Functional Capacity Examinations

 

Functional Capacity Examinations (FCE)/Physical Capacity Examinations (PCE) are what the titles imply-a test of one's ability to perform essential job functions. FCE's are designed to provide impartial information on a person's physical capabilities. This may occur at any time during the course of one's' employment- prior to placement in a specific job, after an injury has occurred, or if it is apparent that the previous job is not feasible. These tests are frequently utilized by worker's compensation, auto, liability, and long-term disability adjusters, and attorneys to provide specific answers to specific questions. Because of the nature of accidents, there are questions that are consistent from adjuster to adjuster- claimant to claimant, and Rocky Mountain Therapy Services strives to answer all concerns.

Defensible Validity Work Classifications
The top three concerns voiced by adjusters.
 
  • Did the injured person give full effort?
  • Will the test results hold up in court?
  • Is there a determination regarding the type of work this person can do?

At Rocky Mountain Therapy Services we recognize the concerns on both sides when performing FCE's. Each test is created specifically for the questions that need to be answered. This might take two hours or two days depending on the type of test. The test has validity components built in to determine if the injured person is giving full effort. If it appears that they are not trying, testing is stopped, and an explanation is given regarding the importance of giving their best effort. Because the test produces objective data, which is used for the final determination, the results hold up at any level of scrutiny.

Benefit Termination Job Loss Re-Injury

The top three concerns voiced by injured workers.
 
  • What is the purpose of the testing and will it impact my settlement?
 
  • Will the results be used to terminate my job and if I cannot do my job, what will I do for work?
 
  • Will I get hurt during the test?

For the injured worker, the test results offer important information regarding abilities and types of work that they can pursue. Because it is a measurement of ability, it is important that the each person performs to his or her maximum without sustaining further injury.