Functional Capacity Exams (FCE) – What You Should Know

What is an FCE?

An FCE’s is a series of tests to measure your physical capacities to do work after an injury. It is usually conducted after you have had an opportunity to recover and have been released from treatment and will evaluate your strength, stamina and other abilities required for work. The FCE evaluator should be certified to conduct the exam.

Why is an FCE valuable?

An FCE can provide valuable information about tolerances for work that can help avoid further injury, document entitlement to permanent disability benefits, and reduce litigation.

What can I expect at an FCE examination?

The FCE evaluator will usually have you fill out a questionnaire, and have you participate in a number of physical tasks to measure your tolerances. The testing can range from hours to days to mimic an actual work schedule. Your response to these activities will be observed and recorded the FCE evaluator.

Often, the claims administrator will conduct surveillance before and after an FCE and compare your activities outside the FCE with what is observed in public. Usually, video recording is only taken when you appear better in public that in the FCE because the investigator avoids documenting that you are actually worse than the FCE shows – particularly AFTER you are recovering from one.

So much for getting to the truth!

We are here to help!

If you have questions about an FCE, feel free to give us a call at (855) 789-7532.. The consultation is always free.