Interdisciplinary Evaluation

INTERDISCIPLINARY EVALUATION

What is an Interdisciplinary Evaluation?

An interdisciplinary evaluation is a comprehensive 3-hour evaluation with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological components, which is used to determine what type of treatment program, if any, is most appropriate for the patient. 

The physical therapy evaluation assesses flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance, and is designed to screen for medical or orthopedic problems that may impact participation in rehabilitation. The occupational therapy evaluation assesses the patient's ability to perform his or her job (or general work capacity, if there is not a specific vocational goal), assessing functional capacities such as lifting, pushing, pulling, etc. (Please note that this is not a complete Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE).)  The pain management evaluation assesses: a) the patient's subjective perception of pain and disability, b) emotional and behavioral consequences of the injury, c) the impact of pain on different aspects of daily life; and d) the patient's approach to coping with pain and disability. 

The interdisciplinary team then meets to recommend an appropriate treatment plan, based on their evaluation findings.  The resulting recommendations may include some type of rehabilitation program, no further rehabilitation at all (if the team determines the patient has reached their maximum rehabilitation potential), additional medical treatment or further follow-up. 

Medical clearance may be required before rehabilitation is initiated.  Our staff is happy to preauthorize all rehabilitation programs at WERC. 

Who is an appropriate candidate for an Interdisciplinary Evaluation? 

An IDE is designed for individuals with spinal and/or extremity dysfunction who are functionally limited and who demonstrate mild to severe psychosocial barriers to recovery.  These are the people who are having difficulty returning to work or home tasks at their pre-injury level.  They may be unable to work and/or perform desired activities despite interventions like physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, modalities, injections, surgeries, etc.  Participants must be willing to actively participate in physical activity and pain management training in order to benefit from treatment. 

Referral Process:

If you would like to refer a patient for an IDE, please call the Work Enhancement and Rehabilitation Center at (802) 847-0193 to schedule an appointment for an interdisciplinary evaluation.  You may also fax us at (802) 847-3022.  A referral, office notes, and diagnostics are extremely helpful information, and should be faxed or sent to WERC prior to the Interdisciplinary Evaluation.