Latest Advances in FCEs

When used to support return-to-work decisions in workers' compensation, functional capacity evaluations, or FCEs, compare an injured employee's physical and functional abilities to their physical work demands. Typically performed by a physical or occupational therapist, FCEs can occur at any point in a person's recovery and are also used before a work hardening program, to assist with job placement, or to help settle a claim.

“FCEs can identify physical reasons for delayed recovery, point to a need for treatment changes or workplace accommodations, and help unstick a claim,” said Anne Marciniak, PT, DPT, National Director of Clinical Services for MedRisk and one of the webinar's presenters.

Using video, David Raptosh, MA, OTR/L, Regional Director of Work Strategies with Select Physical Therapy in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, will demonstrate the components of an FCE.

Attendees will learn the purpose and value of FCEs, terminology, and the criteria needed to identify a quality FCE and provider.

“There are 600 to 800 different types of FCEs in the US,” Marciniak noted, “So, it's important to understand the characteristics of an effective FCE and make sure the provider is delivering a valid, reliable, and safe evaluation.”

Target Audience for Continuing Education: Nurses, Adjusters, and Case Managers. 

Adjuster – CE Credits approved for the states of AL, DE, FL, MN, NC, NH, NV, & TX (Pending Approval for AR, GA, IN, & OK)

Nurses – CE Credits approved for RN for all states (Pending Approval for CCM). Nursing credits will be reported to eligible CEBroker participating states and license numbers will be required.