Objective Functional Capacity EvaluationsTM

The O-FCE is a short intensive exam which measures an injured worker's functional ability to meet subsequent job demands. The exam is performed by a board certified physician and a kinesiologist and integrates objective functional data with clinical and diagnostic findings to create a portfolio of functional capacity. The testing protocols are built around our Functional Impairment Methodologies (F.I.M.). This team approach is exclusive to Medical Functional Assessments and is patent pending. Click here to view our brochure.

The O-FCE can be used to:

  • Facilitate case closure
  • Accurately determines work restrictions for safe return to work
  • Identifies functional deficits so rehabilitation can focus on specific deficits of the impairment
  • Get to the truth when dealing with Med-legal cases. We are not applicant or defense oriented.
  • Data collected can be integrated into the "functional capacity assessment" section of the PR-4 report.
  • Can provide physicians with AMA impairment ratings

Why use our method?

  • Utilizes a board certified physiatrist to develop, implement and interpret FCE data
  • Integrates past medical history and findings in to final conclusions
  • FCE construct is based on F.I.M. to better understand the deficits related to the specific injury(s)
  • Because a physician is used, AMA impairment ratings can be developed
  • The physician can contradict data if the patient is submaximal or symptom magnifying and recommend different disability ratings.
  • The physician can make recommendations for permanent and stationary status

Relevant research:

  • Liberty Mutual and Arcon in 2002 found that when an FCE is used appropriately there is an average savings of $5,000 per claim.
  • Matheson (2003): Stated that when disability rating was determined without the use of an FCE, the rating was often incorrect.
  • Matheson (1996, 2003): The future of functional capacity evaluations should account for measures and deficits of the actual impairment.
  • Jay, Lamb, et al (2000): Found evaluators predicted full effort with 86% accuracy during the EPIC lift capacity test.