FCE Explainer

Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) — What It Is and When to Order One

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a structured, standardized assessment of what an injured worker can safely do — lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, posture, and endurance — measured against the documented physical demands of a specific job. Its report gives physicians, case managers, adjusters, and employers a defensible basis for return-to-work, restriction, and job-placement decisions.

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Timing

When an FCE is typically ordered

When return to a physically demanding job is uncertain; when restrictions need to be tested rather than assumed; when a case has plateaued and the next decision — full duty, transitional duty, or a different role — needs objective evidence; and when documentation must hold up to medico-legal scrutiny.

TWHP’s Role

What Torres Workforce Health Partners does

TWHP does not perform FCEs on patients and does not provide clinical treatment. TWHP designs the FCE program a practice runs: test-selection standards, validity criteria, report structure, and physician- and case-manager-friendly reporting language — vendor-agnostic, including OccuPro and other FCE software — so report quality and defensibility do not depend on which clinician ran the test. Practices usually start with the Work Comp & Industrial Rehab Program Diagnostic.

Scope

Program design and advisory support, not direct clinical care.

TWHP advises PT practices, operations leaders, and case management firms on work comp and industrial rehab program design - FCE standards, work conditioning systems, POET and job-demand services, and OSHA-aligned First Aid programs. TWHP does not provide outpatient PT/OT clinical treatment and does not replace the treating provider relationship.

Next Step

Make your FCE reports consistent

Start with the Program Diagnostic to see where your FCE standards, documentation, and referral channels stand today.

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