Functional Capacity Evaluation

Georgia Hand, Shoulder, and Elbow

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate your physical abilities following a work-related injury. This evaluation helps determine your readiness to return to work and identifies any necessary restrictions or accommodations to ensure a safe transition back to your job duties.

Our team at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, works closely with your healthcare providers to deliver a detailed report that supports your recovery and return to work. Book your visit today!

A man experiencing pain from a work injury is at a consultation with a therapist in Atlanta, Georgia.

What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

A functional capacity evaluation is a series of standardized tests and evaluations that assess your physical abilities, particularly in relation to your job duties. The goal is to determine how your work-related injury affects your ability to perform work-related tasks. The FCE measures various aspects of physical capacity, including strength, endurance, flexibility, and the ability to perform movements related to your work.


Reasons for the Evaluation

FCEs are typically requested when there is a need to understand how an injury impacts your ability to perform job duties. This evaluation is often essential for determining the following:

  • Return-to-Work Readiness: To assess if you can safely resume your job responsibilities.
  • Workplace Modifications: To identify any modifications needed to help you perform your job effectively.
  • Disability Benefits: To provide objective data that can be used to determine eligibility for disability benefits.
  • Legal and Insurance Purposes: To offer documentation for workers’ compensation benefits, legal cases, or insurance coverage decisions.


How it Works

The functional capacity evaluation process includes getting a referral, scheduling an evaluation, completing the assessment, and receiving a detailed report. These steps are described further below.

1. Get a Referral

Before scheduling an FCE, you will need a referral from your doctor, occupational therapist, or another appropriate stakeholder. This referral should detail your work-related injury and outline your job duties and demands. The referral ensures that the evaluation is tailored to your specific needs.

2. Contact Us

Once you have a referral, reach out to Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow to initiate the evaluation process. You can fill out a form on our website or contact us directly. We will review your request and get in touch to schedule your appointment or request additional information if necessary.

3. Get Evaluated

The Functional Capacity Evaluation typically takes about four hours to complete, though the exact duration may vary depending on your occupation and the specific demands of your job. During the evaluation, a licensed occupational therapist will test various aspects of your physical capacity, focusing on tasks that are relevant to your job duties.

4. Receive a Report

After the evaluation, we will compile a detailed report outlining the results and providing recommendations regarding your return to work. This report is sent directly to the referral source, whether that be your doctor, employer, or insurance company.

Who Can Benefit from a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

Functional Capacity Evaluations are beneficial for anyone recovering from a work-related injury who needs to return to physically demanding job duties. This evaluation is especially useful for injured workers in occupations that require manual labor, repetitive movements, or specific physical abilities.

Additionally, FCEs can benefit employers, insurers, and legal professionals who require objective data on an employee’s physical capabilities following an injury.


Who Performs an FCE?

At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, Functional Capacity Evaluations are conducted by trained professionals with expertise in physical medicine, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation. Our team of occupational therapists understands the physical demands of various job roles and is skilled in assessing how your injury may impact your work performance. We are dedicated to providing accurate and reliable evaluations to support your recovery and return to work.


How to Prepare for the Evaluation

Proper preparation can help ensure the FCE provides a clear picture of your physical abilities:

  • Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for a full range of motion. Your attire should be suitable for physical activity, as you will be performing various tasks during the evaluation.
  • Bring Necessary Documentation: Bring any relevant medical records, the referral from your doctor or occupational therapist, and information about your job duties. This documentation helps tailor the evaluation to your specific needs.
  • Communicate Clearly: Be honest about your symptoms, pain levels, and any difficulties you experience with certain tasks. Clear communication ensures the evaluation accurately reflects your current physical condition.
  • Follow Pre-Evaluation Instructions: If your healthcare provider gives you specific instructions before the FCE, be sure to follow them. This may include avoiding certain activities or medications.


What Happens During Functional Capacity Evaluations?

During the FCE, you will undergo a series of tests designed to assess various aspects of physical capacity. These tests are tailored to your job demands and may include:

  • Strength Testing: Evaluating your ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects.
  • Flexibility and Range of Motion: Assessing your ability to bend, reach, and move in ways required by your job.
  • Task-Specific Testing: Performing tasks that mimic your job duties to evaluate how your injury impacts your ability to perform these tasks.


The Results of the Evaluation

After completing the FCE, the results will be compiled into a detailed report. This report includes an analysis of your physical abilities, any limitations identified during the evaluation, and recommendations for returning to work. These recommendations may include specific restrictions, accommodations, or modifications to your job duties to ensure your safety and well-being.

The report is sent to the referral source, who will use the information to make informed decisions about your return to work, potential accommodations, or further treatment options. At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we are committed to providing you with the information you need to make a successful transition back to your job.


Schedule Your Functional Capacity Evaluation

If you are an injured worker needing to determine your readiness to return to your job, a Functional Capacity Evaluation at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow can provide the answers you need. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and take the next step toward your recovery!

PATIENT FORM

If you are requesting a Functional Capacity Evaluation as the patient, please fill in this form.

A therapist is conducting a functional capacity evaluation with a patient in Atlanta, Georgia.

ADJUSTER FORM

If you are requesting a Functional Capacity Evaluation as the adjuster, please fill in this form.

A therapist is supporting a patient during a functional capacity evaluation in Marietta, Georgia.

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