Functional Capacity Evaluation Referral Guide
Posted by Sandy Goldstein on Mon, Jan 10, 2011 @ 07:07 AM
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is the objective measurement of a person's ability to perform functional work activities.
Anytime someone is attempting to determine a person's ability to work, functional testing deepens the available medical information and provides useful information to assist with:
Whenever a determination is needed for vocational planning and employment, the FCE is the exam of choice and can provide valuable information regarding:
- Can the individual return to past work?
- Can the individual return to other work?
- What type of jobs can the individual perform?
- What is the individual's rehab potential?
- What is a reasonable transitional return-to-work plan for the individual?
The FCE is performed as a one-to-one examination typically for up to 4 hours. 2-day exams may be appropriate when trying to determine the effect of chronic pain conditions on function.
The FCE is considered an important part of the return-to-work or disability determination process. When used appropriately, it interfaces with information from many professionals on the return-to-work team and can be an important component of the return-to-work process (Isernhagen, 2009).
References:
Introduction to Functional Capacity Evaluation. In Genovese E, & Galper S. Guide to the Evaluation of Functional Ability. USA: AMA; 2009