Return to Work
When you get hurt at work, one of the first things that you will be asked by your employer is when you can return to work. This can be a very stressful time for you and your family, as you are not only hurt, but it is affecting your ability to support your family.
How Do They Determine When I Can Return to Work?
This determination is made using a test that is commonly called a functional capacity evaluation (FCE), but similar tests can also be called physical performance evaluations (PPE) or physical performance tests (PPT). Each of these tests serve the purpose of comparing your current physical ability to perform tasks to the ability that is required to do your job.
In addition, these tests look at your heart rate and cardiovascular conditioning in addition to your endurance, strength, and range of motion. The results of this testing gives your doctor the information needed to come up with two different answers. The two questions that have to be answered are:
1. Can you return to work now and if not now, when can you return back to work (date will not exceed 30 days without being re-evaluated)?
2. If you can return to work, at what capacity-light duty or full duty?
The best thing about using these types of tests is that they allow consistency from time to time, because the results are measured using computerized equipment. If there are any questions now or in the future, the results will be validated because they are consistent. In addition to these tests, other diagnostic testing can also be used, including NCV, MRI, and EMG. All of these tests can also lead to a quicker referral to a specialist, which can help you to return to work even sooner.
Communication is Essential
The most important thing is the communication between your doctor, employer, and the insurance company. Without this communication your treatment can be delayed, your worker’s comp payments can be delayed, and returning to work can be delayed as well. This can be very stressful for you, simply because you are in pain and you are unsure about your future. Staying on top of your medical condition by doing what the doctor says, as well as making sure that your doctor is filing the proper paperwork, means that you are doing your part to keep the communication going.
When you are injured at work, it can be not only a time of great pain and loss of function, but it can also mean stress about your finances and your future career. That is why your doctor choice is so important to ensure that you have one that knows the ins and outs of worker’s comp regulations and rules, and will fight for you and for your quick recovery.
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