2782 N. Highland Ave.
Suite A
Jackson, TN 38305

Phone: (731) 664-1172
Fax: (731) 664-3139

Email: email us here

Home
About
Resources
Success Stories
Contact

If you see this text then you need to update your flash player.
click here to get flash

Frequently asked questions

Please click on a question below to view the answer.

• What is an FCE?

  An FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation) is a comprehensive evaluation that assesses and defines an individual's current physical abilities in regard to job goals or generic physical tolerance.

  Find more information at www.roymatheson.com

• Why the Matheson System?

  The system is designed and built around tests which have been peer reviewed and published.  This allows the clinician to customize an FCE to the questions from the referral source while maintaining the integrity of the assessment and it’s reliability and validity.

  The Matheson System also follows the Practice Hierarchy, espoused by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the American Psychological Association, and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This hierarchy requires that clinicians design FCE’s with five essential components in mind.

  • SAFETY
  • RELIABILITY
  • VALIDITY
  • PRACTICALITY
  • UTILITY

  Find more information at www.roymatheson.com

• How long is the Matheson FCE?

  The length of the evaluation can vary depending on the questions to be answered.  The system allows clinicians to customize the assessment to answer those questions to achieve case resolution.  The Matheson system advocates 4, 6, or 8 hour assessments to assure relative issues are addressed and give a thorough evaluation.  Shorter assessments can be performed if questions are specific to special job talks such as a lifting restriction.

  Find more information at www.roymatheson.com

• Some systems use a 2 day approach why is this not the case with the Matheson System?

  The Matheson FCE focuses on tolerance within the course of one day. The rationale for this is to insure that prolonged positional tolerances and consistency of performance can be adequately assessed under the observation of the clinical evaluator. This approach avoids the need for extrapolation formulas, which are unproven to date, and when translated to the actual work environment can place the injured worker at risk of re-injury.

  Find more information at www.roymatheson.com

• How do I know that my client has tried his best and that the results of the assessment are worth anything?

  Here at Physical Therapy of Jackson we use the Matheson system for our Functional Capacity Evaluations.  This system prides itself on a multi-faceted approach to determining the validity of the client’s self reporting of their perceived impairment.  There are a variety of tests used to measure the effort and consistency of the patient’s self reporting which will identify if the patient is magnifying his or her symptoms.  This approach also pinpoints the complexity of issues with the patient.

  Formal testing of effort and symptom response is then correlated with the client’s interview findings, measures of perceived ability, standardized test results, and observed performance and tolerances.

  The comprehensive picture is compared with the functional tolerances measured and observed during the FCE.  The Matheson trained evaluator will then prepare summary data, conclusions, and recommendations.  This report will answer referral source questions and determine the factors impacting the client’s successful return to work, or the plan for the “next step” with the client that will lead to case resolution.

  Find more information at www.roymatheson.com

• I’m used to a computerized assessment system, why is this better?

  Computerized assessments, though consistent in their “recipe” with each client, do not allow customization without compromising reliability. In addition, since the computer cannot “see” the client, the data is not always a valid indication of the client‘s performance.

  Using the WorkStation software along with the Matheson system, we are able to achieve a consistent documenting and reporting format, while customizing the evaluation to address specific issues relative to the individual client‘s case.

• How does the Matheson System address reliability and validity?

  The system has been designed around a variety of tests that have been peer reviewed and published.  The validity of the assessment comes from the evaluator being able to customize the tests based on the information the referral source is requesting.  Furthermore, the Matheson System measures and tests the client performing actual tolerances and specific work related activities.

• How does this system stand up in court?

  The Matheson System Functional Capacity Evaluation and its reports have been upheld in courts throughout the United States, as well as in Supreme Court of Canada.

• How long does the initial evaluation (first visit) take?

  Usually one and a half to two hours.

• Do you take my insurance?

  We accept all TennCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurances.

• Is there a payment plan option?

  Yes.