WorkWell System taps provider network knowledge base for FCE V.2, raising the bar for evidence-based testing to announce the industry’s most advanced Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). This enhanced tool will provide valuable assessment of workers who have suffered injuries that could affect their employment.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., February 1, 2006 – WorkWell Systems, a top provider of physical medicine and workers’ compensation solutions, has announced the industry’s most advanced Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), which provides valuable assessment of workers who have suffered injuries that could affect their employment.

Furthering WorkWell’s commitment to empowering the healthcare profession with science-based, medically sound products and services, the newly enhanced FCE V.2 is based on a suite of tools developed by the company’s distinguished international team of clinicians and researchers.

“We wanted the FCE to be more flexible and efficient, easy to use online, and to reflect our new FCE research and improvements in evidence-based medicine.  So we turned to our outstanding international faculty and to our clinical users, who in turn helped to create an FCE that is superior to any other instrument in use today.  We see this as the scientific foundation that will drive innovative new products in the coming years," said WorkWell CEO George Carpenter.

Combining input and research from WorkWell faculty members and provider network, significant enhancements to the FCE include development of a one-day standardized CORE FCE and enhanced activities in the two-day FCE protocol; easier to use, flexible formats; algorithms to assist decision making; and enhanced protocols for comprehensive Medical Legal and Disability FCEs.

“Unlike most other FCEs, the WorkWell FCE is based on a research-supported approach that provides scientifically sound, legally defensible solutions to problems concerning return-to-work questions," said Dr. Dennis L. Hart, PT, PhD.  Dr. Hart is president of Hart Ergonomic Consulting, White Stone, Virginia, and is a leading researcher in the fields of industrial rehabilitation and physical therapy.

“Our FCE Re-Design Task Force was formed in September 2004 and was chartered with creating the most sophisticated and comprehensive FCE to date. The task force systematically and painstakingly reviewed the FCE item by item, looking at current research evidence and clinical rationale. We also surveyed our provider network to get a field-level perspective on what changes were needed," said Margot Miller, vice president and general manager of WorkWell System's Provider Network.

WorkWell has made significant improvements to its industry-leading FCE methodology, formerly known as the Isernhagen Work Systems (IWS) methodology, to provide proven techniques that meet the challenges of measuring, managing and reducing workplace injuries. 

WorkWell’s proprietary decision support tools, global network of health professionals and international research team support an integrated approach to pre-work physical screening, workers' compensation program management and return-to-work plans. Services are delivered through the company's worldwide network of over 10,000 certified physical therapy and occupational healthcare professionals.

About WorkWell Systems

WorkWell Systems is a rapidly growing physical medicine and workers’ compensation solutions company that develops and implements programs to dramatically reduce employee injuries and improve workers’ compensation processes.  Its proprietary programs and protocols produce the most scientifically accurate and outcomes- oriented results available, and are used throughout the world by employers, healthcare professionals, governmental agencies, and others involved in work injury management.  Using Six Sigma methodologies pioneered by the world’s best managed companies, the company’s clinical tools and process improvement methodologies are further enhanced by WorkWell’s international faculty, which performs and publishes groundbreaking research in employee disability.  WorkWell's programs have been adopted as accepted statutory standards in several European countries.

With the nation’s largest network of independent physical medicine providers certified for work injury management and prevention skills, WorkWell is able to provide employers with an integrated approach to pre-work physical screening, workers’ compensation program management and return-to-work plans.  Clients include Fortune 500 organizations across a variety of industries including transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare.  The company is based in Aliso Viejo, California, with regional offices located in Chicago, Illinois, and Duluth, Minnesota.  For more information, visit www.workwell.com.