Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) provide comprehensive documentation of an injured worker's present abilities. The purpose of an FCE is to help determine limitations which can assist with case closure, to clearly identify symptom magnification behavior, and to support legal cases concerning disabilities or workers' compensation claims with evidence that is admissible in court. 

When Is an FCE Appropriate?

• At 8 weeks post injury: if an employee with a sprain or strain injury is not back to at least a modified duty job
• At 3 months post injury: if abnormal pain behavior or work-related concerns are present
• If an employee is in therapy 4-6 weeks and is still not back to work
• If an employee is medically stable but remains on disability
• If an employee is medically stable but there is evidence of symptom magnification

Other Reasons for an FCE

• The employee has reached maximum medical improvement or has reached a plateau from treatment for the injury
• Functional, Behavioral and Flexibility testing is needed to objectively assess physical impairment
• Job specific testing is needed to objectively determine whether the employee can return to a pre-existing job or occupation
• If no job is available or the employee cannot return to the pre-existing job, an FCE can determine physical demand category of jobs he/she can perform safely; Results can then be used for vocational counseling and job placement

Coventry manages a national network of over 700 independent clinics run by Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs) who specialize in Functional Capacity Testing.  Our FCEs provide accurate and objective data regarding the injured worker's capabilities, are legally defensible, and can be scheduled within 48 hours.