Focused Functional Capacity Evaluation (FFCE)
Why can‛t standard functional capacity evaluations (FCE) allow physicians to make specific recommendations about return to work? Because a standard FCE looks at the job in general terms that may or may not focus on the type of impairment the physician has been treating. If an injured worker has a torn rotator cuff, the shoulder and upper back demands of the job need to be fully understood so that the FCE can focus on pertinent issues. The focused functional capacity evaluation (FFCE) meets this need.
The FFCE follows these steps, and can be stopped by the employer or insurance carrier as soon as sufficient information has been collected.
- Physical Demand Job Analysis (PDJA)
- An on-site visit to the employer to evaluate the physical demands (i.e. lifting/carrying, pushing/pulling, and positional tolerances) of the job.
- Global Functional Capacity Evaluation
- The employee is evaluated using the Cal-FCP test battery, which is a 90-120 minute evaluation at our clinic. The Cal-FCP includes an in-take interview; administration of self-report questionnaires, and relevant functional tests (i.e. grip strength, pinch strength, lift capacity etc.). Depending on the needs of the employer, this can be done at EPIC or at the worksite.
- Focused Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Conducted at the worksite if the employee passes the Cal-FCP, the third step is direct observation performing the essential functions of their job. Instead of the evaluator simulating the job functions in a clinic setting, the evaluator will evaluate the employee‛s ability to safely perform essential job functions on-site. This allows the evaluator to provide the physician with specific job-relevant recommendations regarding the ability of the employee to perform the essential functions of their job.
The FFCE is bundled into a 2-step or 3-step process, depending on the results of the Cal-FCP. In the event that the employee, after administering the Cal-FCP, is unable to safely and dependably perform the essential job functions, the third step of the FFCE is unnecessary. This results in cost saving because only necessary services are purchased. Also, the focused nature of the process produces more reliable and valid recommendations, greatly improving the safety of return to work decisions.
EPIC provides FFCE services on a competitive basis, with an emphasis on high quality. With more than three decades of experience, EPIC will guide the employer to implement FFCE-related applications to meet the employer‛s needs.
FFCE services are normally initiated by a telephone conference to set up the worksite visit. The full process may be able to be conducted in one visit. FFCE reports are provided in 24 hours. For more information regarding this service and typical professional fees, please contact Dr. Day at 636-532-9662.