Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Occupational Therapist Alex McLaughlin of Deerwood recently completed Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) training through WorkWell Prevention and Care of Duluth, Minn. She uses the evaluation to set up work conditioning programs to help employees regain the strength and function needed to successfully return to work.

The WorkWell FCE is a standardized assessment requiring hands-on training and certification to improve validity. It is used to assess a person’s abilities to complete simulated job tasks and work performance.  The FCE is also utilized by physicians, insurance and worker’s compensation staffs to assist with determining an employee’s appropriate return to work following an illness or injury. 

McLaughlin joined CRMC’s Rehabilitation team in May 2018 with four years of experience working with the geriatric population with physical disabilities and has been growing her skills in occupational medicine. CRMC’s Rehabilitation Department also employs two other therapists who are certified in delivering the FCE through WorkWell.  Physical Therapist Nancy Heise has more than 25 years’ experience completing FCEs and Physical Therapist and Department Director Paul Stokman has over 15 years’ experience with the evaluation.

A physician referral is required to complete a FCE. For more information, call 218-546-2315.

CRMC’s outpatient staff of physical, occupational, speech and cardio-pulmonary professionals is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For additional information about the Rehabilitation Department’s services, visit www.cuyunamed.org, call 218-546-2315 or 888-487-6437 or send a message to Rehab@cuyunamed.org.

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