When an injury keeps you from doing your job, there are steps to returning to work. The final hurdle to overcome is an occupational therapy assessment known as a functional capacity evaluation. WorkSafe oversees these tests to gauge whether employees are cleared to go back to their jobs or whether they need more time to recover.
How long does a functional capacity evaluation take? What types of tests will you be asked to complete? Discover the answers to these questions and more below.
Why Functional Capacity Assessments Matter
Laborers across all industries can suffer from work injuries. While they may receive workers’ compensation benefits to cover some of their lost wages and medical care, the goal for any injured employee is to fully recover and return to work. But what if the injury leads to a permanent disability?
Functional capacity evaluations, or FCEs, play a key role in disability determination. Professionals ask participants to undergo physical performance testing as part of the return-to-work process. If an injured individual is unable to complete physical function tests, they may be eligible for disability benefits.
On the other hand, passing the evaluation lets employers know that their injured worker has made a full recovery and is able to safely resume working.
How To Prepare for Your Functional Capacity Evaluation
An FCE is a comprehensive way to gauge someone’s physical abilities following a workplace injury. The testing checklist is fairly extensive and may take a while to get through. So, how long does a functional capacity evaluation take?
Most participants should expect the assessment to last four hours. Make sure you prepare your body ahead of time so the test can go smoothly. Tips include:
- Get a good night’s sleep: Come to the test fully rested. Try to get eight hours of sleep the night prior to recharge and feel properly energized.
- Eat before the test: Fuel your body so you aren’t physically exerting yourself on an empty stomach.
- Take your medication: Continue taking any medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Make physical performance testing slightly easier by wearing loose, comfortable clothes and supportive shoes.
What To Expect During Your FCE
The return-to-work evaluation takes place in stages. How long does a functional capacity evaluation take when you break it down by phase? Take a closer look at what you can expect.
Initial Discussion About Your Injury
You’ll start by talking with the healthcare professional evaluating you. They will ask about your injury, treatment, and current symptoms you’re experiencing. They will also get a better sense of your entire medical history to learn about any other conditions that may impact your health and performance.
Be honest with the evaluator during this discussion. Before you move on to the next portion, they will likely explain what’s in store for you and encourage you to report any pain, fatigue, or discomfort you feel during the assessment.
Physical Performance Testing
How long does a functional capacity evaluation take? A large portion of the hours-long assessment involves various physical tests, including:
- Lifting and carrying heavy objects
- Walking up and down stairs
- Sitting, standing, and kneeling for a period of time
- Working with your hands
Each of these requirements will test your strength, mobility, and flexibility. Although they are fairly basic functions, they may prove more difficult for some people, depending on the severity of their injury and treatment progress.
Experts also track your heart rate and energy levels to determine if you can keep up with the physical demands. For example, if you work a highly physical job and get winded after moving one heavy object, you might not be cleared to return to work.
Once you complete the evaluation, it’s time to wait for the results. The official results will be sent to whoever requested the FCE. They will then let you know if you’re cleared to come back to work or not.
Choose WorkSafe for FCE Testing and Injury Management Services
After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “How long does a functional capacity evaluation take, and what does it entail?” WorkSafe assists those going through the injury recovery process with physical therapy, work conditioning, and other injury management solutions. We also oversee FCE testing to determine whether someone is fit to go back to work following an injury.
Business leaders throughout the Wichita area rely on WorkSafe for quality occupational health services. To learn more, submit our online contact form or call (316) 262-8800.