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Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)

Our Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are an extension of our Occupational Therapy practice—providing objective, data‐driven determinations of an individual’s ability to safely perform work‐related tasks and essential activities of daily living. Trusted by attorneys, insurers, and rehabilitation teams, KWVRS FCEs help answer critical questions about return‐to‐work potential, permanent restrictions, and reasonable accommodations.

Our Functional Capacity Evaluations include:

Pre‐Evaluation Intake & History

Collect all pertinent medical records: imaging, surgical reports, therapy progress notes, prior FCEs (if any), and employer job descriptions.
Conduct a detailed subjective interview to capture pain history, functional complaints, psychosocial factors, and any relevant pre‐existing conditions.

Musculoskeletal Screening & Range‐of‐Motion Assessment

Perform standardized joint integrity and postural alignment checks.
Document baseline range of motion for upper and lower extremities (goniometric measurements).
Screen for any gross neurological deficits that may alter test performance (e.g., deep tendon reflex asymmetries, muscle tone abnormalities).

Strength & Endurance Testing

Isometric grip and pinch dynamometry (five‐handle test for effort validity).
Isotonic lifting tasks: submaximal lift‐and‐carry simulations (e.g., box lifts, floor‐to‐waist, waist‐to‐shoulder).
Endurance measures: timed step‐ups, loaded carry circuits, and sustained postural tolerance tests (e.g., stoop and lateral reach tasks).

Work‐Sample & Task‐Specific Simulations

Customized job‐task replication based on the claimant’s actual pre‐injury or accommodated job duties (e.g., sorting, stacking, crawling, overhead reaching).
Performance measured in standardized conditions: distance, weight increments, repetition counts.
NIOSH lifting equation and DOT task sampling guide the design of each work‐sample activity.

Effort Validity & Consistency Checks

Incorporate objective validity screens (e.g., multipoint grip dynamometry, repetition consistency trials) to rule out submaximal effort, non‐organic pain behaviors, or malingering.
Document any observed inconsistencies in effort or form that might suggest symptom magnification.

Cardiorespiratory Monitoring (if indicated)

6‐minute walk test, heart‐rate monitoring, and symptom tracking for cases with cardiovascular or pulmonary concerns.
Vital signs recorded pre‐, during, and post‐test to ensure participant safety and validate exertion levels.

Report Compilation & Interpretation

Structured FCE report sections:

Background & Job Analysis
Test Protocols & Methodology
Quantitative Results (tables for grip strength, lift weights, repetition counts)
Observational Notes (qualitative insights on movement patterns, pain behaviors, ergonomic risks)
Clinical Impressions & Restrictions
Functional Job‐Placement Category (Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy per DOT)
Recommendations for accommodations, transitional work, or further therapy

Clear side‐by‐side comparison of measured capacities versus job demands (e.g., “Claimant can safely lift 25 lbs from floor to waist 10 times, but job requires 30 lbs—restricted to Light‐duty tasks”).

Follow‐Up Consultation & Testimony

Telephonic or in‐person debrief to explain findings, answer attorney or case manager questions, and discuss case‐specific implications.
Expert testimony in depositions or trial: explain methodology, effort validity findings, and how observed limitations affect job demands.

Why Choose KWVRS FCEs?

Gold‐Standard Protocols: We use NIOSH, PDL, and DOT‐aligned task simulations to ensure results are defensible under cross‐examination.
Board‐Certified & Interdisciplinary Evaluators: Our team includes BCOT, ABVE, and advanced ergonomics experts who consult with PTs, physicians, and psychologists as needed.
True Job‐Task Customization: We conduct on‐site or virtual job analyses to align FCE tasks precisely with real work duties—avoiding generic “one‐size‐fits‐all” batteries.
Transparent Fee Structure: Flat‐rate pricing for single‐evaluator evaluations; itemize any add‐ons (dual‐evaluator, specialized equipment) at intake.
Rapid Turnaround: Standard FCE report delivered within 7–10 business days; expedited 3–5 day turnaround available for urgent matters.

Getting Started

Step 1:

Schedule an FCE Screening Call

Contact our FCE coordinator at (201) 343-0700 or fce@kwvrs.com.

Step 2:

Document & Job Description Upload

Upload medical records, job descriptions, ergonomic analyses, and any prior FCE reports via our secure portal.

Step 3:

On‐Site or Mobile Evaluation

Choose to evaluate at one of our clinics or request an on‐site mobile FCE (for transportation or mobility challenges). We accommodate early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed.

Step 4:

Report Delivery & Debrief

Receive a fully encrypted PDF within your selected timeframe (standard or expedited). A one‐hour consultation call follows to explain findings and next steps.