Functional capacity evaluations that stand up to scrutiny
Standardized, objective testing of what a worker can safely do, with a report physicians, adjusters, and attorneys can rely on.
- Standardized, validity-checked protocol
- Report within 3 business days
- Matched to a specific job or general capacity
When an FCE is ordered
Questions an FCE answers
- Can the employee safely return to the job?
- What permanent restrictions apply?
- Is the employee at maximum medical improvement?
- Do reported limits match measured effort?
- What alternate work is appropriate?
- What capacity exists for vocational planning?
How the evaluation works
A full day of measured effort
Most FCEs run 4–6 hours in one day; two-day evaluations are available when the referral requires it.
- Before the visit
Referral review
We review the referral question, job description, medical records, and any restrictions in place.
- Hour 1
Intake and screening
Interview, pain and perceived-ability questionnaires, vitals, and a musculoskeletal screen.
- Hours 1–4
Functional testing
Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and positional tolerance tests, with heart rate and body mechanics monitored throughout.
- Throughout
Validity measures
Consistency-of-effort checks are built into the protocol, so the report can state whether results reflect true capacity.
- Within 3 days
Report
Physical demand level, specific tolerances, and a direct answer to the referral question, sent to the referring provider.
For the employee
What to expect on evaluation day
An FCE is a long, structured day of physical tasks supervised by a therapist. You will be asked to work to a safe maximum; the therapist watches your body mechanics and heart rate and stops any test that becomes unsafe.
You can rest between stations. Nothing is done to trick you; consistent effort is what makes the report useful to you.
Bring with you
- Photo ID and your claim or authorization
- Any brace or support you normally wear
- Glasses or hearing aids
- A snack and water; lunch break is included
Good to know
- Wear athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes.
- Take medications as you normally would and tell us what you took.
- Eat breakfast; this is a physically demanding day.
Why ICA
Why refer FCEs to ICA
Defensible methodology
A standardized protocol with built-in validity measures, administered by therapists trained in the system.
Answers the actual question
Reports address the referral question directly, tied to the job description or DOT physical demand levels.
Fast turnaround
Report delivered to the referring provider within three business days, so claims and return-to-work decisions do not stall.
Functional capacity evaluations, answered
General information, not medical or legal advice.
Who orders an FCE?
Typically the treating physician, often at the request of an adjuster, case manager, or employer, when there is a question about return-to-work capacity or permanent restrictions.
Can the employee fail an FCE?
No. An FCE measures capacity; it is not pass/fail. The report describes what the employee can safely do and whether effort was consistent.
How long is the report valid?
It reflects capacity on the day of testing. Referring providers generally consider results current for several months absent a change in condition.
Is an FCE covered by workers’ compensation?
When ordered by the treating physician on an accepted claim, yes. We confirm authorization before scheduling.
Who receives the report?
The referring provider. Copies go to the adjuster, employer, or attorney only with proper authorization on the claim.
Can the employee stop a test?
Yes. Testing stops any time the employee reports they cannot safely continue, and the therapist stops it if body mechanics or heart rate indicate risk. Both are documented.