When a Functional Capacity Evaluation Is Required
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A functional capacity evaluation is typically required if you:
- Experience an illness or trauma and have completed some rehabilitation but continue to have challenges related to possibly reinjuring yourself.
- Need a certified evaluation of your physical abilities to determine your disability status.
- Need your physical and/or cognitive function assessed before a job search or return to work.
- Need recommendations to accommodate your workplace for the physical and cognitive limitations you're experiencing.
A functional capacity evaluation requires a referral from a provider.
What to Expect from a Functional Capacity Evaluation
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The functional capacity evaluation is personalized to your job requirements and lasts between two and four hours. Our goal is to determine if your current functional abilities are in line with the physical requirements of your work. Evaluations focus on the wellness-related needs of your job and not your aptitude or interests. Part of our tests will help determine your ability to cooperate and work with others.
Personal History Questionnaire
The questionnaire helps us assess your pain and physical ability.
Baseline Tests
The series of baseline tests assesses your ability to perform tasks related to the physical demands of your work. These may include your ability to complete tasks like sitting, standing, or picking up boxes. If your job requires cognitive abilities that have been impaired by disease or injury, we will perform tests to assess your current cognitive abilities.
Next Steps
After the tests are completed, your evaluator will analyze your results to determine your current ability to work. They may clear you to return, recommend accommodations, or determine a status of occupational disability in which you are not recommended to return to work at that time.
Preparing for Your Evaluation
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- If you are currently taking medication for an illness or temporary disability, please take it before your exam. If you have medicine that needs to be taken during the exam, please bring it with you.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Many of the assessments require you to be able to move comfortably. We recommend sneakers, casual shorts or pants, and a T-shirt or sweatshirt.
- Bring any assistive devices you need, including glasses, braces, or a walker.
- Bring any paperwork required by your employer, insurance provider, or disability group to be completed after your evaluation.
- If available, bring a copy of your job description or requirements so we can review them with you. This will help us match tests to your skills and job needs.
