What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are also known within the industry as Functional Abilities Evaluations (FAEs).
These independent evaluations involve a physical evaluation of an individual using a collection of standardized and non-standard tests and a variety of equipment. There is a focus on determining an individual’s capacity or ability in areas such as: strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and physical effort.
Depending on the situation, we could be determining whether an individual could safely perform something as specific as sitting all day to drive a commercial vehicle, climbing a tower to a certain distance, or lifting an object repetitively as part of their normal work day.
The Apex FCE program utilizes the Matheson FCE system, which is recognized as an industry-leading approach to determining objective outcomes. The Matheson System prioritizes the following outcomes:
- A safe match between the individual and the work (where applicable)
- Successfully answering the referral questions (i.e. what you would like to find out)
- Medical-legal defensibility (via validated testing procedures)
How is this different from a Functional Abilities Form?
A range of Allied Health Practitioners are qualified to complete a Functional Abilities Form (FAF). However, that means that a range of approaches may be taken with respect to the time/effort/validation put into completing this form. In contrast, individuals will spend a minimum of two to four hours in physical testing during an Apex FCE. Some situations may warrant multi-day testing.
A comprehensive, multi-page report summary will be generated that will speak to the desired outcomes. Prior to testing: some situations may warrant a review of existing medical and other related documentation. The review of this information is incorporated into designing the test protocol specific to the situation. Our main goal in these evaluations is to answer the specific questions that have been asked by the referring party.
Who would use an FCE/FAE?
Requests for this type of independent evaluation come from many different stakeholders. For instance:
- Employers/Employees who want to determine whether an individual can safely Return to Work
- Employment Support Agencies or Job Candidates: who want to determine what an individual is physically capable of performing, with the potential to match to prospective job industries
- Physicians/Allied Health Practitioners: who require an objective (3rd party) functional evaluation
Want to know more? Feel free to reach out to Apex with any questions. We would be happy to work with you to determine whether Functional Capacity Evaluations are a good fit for your situation!
