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When you’re dealing with a work-related injury, your path to recovery can be filled with uncertainty. At Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo, we understand how overwhelming this process can be, which is why we’re here to help you navigate your workers’ compensation claim. One essential part of your recovery journey might be a functional capacity evaluation (FCE). This evaluation plays a crucial role in determining your ability to return to work and the extent of your physical limitations. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about FCEs and how they fit into your workers’ comp case.

What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a series of tests designed to assess your physical capabilities after an injury. These evaluations are used by workers’ compensation programs to determine whether you’re ready to return to work and what type of work you can perform. The goal is to objectively measure your ability to carry out job-related tasks, such as lifting, carrying, sitting, standing, and more.

In Pennsylvania, FCEs are often requested by your employer or the insurance company handling your workers’ comp claim. They use the results to make decisions about your ability to work and the continuation of your workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re asked to undergo an functional capacity evaluation, it’s important to understand what to expect and how the evaluation might affect your case.

Functional Capacity Evaluation vs. Independent Medical Exam

While both functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) and independent medical exams (IMEs) are used in workers’ compensation cases, they serve different purposes. An functional capacity evaluation focuses on your physical capabilities and is typically conducted by a physical therapist or occupational therapist. In contrast, an IME is performed by a physician and is used to evaluate your medical condition. IMEs are often requested to confirm diagnoses, assess the extent of injuries, or determine whether you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).

In short, an functional capacity evaluation assesses what you can physically do, while an IME evaluates your overall medical condition. Both evaluations can have a significant impact on your workers’ compensation benefits, so it’s essential to prepare for them thoroughly.

What Happens During an Functional Capacity Evaluation?

During a functional capacity evaluation, you’ll be asked to perform a variety of physical tasks. These tasks are designed to simulate the movements and actions you’d perform in your job. Here’s what you might expect:

• Walk: You’ll be asked to walk for a certain distance or time to assess your gait and endurance.
• Sit: The evaluator will observe how long you can sit comfortably and any discomfort you may experience.
• Stand: Standing for extended periods can reveal information about your stamina and balance.
• Lift and carry different weights: You’ll lift and carry objects of varying weights to test your strength and ability to perform tasks safely.
• Push and pull: This activity helps gauge your upper body strength and coordination.
• Grab items: You’ll be asked to grip, grasp, and hold objects to evaluate your hand and finger strength.
• Move your hands: The evaluator may ask you to perform fine motor tasks to assess dexterity.
• Balance: Simple balance exercises can reveal issues with coordination and stability.
• Reach: Reaching for objects at different heights tests your flexibility and range of motion.
• Crouch and kneel: These activities simulate tasks that may require bending and kneeling.
• Crawl: Crawling helps determine your mobility and coordination in tight spaces.
• Climb: You’ll be asked to climb stairs or ladders to assess your ability to perform tasks that involve elevation.

These tests are designed to measure your strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall physical capabilities. The results are compared against the physical requirements of your job to determine if you can return to work or if modifications are necessary.

Who Performs a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

functional capacity evaluations are typically conducted by licensed professionals such as physical therapists or occupational therapists. These healthcare providers specialize in assessing physical function and are trained to observe and measure your capabilities accurately. They use standardized tests to ensure that the results are objective and consistent.

During the evaluation, the therapist will closely monitor your performance and document any limitations or difficulties you experience. It’s essential to be honest and put forth your best effort during the evaluation, as the results will directly impact your workers’ comp benefits and your ability to return to work.

When Should You Expect to Get an Functional Capacity Evaluation?

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is typically scheduled towards the conclusion of your medical treatment for a work-related injury. This timing is crucial, as the primary purpose of an FCE is to assess your readiness to return to work and to evaluate your physical capabilities after significant recovery.

1. Timing of the FCE: The FCE is often conducted when your employer, workers’ compensation doctor, or the insurance company believes you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is a term used to describe a point where your medical condition has stabilized, and further treatment is unlikely to result in significant improvement. At this stage, your medical team and employer need to understand your functional limitations and abilities to make informed decisions about your return to work.
2. Purpose of the FCE: The FCE serves as an objective assessment of your physical capabilities. It provides detailed information about your strength, endurance, and ability to perform job-related tasks. This evaluation helps in determining whether you can return to your previous job or if modifications are needed. It also helps in deciding if you require ongoing medical treatment or additional support.
3. Impact on medical benefits: The results of the FCE can significantly impact your workers’ compensation benefits. If the evaluation indicates that you can safely return to work without restrictions, it may lead to the termination or reduction of your medical benefits. Conversely, if the FCE shows that you are not yet capable of returning to work, it can justify the continuation of your benefits and potentially recommend additional treatments or accommodations.
4. Preparing for the FCE: To ensure accurate results, it’s important to prepare for the FCE by following any pre-evaluation instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Being honest and forthcoming during the evaluation is crucial, as the results will be used to make decisions about your return to work and the continuation of your benefits.
5. What If You disagree with the FCE results? If you believe the results of the FCE do not accurately reflect your condition or capabilities, you have the right to challenge the findings. Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your options for appealing the results or negotiating for additional support if needed.

In summary, an FCE is a key component in determining your readiness to return to work and the future of your workers’ compensation benefits. Understanding the timing and purpose of the FCE can help you navigate this important step in your recovery process.

Can You Fail a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

Technically, you cannot “fail” a functional capacity evaluation because it’s not a pass/fail test. Instead, the evaluation measures your physical abilities and compares them to the demands of your job. If the FCE results show that you’re not yet physically capable of returning to work, this could lead to continued medical treatment or job modifications.

However, if the FCE results indicate that you can perform your job duties, your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company may decide to end your benefits. That’s why it’s critical to approach the evaluation with full honesty and effort. If you’re worried about your results, consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand how to best proceed.

What Happens After Your FCE?

Once the functional capacity evaluation is complete, the results will be compiled into a report. This report will be sent to your workers’ comp doctor, employer, and insurance company. The findings of the report will be used to determine whether you can return to work and under what conditions.

If the report indicates that you’re physically capable of returning to work, your employer may offer you a position that matches your current abilities. This could be your original job or a modified version of it. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, the functional capacity evaluation results can be used to justify continued medical treatment and workers’ compensation benefits.

If you’re unhappy with the results of the FCE, you have the right to challenge the findings. It’s important to discuss your options with a workers’ compensation lawyer who can guide you through the process and protect your rights.

Where to Get Help With Your FCE

At Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo, we understand the challenges that come with workers’ compensation claims, especially when it comes to navigating functional capacity evaluations. If you’ve been asked to undergo an functional capacity evaluation and have concerns about what it means for your case, we’re here to help. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can guide you through the process, ensure that your rights are protected, and work to secure the benefits you deserve.

To learn more about how we can assist you, visit our denial of workers’ compensation claims page if you’re preparing for an FCE or need help with any aspect of your workers’ comp claim, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Comp Benefits

Navigating workers’ compensation can be complex, and understanding the details of your benefits is crucial. Below, we address some common questions about workers’ comp benefits to help you better understand your rights and options.

How much are workers’ comp payments worth?

Workers’ compensation payments are generally designed to cover up to two-thirds of your pre-injury wages. The exact amount can vary depending on the state in which you are filing, as well as the specifics of your injury. To get a better estimate of your potential benefits, you can use our Workers’ Compensation Calculator. For more personalized assistance, consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney who can provide detailed guidance based on your situation.

How long will my workers’ comp benefits last?

The duration of your workers’ comp benefits is primarily determined by the nature of your injury and your recovery progress. Generally, benefits continue until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), which means your condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve further with additional treatment. If you are unable to return to work due to a permanent disability, you may be eligible for long-term benefits. For assistance with understanding how long your benefits might last, our team at Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo can help guide you through the process.

How long does workers’ comp cover medical bills?

Workers’ compensation typically covers your medical expenses related to your work injury until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). This coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments. Once MMI is reached, your medical benefits may be adjusted or terminated based on your condition and future needs. If you’re encountering issues with your medical benefits, seeking legal advice can help. Visit our Guide to Protect Yourself for more information on your rights.

What if I disagree with changes to my benefits?

If you disagree with changes to your workers’ compensation benefits, such as a reduction or termination following an independent medical exam or functional capacity evaluation, you have the right to challenge these decisions. Contact a local workers’ comp lawyer to explore your options for appealing or negotiating for higher benefits. More details on how to appeal a decision can be found on our Appealing a Workers’ Compensation Decision page.

Will a workers’ comp lawyer help me get better benefits?

Absolutely. A workers’ comp lawyer can be instrumental in negotiating for higher benefits and ensuring your rights are upheld throughout the claims process. Studies show that individuals with legal representation often receive significantly higher settlements compared to those without. At Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to maximizing your benefits and supporting you through every step of your workers’ compensation claim. For more information on how a lawyer can help, visit our Do You Need a Lawyer for Workers’ Comp? page.