Patient Education

What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation is a four-hour examination performed by a Physical or Occupational Therapist designed to assess and individuals physical work tolerance.

It is designed to:

• To determine an individuals ability to safely return to work
• To determine work restrictions, job modifications, or reasonable accommodations necessary to prevent further injury
• Recognize the potential need to for further conditioning

There are two types of FCE:

• General FCE: This is a general assessment of the individual’s physical abilities to perform a variety of work tasks related to the demands of work.
• Job Specific FCE: This is performed when the determination needs to be made regarding the physical abilities to function within the parameters of an identified job. The job specific FCE is based on the critical physical demands of the essential functions of the job. This is often referred to as a Return-to- Work evaluation at Vermont Sports Medicine Center.

Depending on the type of FCE, testing is usually one to two days, lasting 2 hours each day. Each FCE is performed on an intensive one-on- one basis with the therapist conducting the test. A job specific FCE or Return-to-Work evaluation will last approximately 1 hour, depending on the job title.

The Functional Capacity Evaluation will be stopped if:

• The individual being tested feels they cannot continue
• Advised medical restrictions have been reached
• When the physical tolerance has been reached based on the testing,
• And the assessment of the evaluator.

Pending prior authorization, the FCE is paid for by:

• The workers' compensation carrier
• State and federal agencies
• Managed care plans
• Private insurance
• Private pay

Most referrals for an FCE will come from:

• Physicians
• Rehabilitation personnel / case managers
• Insurance representatives
• Attorneys

Vermont Sports Medicine Center requires a medical referral, authorization and clearance for all FCEs, regardless of the referral source, for the safety of the patient or client referred.

The FCE is performed at the Rutland Center of Vermont Sports Medicine Center.