FEC Testing

[larbec7]

Has anyone had to have an FEC test done before.  I have been permanently disabled for over two years now and my disability company decided to do a FEC test on me.  I am not sure why...all of the sudden I get a call that they want to perform one.  My PM Dr always states that I look good, muscular and tan and the Dr that has me out on disability always states the truth...that I am weak, lost feeling in my hands, can't lift more than 10 pounds etc...

What are these all about and do the results that come out of the FEC act as the gospel with the disability company?

[BOK2Bjan]

No - they can't make you have surgery and no, they can't make you work - it's just that MetLife can stop paying you - IF the FEC test shows you as being able bodied.  You can get a tan without moving or working - not to worry.  And if you're worried about having muscle tone / mass - be sure to explain the hormone therapy (even if they don't ask).  My ex-husband, and now my son both have muscle mass without being in shape.  Neither one does a thing - nothing - and yet they have muscle mass.  Now - me - and my family (my dad etc.) worked out all day long and couldn't get a muscle to show up for anything!  Those things can be hormonal, genetic - whatever.

When you're actually doing the test - they will ask you to perform certain tasks and watch you do so.  This is a test where you DO NOT try your best.  I have this trait where even though I'm in agony - I'll try my hardest to lift, or move something.  DON'T do that.  I'm not saying to fake anything - I'm just saying not to compensate out of natural pride.  People can tend to do that.  Someone will say - "lift this block" and your mind makes you try to lift it.  If I understand things right - based on your injury, condition - your spinal cord is in a precarious position and even though you may be able to do an activity once, or by trying hard - it's not in your best interest to do anything repetitively, like if you were working and lifting that block several times everyday.  Get my drift?  Your doctor has evaluated your condition and feels you have loss of strength and loss of feeling - he understands your spine.  Your PM doctor is treating you for pain and understands your pain levels and how to treat them - but not your physical strength or abilities.

And as for reducing your meds - insurance companies tell doctors what they can and can't do all the time.  My doctor wants all kinds of things but can't due to insurance not covering it.  So - if you can afford your doctor and your meds no matter what your insurance company says - no problem - but I doubt it.  Also - if you can live without working even though your insurance company stops paying your disability?  Fine - but I doubt it.  So - that's just to clear up the "They can't MAKE me or MAKE the doctor do this or that"  No - BUT

So -
DON'T try hard during the function test - it is in your best interest health wise.  I wish you the best, Jan

[gaylelynn]

Get a good SSD lawyer--you are on the verge of living in a wheel chair or death if the spinal cord is cut... They need to do the laser surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and some of the vertabra aut find a good back DR and get the lawyer...Workmans comp pulls this crap on people---I used to work for a workmans comp co. and KNOW how they pull this crap...you are costing them and your employer to much...the employers prems. go up every time they have a claim...Hope this sheds some light for you!!!!

[dropinabucket]

Most of the attorneys are pay us when you win.. Pay us nothing if you lose.
James Whittacker in Fairfield Ohio is awsome and got a incredable trial attorney in his firm.. he has got so much accomplised for me its unbelievable. Kicked w/cs butt in the trial. appeals all w/cs denials. Had one attorney that said I cant help you on workers comp.. whittacker had it in a hearing within 2 weeks of my hiring him. But its workers comp and MCO.. Always a fight with them.. Always!!!!

[dropinabucket]

Workers Compensation is a joke anymore. Since they started using MCOs. The quality of care and the crap you have to go through to get things approved or added to your claim is rediculous.. I have been dealing with them since 1980 on one claim and since 2000 on the other.. Took 11 years to get a MRI approved and a trip to the county court in a law suit againt Workers Comp ( thankfully I won 8 to 0 ).. Since when does a NURSE have the authority and medical training to make medical decisions. Or a so called doctor that is 150 miles away or more and just looks at papers and makes his decision. What evr happened to hands on examinations.. My advise is to retain attorney.. yes they charge 33 1/3 % but without them you get 0%.. Giving them 33 1/3 % to get something is better than getting nothing

[larbec7]

How can THEY make my doctor reduce my medications?  Furthermore, THEY can not MAKE me have surgery...this is MY body...are they crazy...not fussing at you Sandee...I do not see how anyone can make me do anything I do not want and how can they say to my doc reduce my meds...i guess so I will be in more pain......urg...they all make me mad

[sandee1818]

Okay I understand now. Metlife will do basically the same thing WC would do.
They want to make you work therefore saving them money so they will do everything they can to try and make you look able to work. They can refuse to pay your doctor and also request that your medications be adjusted or even cut. Their doctor will recommend what he/she feels you need as far as treatment and your doctor will have to follow their recommendations. Even though this is not WC they work in the same ways as WC does.
I suggest getting a lawyer. You can bet they are going to recommend some type of treatments or surgery to make you able to work again. Also if they feel your medications are an issue as far as being able to work they will adjust them so that you will be able to work if that's what they deem necessary.

[larbec7]

This is not a WC case.  My own doctor took me out of work.  I have a separate disability policy with an independent company (Metlife) that is paying me.  I have had this policy for 20 years so I am not sure how the independent policy holder can "make" me get a job and also how they can "make" my pain doc cut my meds.  I am confused???

My own personal doc took me out of work and says I am permanent disabled and he does not see me improving.  Metlife is the one that wants me to take the FCE.  I am assuming they want me to take this to see if I am capable of working.  How can they say I am capable of working if my doctor says I am not???

[sandee1818]

I spoke to my Dad and he said the laws have changed alot since he was hurt but he said that My aunt is going thru WC now and basically going thru the same thing you are and she had to hire a great attorney. What ever that doctor says goes. If they say you are able to work then you will have to go by what they say. You can appeal but you will have to go by their ruling in the meantime and appeals takes years.
My Aunt has been under WC for years maybe 15 and they are now telling her that she has to work because of her latest visit with the WC doctor and they cut her meds too.
So I would advise you hire an attorney now ASAP before you even see the WC doctor.
They can cut your meds and require you to go back to work and your left having to do what they say until the appeals hearing which as I said could be years away.
You will have to undress and if you need assistance all the better Dad says.
The FEC test will tell them to what level your disabled and will give you a list of sorts of jobs your "able" to do.
I really hope it goes well for you and I do not want to scare you but Dad says to tell you exactly how it is so that your prepared.
If you have any more questions please feel free to ask and I will do my best to help you get them answered.

[sandee1818]

I have not forgotten about you)
My Dad was at a doctors appointment today and I totally to call him back. I promise I will do so today ( Friday) and get back to you.

[larbec7]

I am sure that the disability company is doing this so they can say "I can go back to work" even though I really can't.  

Is there a sure way to fail one fo these test?

[larbec7]

Thanks, I would appreciate it.  I was wondering what they make you do because I have trouble bending at times, picking up objects but I have kept my muscle mass and I am afraid they may look at me and say "well, you look strong"  no I am not muscle bound but I have a testosterone deficiency and I am on hormone replacement therapy which helps maintain my muscle mass to a certain degree.  

Also, what did they make him wear and did he have to undress for them or take off his shirt?  If so, I will need assistance to do that.

I do trust in God and have my faith that all will be well, I just wish they would leave me alone...its not like I have it made in the shade and don't suffer enough

Once again, thanks

[sandee1818]

I am not sure how it all works but I do have an uncle and also my Dad who was on workers comp and I will ask them tonight about the doctor. I assume the doctor has to be neutral and you should have your own doctors opinion as well included.
I am sorry you suffer from so much pain and I can't think of a job that you could really excel at at this point and time. I will get back to you as soon as I speak with my Dad though.
Keep your faith and keep your hopes up:)

[larbec7]

I have a spinal cord injury in my neck,  C4,5,6 and 7 are fused and I am wired.  C3 and C8 are worn out and I also have bone spurs causing a lot of my pain.  I have partial paralysis in my right arm and hand and at times my body goes numb.  My doctor said I was a liability to a company because i am taking pain medication and also muscle relaxers through out the day.  They not only cause me to we woozy at times but also forgetful.  He said my spinal cord lacks a 1/4" from my totally severed.

The doctor that has me out on disability suggest that I go to the gym and exercise, which I do.  I t hurts when I sneeze, cough, bend over.  I can not lie down long nor sit for long periods of time...basically, I am in pain 24/7.

The company which I collect my disability is the one that wants me to take the FEC and mt fear is that I will assume the doctor they get will work for THEM and find me fit to work causing them to stop my disability.  I really am not sure how it all works and was hoping someone can shed some light.  I am sure no company would want to employ someone taking medication all day and also a possibility of injury to themselves or another worker.

Your thoughts

[larbec7]

Gotcha and yes we found another Dr.  We are getting documentation together now and making an appointment soon

[sandee1818]

I was referring to the doctor that is giving you problems that you mentioned in your other post. I assumed thiswas the doctor causing you trouble. The one that your wife was fired from. I am sorry if I mis read:)

[larbec7]

My doctor (the one that has me out on disability) is not the one requesting the FEC.  My disability company (the one paying me) is requesting that the FEC be performed...so why would I need a new Dr. ASAP?  I'm confused?

[sandee1818]

I am assuming that the FEC test is the determination of the percentage of disability you have on the body part in question. If this is correct then the reports that the doctor is submitting claiming your fit and not in the disability range that another doctor has set then you will be retested to see if the percentage you have deemed disabled is correct.
I hope I have this correct. I believe you should find another doctor ASAP. This will not being your best interest to have this test being redone because of reports that your not as disabled as you claim to be.