A functional capacity evaluation, also oftentimes referred to as an FCE, is a comprehensive medical assessment performed by a medical professional after a work injury. It is used to assess your capabilities and deficits and can play a significant role in shaping your workers’ compensation claim. Of course, we want you to be as prepared as possible for this evaluation so that you don’t accidentally hurt your claim, so in today’s blog, we share some tips for preparing for your FCE.
Will I Need An FCE?
It’s worth noting that a functional capacity evaluation is different from a medical evaluation that you may receive shortly after a work accident. Your original medical evaluation is necessary in order to collect workers’ compensation, and while an FCE may also impact a claim award, you may not have to complete one. In most instances, an FCE is ordered when an individual has reached maximum medical improvement and is hoping to return to the workforce.
For example, let’s say that an injured employee suffered a significant hand injury at work. The employee underwent surgery and weeks of rehab, and their care team has determined that they have reached full recovery. That’s not to say that they are back to a pre-injury level of fitness, rather, they have made the fullest recovery possible given the nature of their injuries. At this point, an FCE may be requested in order for all sides to determine how the worker can transition back to the workforce in the safest manner possible.
An FCE may be requested by a lawyer, your employer or your employer’s insurance company, and you would be wise to comply with the request. You are not required to do so, but a refusal to attend an FCE can provide the insurance company with cause to stop making payments on your claim. If an FCE has been requested, inform your lawyer and make plans to attend.
Preparing For Your FCE
An FCE typically takes place at a medical facility or physical therapy center and is conducted by a certified medical professional. The evaluation can take anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on your injuries, your job and the full extent of what is being assessed. Preparing for this evaluation can ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s what we recommend:
Inform Your Lawyer – Let your lawyer know that an FCE has been requested. They may provide you with additional information on how to get ready for this evaluation.
Arrive Early – Make things easier on yourself and remove any possible stress from the situation by arriving 10-15 minutes early since it will take time to park and find your way to the evaluation center.
Be Concise and Truthful – Take the evaluation seriously and be truthful when asked questions or when told to try and perform certain tasks. Lying during this evaluation can have major repercussions for your claim and your return to work plan. Also, short answers are just fine, as oversharing can also sometimes complicate things. Be concise and to the point.
Assume Every Move Is Being Observed – Assume the evaluation starts the moment you arrive at the center and doesn’t end until you’re back in your vehicle. Sometimes a provider wants to see how an individual moves when they believe they are not being observed, so just assume that the evaluation encompasses your entire visit, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Medication Management – You can talk with your provider ahead of time, but oftentimes it is not advised to take any medications or painkillers prior to your appointment, as they can mask true symptoms and issues you are facing.
Wear Comfy Clothes – Wear comfortable or athletic clothing that makes it easy for you to move around, as you’ll be performing a variety of movements during the assessment.
If you do all of the above and trust your case to the team at Hey Workers, we are confident that you will do great with your FCE and your injury claim. We’d love to help with any aspect of your injury claim, so if you have questions or want a professional to help you earn the biggest payday possible, give us a call today at (844) 439-9675.
