Please Help! Need Computerized Functional Capacity Test in Denver, Colorado

[Cycler]

Well fine but there is no scientific validity on the FCE population data whether Isenhagen, Medigraph , ARCON etc, etc and no standardized methodology. They are simply commercial products to be marketed to insurance companies and sold for profit. They are meaningless tests with dubious results that tell as much about a persons daily ability as simply asking the person how much they can do around the house. Frankly, the medical community scoffs at them. Oh, and the "validity tests" of measuring BP and heart rate ? Wishful thinking I'm afraid. Look into it, much as been published on the matter.

Bad Boy Bad Boy Wrote:Cycler, I done the same things on a computer operated FCE as I done with a Human Operated FCE. The difference is, all the real time data is at hand, it is much fast to read heart beats and such. It will catch a heart beat going way to high faster then the human will.

AQA, I really don't know what you mean by that. I know I was connected the whole time.

[Cycler]

And my question to you is, could the same outcome have been obtained by simply asking you how much you could or couldn't do ?

AQA Wrote:BB, look at my signature. The think about this.


I started out with the computer. Doing hand grip strenth, dead man lift, waist twisting from the right to the left, lifting from the waist while standing and a few others. Then I went on an obstical course ( no computer ) designed to test the limits of my back as it relates HVAC work. which consisted of working with my hands over my head, at waist level and kneeling. Then walking followed by pushing a sled with weights on it, walking up and down a ladder, lifting weights at different levels and other activities. I did that as long as I could. The whole time my heart rate was monitored, but there was no computer on the second half.

It may have something to do with the fact that the dr's. were using the FCE as a diagnostic tool also. I had a total of four FCEs, and they all were the same.

I hope that makes sence.

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Cycler, maybe so. I know I had several FCE's performed. For the most part, these were done, to see how I progressed after a surgery, so my treating doctor could alter PT in a fashion for benefit to me.

The 2nd from last FCE, has shown and proved that I was not progressing any further since the 3rd from last was performed. It was then only being used as a tool for medical treatment and such.

I do agree an FCE can have a benefit if used in the proper fashion. An employer using them when hiring on people, to see if their able to perform the work at such place of employment is also a tool of good use.

But, I agree again, a FCE to used against the injured worker, is mostly used by the IC in an attempt to lower a settlement is all. I don't see any other reason then that for the WC IC usage of it.

[lefty]

Hi, it's me Lefty from Colorado. First I want to thank all of you for responding to my post. But I do have a question concerning the process of settlement.
My attorney has the rating results, and right away sent the insurance company a request. I was told that it was to get the ball rolling, and that this is something that is none to everyone. I was even given where to look in the Colorado W/C statue and section so I can read what it said about the offer.

From what I gathered it seems to be a standard offer starting at zero up till 10,000. It also talks about percentages in conjunction with my age, and from the time I reach MMI and now. I know that without you having read the statue, and section it is hard to help me with this one.
My rating for whole body is 13%. Is up to 10,000 all that can be asked for? I totally object to this rating. We have not received the "Final Admission of Liability," yet. So I am hoping to talk to my attorney about some 'objections'. Any ideas, did any of you have this happen? Not the rating, but the process. I was told that my attorney would not accept any offers without my consent.

One other thing is I am in the maintenance program, and even thou my only one EMG showed Carpal tunnel and the other two didn't. I wish I could express enough how painful my hand and forearm is. With all the numbness of my first three fingers, and part of my forth, how my wrist hurts and it spreads to my forearm. The muscle portion below my thumb is flat. The burning in my forearm and hand is terrible, especially at night, even flowing breezes bothers it. The burning OMG! But all the doctor is saying is that they are keeping an eye on it.

What I believe is that 'he' doesn't want to be proven wrong about the EMG test. The EMG test that did prove that I have Carpal Tunnel was done at the request of my surgeon, and approved by the W/C insurance company to have it done. They sent me to a very well known neurologist who use to sit on the broad of W/C.

Will when the W/C pain doctor got the results he did another test, the NVC part of the test that said there was no Carpal Tunnel. He was very upset with the results that shown CTS. He even call the results erroneous! That a letter will be sent to the W/C broad asking that this doctor needs a refresher course in how W/C EMG's are done. I am not even going to get involved in that mess! Guys, I am in so much pain. Just to be clear as to what my injury, and surgeries were here goes.

TFCC injury Debridements, front and back of wrist. (There is still a clicking or popping sound (crepitus) and pain.) Ulnar bone shortening with plate, and screws to ulnar bone due to ulnar bone abutment, plate and screws to thumb. Lateral Epicondlitis (...which the w/c doctor disagrees with). No lifting over 10lbs., no repetitive use of left hand...(wish me luck with that one.)
Can only do sit down jobs, (I am a nurse, and clinical secretary).

I hope I am blessed to get an IME with a conscious.

Okay, with all that being said. I have not a clue as to what to do. I suppose my story is no different than a lot of us here. I am trying to find a way to live with what's left of my Left Arm. Among other things, I am a writer, and author. My son suggested that I get a program that is voice activated to help me with my typing on the computer, because even now this hurts like heck!

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Why not apply a link to what you were reading to that section on settlements.

Your hope in an IME as to what. The IME is your friend in no way. A IME is a paid doctor working for the Insurance / Employer, not you. An Ime can not treat you, they are not your treating doctor. Their there to give only a medical Opinion. And if the IC doesn't wish to use the IME report, they don't have to.. Don't put hope in anything an IME states. Even if an IME said you need treatment, the IC can then go by your doctor's statements, and not the IME as they will say it was an IME medical opinion only.

As for the burning and such with wind blowing, maybe you have a case of CRPS/RSD causing that.

http://www.rsds.org/pdf/recognizing_unde...PS_RSD.pdf