What is a Focused Medical Evaluation (FME)?

A Focused Medical Evaluation (FME) is specifically designed to assess particular issues related to a worker's compensation claim. This type of evaluation is typically used when specific questions or concerns arise due to an injury or condition experienced by an employee within the context of their workplace. The goal is to provide a detailed analysis that directly relates to the claim, thereby ensuring that the findings are relevant and useful for decision-making regarding benefits, rehabilitation, or any necessary accommodations.

In contrast to a comprehensive overview of a patient's medical history, which would provide a broad look at all aspects of a person's health without a targeted focus, an FME zooms in on particular aspects that are pertinent to a specific claim. Unlike a general medical assessment for all employees, which would assess a wide range of health issues and conditions across a population, the FME targets individual circumstances. It is also not limited to mental health, as it may include various physical conditions and injuries, depending on the context of the worker's compensation case. Thus, the essence of an FME lies in its targeted, relevant analysis concerning the specific needs of a worker’s compensation claim.