially benefit by utilizing a Functional Capacity Evaluation include:

- Injured workers - gain knowledge of their abilities and limitations to insure their safe and productive return to work;

- Physicians - receive key components of a completed PR-4 with a competent and accurate functional testing that

.........leads to medical release for return to work, appropriate work restrictions, or worksite modifications;

- Employers - become aware of the physical demands of the job and an individual worker's physical capacity and

.........limitations regarding their safe return to work;

- Insurance System (carriers, case managers, claims administrators, social security administrators, etc.)

......- close cases efficiently and effectively;

- Attorneys - receive objective documentation of functional testing and abilities of their client.

Foster Assessment Center & Testing Service, Inc. provides two types of Functional Capacity Evaluations:

1. Functional Capacity Evaluation (97670) provides a baseline, objective assessment of the individual's physical abilities to perform a variety of tasks related to the physical demands of work. It includes standardized tests of strength, flexibility, weight lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, sitting, bending, unsupported reaching, etc. to determine functional ability.

The baseline functional capacity evaluation is comprised of short-term, structured activities performed in a controlled, safe, and supervised manner. It does not document an individual's overall physical stamina or ability to tolerate work positions consistently over time. It is conducted under direct supervision, and is generally performed on a one-to-one basis over a one-to-two day period, by or performed substantially in the presence of a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (CVE) who has training in areas to include, but not limited to neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and biomechanical functioning; kinesiology; and exercise physiology.

This type of baseline FCE generally occurs over a one-to-two day period. However, at times a series of baseline FCE's can be useful to physicians when conducted in two-to-four week intervals to assist in the MMI or P&S determination as well as work restrictions. If the results of the FCE are essentially unchanged among a series of evaluations, it helps to document the stabilization of progress. If improvement is shown, it may justify further medical treatment.

The above graph depicts the maximum dependable physical tolerances demonstrated by the client during any functional capacity evaluation.

2. Job Specific Functional Capacity Evaluation - Work Tolerance Testing (97660) is designed to document an individual's readiness to return to full-time, competitive employment. It evaluates physical abilities to function within the parameters of an identified job, and is based on the critical physical demands of the essential functions of the job. Work simulation activities are often an integral component of the evaluation.

The Job Specific FCE Work Tolerance Testing generally involves three or five days of duplication of the physical demands and physical tolerances required for a specific job or job grouping (i.e., clerical, bench work, field technician work). A variety of tasks or situations may be appropriate; however, simulated work tasks are most often utilized related to the field of work to determine if the required physical tolerances, stamina and endurance can be sustained over a period of time. A systematic observation process is utilized for evaluating specific targeted occupational-related physical abilities, essential functions and/or behaviors in a controlled environment. This evaluation is individualized to simulate specific job demands as closely as possible. Use of job modifications and adoptive aids will be included as well as professional opinion of whether the client has demonstrated the capacity to return to full-time competitive employment in the job or job grouping.

The 3-Day FCE Work Tolerance Testing Evaluation is to determine the client's ability to perform the essential functions of a specific job. The 5-Day FCE Work Tolerance Testing Evaluation is to determine the client's ability to perform the essential functions in a variety of related occupations when work tolerance for employability is the primary issue.

This participation graph above is included in work evaluation reports to document the client's participation time in the simulated work environment.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Question: What Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is most appropriate for this individual?

Answer: Do not hesitate to call your local Vocational Evaluator to consult with them.

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) (97670) provides an objective assessment of an individual's current physical capabilities, which generally includes standardized test of strength, flexibility, weight lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, standing and sitting in order to determine a baseline of functional ability. It is conducted over a one-to-two day period.

FCE/Work Tolerance Testing (97660) is a 3-day evaluation, and differs from a baseline FCE (1 to 2 days) in that it determines physical tolerances, stamina, endurance, and compatibility for a specific job or specific field of work.

A 5-day FCE/Work Tolerance Testing (97660) is a physical work simulation for consideration of multiple jobs or when employability in any field of work is in question.

Question: What if I have questions about the report or services I receive?

Answer: It is always a good practice to telephone the Evaluator with any questions you have. Attending an exit conference is always helpful. However, you can typically send clients back for an additional evaluation or further clarifying testing, generally at no charge.

Question: Can you conduct evaluations for clients that have difficulty speaking English?

Answer: Our centers have staff that is bilingual in Spanish. Additionally, the use of hands-on work samples at all of our centers allows us to provide testing with individuals that cannot speak English. We also have many test instruments in Spanish. Armenian and Vietnamese-speaking staff are also available at some of our centers.

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