Workers’ Compensation

At OIP’s Physical Therapy Institute we understand that the injured workers rehabilitation process is unique. We offer comprehensive services for our corporate and industrial client: treatment of work-related injuries, industrial consulting and injury prevention services. Our specially trained therapists deliver care with a positive approach and focus on goal-oriented treatment programs, designed to return the injured worker back to work efficiently and safely. We cater to the specific needs of the injured worker and their employer and understand the importance of the relationship between the physicians, insurance companies, nurse case managers and employers. At DPTI, we strive to maintain open lines of communication and keep all parties informed throughout the process.

Services

• Physical Therapy Services
• Functional Progress Notes
• Job Site Assessment
• Employee Safety/ Wellness Programs
• Functional Capacity Evaluations FCEs
• Work Conditioning

We Offer

• Evaluation within 24 hours from the time of referral, with approval
• Ongoing communication with frequent functional progress including recovery and attendance
• Early morning and evening appointments available
• Job specific tasks to assure physical abilities
• Communication with physicians on objective physical capabilities

What is a functional Progress Note?

We utilize functional testing with workers ‘compensation clients to establish an objective measure of their current work abilities. Having functional information, such as lifting ability, will assist in identifying light duty options for injured workers. Our therapists tailor the worker’s plan of care to include job-related activities with long-term goals based on the injured workers job description.

Why a Functional Progress Note versus a traditional status report?

• Having a full range of motion and strength does not necessarily mean the injured worker is ready to return to work
• Providing only strength and range of motion measurements does not indicate what a worker can do functionally
• It provides physicians objective data on work ability, rather than guessing about appropriate restrictions
• Knowing current work abilities allows for more meaningful light duty placement

How will Functional Progress Notes benefit my company

• Better addresses RTW, providing more specific and accurate restrictions based on current limitations
• Reduces the Days Away Transferred rate
• Allows employer to return worker to regular position and restrict only specific tasks
• Allows for quicker progression of RTW full duty

What is a Post Offer Employment Test?

Post Offer Employment Testing (POET) is an evaluation of a prospective employee’s ability to preform the physical demands of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. A job offer can be made contingent upon successful completion of the POET. This test is based on the essential demands of a job. Once this test has been established for a given position, it can be used for “Fit for Duty Testing” prior to a worker returning to a job after an injury to ensure the work can be performed safely. Utilizing this form of testing can ensure that the company’s work force is capable and safe in performing the required physical demands of the job.

When should a company consider POETs? Have you asked these questions?

• Are you having injuries within the first 6 months of hire?
• Do employees leave the job because “it’s too hard”?
• Do you have an aging work force?

How will POETs benefit my company?

• Reduce injuries/ decrease w/c costs
• Promote workers safety
• Identify individuals not capable of performing heavy demands of job
• Reduce turnover of entry level positions that are physically demanding
• Improve Retention – employees aware of job requirements before starting a job
• Provide information to determine physical capacity for job transfers

What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?

An FCE is a comprehensive series of functional tests that objectively measures a client’s physical abilities. At OIP’s Physical Therapy Institute, we use Ergo Science Physical Work Performance Evaluation, which has been studied for reliability and validity, with the results published in peer reviewed literature. This means that you get the results that you can trust. FCEs can last anywhere from 2-4 hours and are designed to determine functional abilities, restrictions, if needed, and endurance for tolerating the work day.

When should an FCE be used?

An FCE can occur anytime; however, some of the more common uses are:

• end of a sub-acute phase
• establish baseline for work conditioning
• case settlement
• post-offer employment testing

What is work conditioning?

Work conditioning is a program designed to rehabilitate and injured worker to return to work and includes strengthening, endurance training and work simulation with a goal of return to work.

How we determine an appropriate candidate for a work conditioning program:

RISK – is the patient at risk of re-injury or causing injury to co-workers?
CAPACITY – can the patient meet the minimum job requirements?
TOLERANCE – what is the patients’ ability to perform tasks with pain, subjective complaints?

Our work conditioning program features:

• Conditioning up to 4 hours/day and 3-5 days/week
• Typical program duration is 2-4 weeks
• Program may involve a job site visit and/or equipment from the employer to use in the clinic for work simulation
• Focus on the work-related injury and improving the employee’s ability to perform the essential functions of their job safely
• Communication with case manager/ physician/carrier a minimum of 1x/week including
  • Client performance , sincerity of effort, discharge planning
  • Professional opinion regarding client’s ability to return to work and when

For more information or to schedule, call your local center!