I just received a letter which informed me I have an appointment at my place of emploment in 3 days for a Independant Functional Capacity Eval. It goes on to state I should wear comfortable clothing because the evaluation will be active and last 4-5 hours. My WC DR. had put me back to work 2 days a week 4 hours a day, light duty, no lifting, bending, twisting, pulling, pushing, squatting,sedentary work only..... and I have only made it through one 4 hour shift because my co-workers picked up the slack. I now went back to my family DR. and he has me off work the next 10 days. Should I inform them since I don't think they received the notice from my employer yet that I am off for the next 10 days or should I go in, it's 20 miles to my place of employment and show them my DR. orders. The gentleman signed his name and MS, OTR/L CEAS, CMT follows it. Do I follow my DR's order or do I have to attempt to listen to this person. I am going to tell them up front, anything else happens to this back because of them and heads will roll. I am sick of their sh**. Thanks
geez I would call them MON Morn and offer a fax of your docs paperwork but no way in hell would I do a test like that with my doc taking me off work completly....do you have a lawyer? please PM Tim belt as he is a lawyer for your state and he will know exactly what you shoud do....
I'm from Pa., and I've never seen an FCE given at the Place of Employment! Both of my FCE's were performed in a Controlled Setting at my Dr.'s office, and by a Certified Technician!! Something sounds very Fishy Here, just my Opinion, but I would speak with My Attorney before I even thought of attempting something like this!! Please be Cautious until You speak to Your Attorney!!
I had mine done at a hospital and it took only about a hour. They put you on a treadmill also to see how long you can walk without pain. As far as going back to work, they sent me back to work light duty also that was four hours a day, 5 days a week. The jobsite was alot further to drive to. It took me 1 1/2 hours one way to work there. Driving one handed was not easy so after one week i gave my notice. That is when i went after for my appt. with the occupational doc. and luckily i had another job lined up full time.
You do have to go back to work when they have something light duty for you. If you cannot take it, definitly let them know it is causing you more pain. DO NOT OVERDO yourself, as it can only make you worse. They will do anything to get out of paying you, which is very very sad. So much for careing about injured workers.
I too am from Pa. I never heard of an FCE done at your place of employment either. Mine was done at a rehab facility with a Certified Occupational therapist and with certain items to use for each task performed, I was unable to do some of the tasks, and afterwards, because of the increase in my heartrate and pain levels, he gave me a slip for work saying not to return that day. I'm on light duty with restrictions also.
I would definetly discuss this with a lawyer before attempting, and with your doctor. This is only my opinion.
Please be carefull.
Vickie
After all of the untruths that have been told to me from my employer I am going to call my MD first thing in the morning and ask him if I even have to go to this test. I am also finally going to speak with my attorney tomorrow for the first time. I like how they put INDEPENDANT EVAL. I just bet they are independant, who is paying them I think that will make them side with the insurance Co.
I would recommend refusing the FCE and make them file a petition to compel. Put the burden on them to prove to the judge that they need one. In the interim, if your doctor is ok with an FCE, have him schedule it with someone he trusts. I don't see a judge ordering another FCE just because the i/c didn't get to use their pet evaluator, and even if the judge does order another FCE, you will have your own study for comparison.
I already had a FCE set up for Nov. from my WC DR. I have never heard of one lasting 4-5 hours or being at your place of employment. Will the one I do in Nov. carry any wieght if this one is done first? Do I have to sign a waiver in case I am injured worse while being evaluated? My MRI I had done on Friday is exactly the same as the one I had 3 1/2 months ago, so I know that none of the PT or meds are helping me. I have some days that are better than others, but then I may turn or move the wrong way, the pain shoots through my back, hip and leg. After this happens I usually get spasms and I'm in a great deal of pain for days. I understand that years ago there was no way to tell if someones back was really hurting them, pre MRI days, but with all of the tests they can run these days you would think they could see that someone is in pain because it is right in front of their faces. When my employer saw my first MRI she said she had never seen such a mess, I don't understand if the MRI hasn't changed why she would think I am better.