Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)

Physical therapists in UW Health's orthopedics and rehabilitation program in Madison, Wisconsin, offer functional capacity evaluations determine if patients are ready to return to work following injury.

What are functional capacity evaluations?

Functional capacity evaluations are six-hour evaluations to whether patients are healthy enough to safely return to work. FCEs are designed to assess the patient's ability to:

• Sustain prolonged postures
• Transition from one position to another
• Grasp and manipulate objects
• Determine maximum capacity for lifting at various levels, carrying, pushing and pulling

Evaluations

Testing begins with an extensive interview about patients' job duties. A musculoskeletal screening of the entire body determines safety for performing the physical capability tests. During the course of examination, patient reliability during the tests and the effort required to complete the tests are monitored.

Referrals for Appointments

FCEs require a physician referral and are usually not covered by insurance. Additionally, the patient's employer is required to provide a description of the patient's job requirements.