FCE: UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAPACITY FOR EMPLOYMENT

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) may sound like another piece of alphabet soup intentionally designed to confuse. But it's simply another term familiar to those who work with workplace injuries, rehabilitation, and disability claims.

FCE stands for Functional Capacity Evaluation. It is a comprehensive assessment conducted by healthcare professionals, normally occupational therapists or physical therapists, to evaluate an individual's physical and functional abilities.

And when we say comprehensive, we mean thorough and complex.

What Does an FCE Evaluate?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation may assess several different areas depending on the individual's condition and the purpose of the examination.

An FCE often includes:

• Physical Abilities Assessment: Evaluating strength, flexibility, endurance, and range of motion.
• Functional Mobility Testing: Assessing the ability to perform movements and activities such as walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, and bending.
• Cognitive and Psychological Assessments: Cognitive or psychological factors may be assessed when they affect an individual's functional capacity.
• Job-Specific Tasks: Evaluating tasks relevant to an individual's past or current job requirements. This can be particularly important when determining someone's ability to return to work after an injury or illness.
• Pain Assessment: Evaluating the amount of pain an individual experiences and when it is highest or most impactful.
• Observation of Functional Activities: A healthcare professional may observe an individual's movement patterns and body mechanics while performing different activities.

What Happens After an FCE?

An FCE report can easily reach double digits in page length.

The specific components of a Functional Capacity Evaluation can vary based on the purpose of the assessment and the individual's unique circumstances. Ultimately, the primary goal is to evaluate how well someone can perform specific tasks and activities, particularly those associated with employment or daily life.

The results of an FCE may be used when determining rehabilitation plans, evaluating progress toward returning to work, identifying other potential employment options, and addressing a variety of other circumstances.

Why Can an FCE Matter?

For someone recovering from a workplace injury, an FCE can provide important information about what the individual is physically capable of doing and whether limitations remain.

That can make the evaluation particularly relevant in an Indiana workers' compensation claim, especially when questions arise about returning to a previous position, permanent restrictions, or the ability to perform other types of work.

Functional limitations may also be relevant when evaluating a Social Security Disability claim, depending on the circumstances and other medical evidence involved.

Questions About Your FCE or Disability Claim?

Are you scheduled for an FCE? Do you have questions about how the results could affect your workers' compensation or Social Security Disability claim?

Finderson Law LLC offers free consultations to discuss your situation and help you better understand your legal options.

Call our firm at 260-420-8600, contact us through our website, or send us a message online.

At Finderson Law, we're here to help bring our clients comfort, hope, and greater clarity when navigating the complications of the law.