The purpose and use of Physical Capacity Evaluations (PCE) is:
- To determine the individual’s ability to safely return to work full time or on modified duty.
- To determine if work restrictions, job modifications, or reasonable accommodations are necessary to prevent further injury.
- To determine the extent to which impairments exist, or the degree of physical disability for compensation purposes.
- To predict the potential ability to perform work following acute rehabilitation or a work hardening/work-conditioning program.
- Provides objective information in the determination of occupational disability status.
PCE Level I Outline
This is a limited evaluation primarily to measure musculoskeletal components of a specific body part. This level requires not less than 45 minutes of actual patient contact.
What is included in testing and reporting
- Closing information per AMA guides: ROM, strength, sensation
- Statement that indicates the validity of the findings for the purpose of rating impairment of the accepted condition
- Residual functional capacity is not needed by referrer and is not tested or provided.
Selection Criteria
- Closing information is needed (limited to motion, strength and sensation, NOT physical capacity)
- Worker already has regular work release
- Physical Capacity information is not needed by referrer and is not tested or provided in this evaluation
Required records
- Accepted condition
- Medical records are NOT required
PCE Level II Outline
Selection Criteria
- Closing information and return to work information is needed
- Worker is typically currently back to work with some modifications
- There are no significant validity questions
- There is no job analysis to review, job analysis issues are addressed separately
What is included in testing and reporting
- Closing information per AMA guides: ROM, strength, sensation
- General residual functional capacity to perform work based on the accepted condition
- Basic statement that indicates the validity of the findings for the purpose of rating impairment of the accepted condition
- Provides information regarding the amount of effort the individual put forth during testing.
- Provides information regarding the reliability of the individual’s subjective reports of pain and disability.
- Response to referral questions
Required records
- Accepted condition
- Medical records
- Referral questions
