Functional capacity evaluations determine the range of an employee's actual physical capabilities.

A physical or occupational therapist conducts an FCE by measuring the range of an individual's physical abilities in the work environment.

The evaluation takes four to eight hours over one or two days. It is comprised of 26-29 different movements such as floor-to-waist lift, waist-to-eye lift, 1 and 2 hand carrying, crouching, squatting, stair and ladder climb, balancing, and walking.

These evaluations help the practitioner establish a baseline gauge of the employee's work function level.

Use an FCE when:

• There does not appear to be a legitimate medical reason for symptoms the employee is experiencing.
• You believe the employee is exaggerating injury symptoms and/or malingering.

• The employee cannot comfortably perform a transitional duty position.

FCEs may reveal inconsistent efforts by employees and identify symptom magnification or a fear of returning to work.The evaluator may visit the workplace to determine job requirements relative to actual physical abilities. 

The bottom line is that sooner or later authorities will catch up to those individuals who try and cheat the system.  

Stay in touch! By maintaining contact with the injured employee, the employer will maintain rapport throughout the claim process.

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