When an injury occurs on the job, the recovery process can become complicated. It is no longer is limited to the injured party, their physician and their insurance provider. Instead, the company, their insurance company and other parties are drawn into the scenario as well.

If you have filed a worker’s compensation claim, then you are most likely aware there will be additional steps in your recovery process. For example, you will probably be asked to complete a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) before returning to work and settling your claim.

At ATI, our worker’s compensation experts are available to guide you through the FCE process and assist you in returning to work.

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What is the Purpose of an FCE?

Simply put, a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) includes a series of tests that assess a client’s ability to safely return to work. An FCE provides scientific, unbiased data that can determine a patient’s physical and cognitive capabilities and whether accommodations need to be made in the workplace. These tests also collect data for worker’s compensation lawsuits and insurance claims.

Who Performs an FCE and Where?

At ATI, we have a combined team of physical therapists, athletic trainers and occupational therapists to perform FCEs. Each one has received specialized training and passed national certification exams to properly evaluate each patient’s specific circumstances and to provide objective, scientific data for all parties involved.

Our specialists work throughout the country in dedicated locations known as “hub clinics.” If you have questions about FCE’s, our staff will be happy to address your questions and concerns.

Why Would You Need an FCE?

There are two primary reasons an individual would need an FCE. The first is to determine a client’s ability to safely return to their job. The second is to determine a client’s capabilities in performing within their given occupation.

For example, after an injury, a physician, employer, insurance adjuster or claimant’s attorney may suggest or require an FCE. The FCE provides valuable data on what the person can do safely upon their return to work.

This data can be used to identify job modifications and adjustments that need to be made in the workplace. The data can also be used to either defend or dispute claims in a worker’s compensation case, assist with insurance claim closure and provide insight into future vocational plans and disability needs.

What Types of FCEs are Available?

At ATI we utilize a variety of FCE products across our platform. We use a range of products to appropriately measure and conduct tests based on the party’s specific situation. There is a job specific test as well as a general test available.

A job specific test is tailored to that person’s role at their organization. In this instance, the therapist relies on a detailed job description to guide the testing process. A warehouse employee, lifting and handling heavy products and materials, will perform different tasks than a construction worker who is performing manual labor and operating equipment.

On the other hand, the general test focuses on the person’s ability to perform a wide range of work-related tasks as well as identify their limitations. This test does not focus on the patient’s profession.

ATI has hubs throughout the country that perform FCE’s. Our clinicians draw from a range of methods and methodologies to provide all involved parties with accurate results. Such methodologies and methods include:

• KEY
• Matheson
• Functional Capacity Evaluation | Indiana Worker’s Compensation Institute (iwci.org) (Indiana only)
• Arcon
• BTE Workforce Solutions

How is an FCE Done?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation is an objective assessment. Our clinicians perform their FCE’s within a specific protocol, in an unbiased and professional manner, to guarantee the most appropriate outcome for the client.

An FCE typically consists of four parts:

1. An interview
2. A medical review
3. *A physical examination
4. The functional capabilities assessment

The type of assessment and how you are specifically tested will depend on your injury and your working situation.

However, despite the particulars of your given situation, an FCE typically measures the following elements:

• Material handling (lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying)
• Positional tolerance (squatting, kneeling, walking, reaching, bending, sitting, standing, crawling, balance, etc.)
• *Objective measurements for injured body parts (range of motion, muscle strength, circumferential measurements for swelling, etc.)

*NOTE: The KEY test is used at many of our ATI locations. The KEY test does not include a physical evaluation or objective measures in its testing protocol.

How are Results Compiled?

Results are compiled throughout the assessment. Once the examination is completed, these results are analyzed and compiled into a robust and easy to read report. This report allows all stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the assessment. It also provides a detailed review of the specifics that happened throughout the exam.

Scheduling Your FCE

If you are looking to complete an FCE, the ATI team is here to take you through the process. Our knowledgeable clinicians are here to provide guidance as well as thorough and objective feedback. For more information about physical therapy and workers’ compensation, explore our Functional Capacity Evaluations page or schedule an appointment today.

The post Understanding Functional Capacity Evaluations in a Worker’s Compensation Cases appeared first on ATI.

For organizations wanting to be proactive in averting these risks, full-support providers like ATI’s Worksite Solutions (AWS) will help to find permanent safety solutions through carefully developed and deployed programs. These programs focus on strengthening safety standards and identifying/mitigating potential workplace injury risks. As a result, the more than 150 organizations who have already invested in AWS are enjoying major regressions in worker’s compensations costs and lost/modified work days.

The power source to each AWS program’s effectiveness is tethered on the team’s Power of E³ approach, which embodies a tactical style of execution. We met up with AWS senior vice president, Sheila Denman for a deeper look into the many incredible values offered through AWS and how their program may benefit you.

Get to know senior vice president of ATI AWS Sheila Denman, the driving force behind AWS’ success

What are the primary areas of focus within an AWS program?

Ultimately, our goal is to disrupt the paradigm of traditional occupational medicine. With this, we create safer work environments to help drive down the cost of insurance associated with worker injuries. In a traditional setting, 15-75% of injuries are musculoskeletal treated. These injuries are best treated if caught early enough, so by incentivizing professionals early in the process to catch minor discomfort and treat aches and pains, the need to seek medical care in a long-term capacity is greatly reduced.

Explain the Power of E³ initiative and how this plays into the AWS mission?

The Power of E³ aligns with Engaging employees before injury, Empowering ownership of causation and responsibility for corrective actions, and helping to Eliminate the need for reactive medicine. This plays into our mission of not only assessing injuries, but also actively evaluating risk factors that cause these injuries and introducing methods of assessment and reduction based on these findings.

What types of environments/industries does AWS attend to?

Industries that currently benefit from our services include ones such as aerospace all the way to pharma. We also serve health & beauty, a variety of manufacturing sectors, consumer goods, utilities, medical goods, office and general administration, beverage distribution and general distribution.

How can AWS help alleviate the financial burdens of injuries at the workplace?

With much credit given to our extremely robust in-house data monitoring system, we are able to precisely track all encounters and leading indicators that result in a clear reduction of lagging metrics (recordables and claims). Thanks to this data, we are able to identify problematic patterns, areas or irregularities in a client’s process and develop corrective strategies that promote early intervention and manage first aid encounters successfully. As a result, clients begin to notice a decline in lagging indicators and recordable claims within months from introducing our program.

What is a CEIS and how are these specialists assigned their roles?

CEIS stands for Certified Early Intervention Specialist. A CEIS is pivotal when understanding and assessing risk factors that impact workplace injuries. Our specialists observe a multitude of factors and settings, then interface with workers. It is through these efforts that each CEIS helps to mitigate injury risks and improve overall wellness of the workforce. Before getting to this point, the process of assigning a CEIS and appropriating a program starts at the discovery phase with the client to understand what ailments they are up against and what kind of medical surveillance is in place. Through this process, we discover the BEST level of care needed and understand where our clients are and where they need to go, we are then able to assign a specialist best suited for these needs.

After adapting an Onsite Early Intervention Program, how soon will a client begin to recognize observable outcomes?

Typically, results can be seen as soon as within the first 30 days. As mentioned, results are contingent on a program’s effective rollout and deployment, which includes a thorough 100-step process. The key to any program’s success falls heavily on communication as well as the onboarding process. Both set the stage for achieving established objectives. Through this process, we want everyone to be aware and clear on purpose to drive results faster. KPI’s that are established from the beginning are put in place to align with company goals for safety, operations and cultural shift toward employee ownership.

Does AWS also support an injured worker’s transition back to the workforce?

Aiding in a worker’s transition back to the workforce is a crucial phase in our program. We put a great effort into ensuring a worker is ready to manage the day-to-day demands in the most effective manner. It’s also important for us to reshape the culture and perceptions around injuries to get in front of ailments before they adversely impact the workplace and workforce.

Since inception, how many companies/clients has AWS partnered with? 

Since our inception, we’ve supported more than 150 organizations and have attended to approximately 95,000 employees.

Is AWS able to support bilingual environments?
Yes! After meeting with a client and understanding their needs, should we determine a bilingual CEIS is required for on-site engagement, then we’ll assign the right candidate.

The post ATI Worksite Solutions: Disrupting the Paradigm of Traditional Occupational Medicine appeared first on ATI.

By Chad Koch, ATC, CSCS, F.I.R.S.T. Program Director, Bourbonnais, Illinois

Often times, overcoming a work injury can be harder mentally than it is physically.  Give yourself the best opportunity you can to set yourself up for a smooth mental and physical journey along your road to recovery by answering these five questions:

1.   Have I reported my injury to the proper management?

a.     If yes, do I have a copy of that report?

2.   Can I choose my own doctor or hospital?

3.   Do I need an attorney?

a.     If you feel you do, how do I find a reputable attorney?

4.   Will I have to pay for this through my own insurance?

5.   What do I do next?

Having answers to these questions can set you up for a successful recovery from any Work Comp Injury.

If you do suffer an injury on the job, speak to your employer about ATI Physical Therapy’s workers’ compensation services. ATI’s trademarked F.I.R.S.T. work conditioning/hardening program uses a sports performance based methodology to safely return injured workers back to their workplace. Services include Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE). Chad Koch is a KEY Functional Assessment Specialist.

The post 5 Questions All Injured Workers Should Know the Answer To appeared first on ATI.