Who Does Functional Capacity Evaluations in Sarasota?

Functional Capacity Evaluations in Sarasota:  Who Does Them?

Our staff often get calls asking: Who Does Functional Capacity Evaluations in Sarasota?  The answer is:  Back In Motion, Sarasota Physical Therapy.  Back In Motion was founded in 2005.  Our PT Clinic has been in business for over 11 years utilizing an FCE method called Blankenship.  Rob Oyer has certification in performing FCE test’s as well as:

1. Certification as a Vocational Evaluator
2. Certification as a Disability Evaluator
3. Licensure with the Department of  Vocational Education as required by the Division of  Workers Compensation (DWC)

What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is defined as a series of tests   (i.e. standing, sitting, lifting, kneeling, squatting, pushing, pulling, seeing at a distance, near vision, hearing quiet sounds, ignoring loud sounds etc).  A Functional Capacity Evaluation evaluates an individual’s capacity to perform work activities related to his or her participation in employment.  The individual’s capacity is detailed in terms from the U.S Department of Labor.  What does this mean?  We determine if an individual is able to go back to work (or not).  If one is able to go back to work, we will classify the return according to the type of employment being performed at the onset of injury/illness by using the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT).   This will help the physician involved with the persons case to complete required forms for Florida Workers Compensation matters such at the DWC-25 or Federal matters such as the UB-92.

Who May Need A Functional Capacity Evaluation?

1. a worker who was injured on the job to determine the ability to return to the specific job or perform general work
2. an individual applying for Social Security Disability benefits
3. Someone injured in a major accident such as a motor vehicle accident that has prevented them from working full duty
4. Someone seeking vocational rehabilitation services
5. Special needs students  transitioning from school to the work

The top 2 types of clients needing an FCE when we get the question: “Who Does Functional Capacity Evaluations in Sarasota?” are 1) those who are trying to get back work/have modified work duties and 2) those who are trying to get Social Security Disability benefits.

It is not uncommon to have those in their 40’s and 50’s obtain an FCE.   As according to the Medical Vocational “GRIDS”,  a person’s Residual Functional Capacity must be considered by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) when considering a claim for Social Security Disability benefits.  We have often heard of applicants for  Social Security Disability benefits get denial for disability multiple times.  A Functional Capacity Evaluation can contribute and strengthen the claim for Disability benefits and allows the applicant to have a favorable decision.  Our Functional Capacity Evaluation has a high degree of inter and intra-related reliability and validity.

This means it holds up in a court of law and is a proven method to get accurate results.

How Much Does a Functional Capacity Evaluation Cost?

Back In Motion, Sarasota Physical Therapy works with all workers compensation insurance companies.  The team at Back In Motion, Sarasota Physical Therapy works with third party administrators (TPA’s), plaintiff and defense attorneys, all auto insurance carriers, Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Labor, and those who “self pay”.   Functional Capacity Evaluations are often performed  to determine possible return to work scenarios.  Medicare as well as Major Med/Commercial Insurance carriers however do not cover FCE’s in most cases.  If you are a “self pay” individual in need of a Functional Capacity Evaluation don’t worry.     Credit Cards are accepted, including Care Credit.  Our goal is to work with you to make it affordable.  The test typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.   We have our self pay clients pre-pay to reserve the this time for the appointment with our Certified FCE provider.  We understand that occasionally an appointment may need to be cancelled or rescheduled.  In cases where 48 hour notice is received,  we will refund the  prepaid amount.

If you are wondering “Who Does Functional Capacity Evaluations in Sarasota?”  call us.  If you have been told you need an FCE in order to stay off from work, return to work, or to obtain Social Security Disability benefits, call us.  Do not delay, the longer you wait the more serious your problem may become.  We can get you results and the answers you need.  A small investment of time and money now can result in a significant change of life.

Contact us at 941-925-2700 or click here.