Matching physical abilities of an employee with the demands of a job offers positive outcomes for the employer and the employee.

What is a Physical Abilities Test (PAT)?
A Physical Abilities Test (PAT) is a way for an employer to more effectively match workers to the physical demands and essential functions of a job. A PAT is a tailored exam, conducted by a Physical Therapist or medical professional, which reveals a prospective employee’s capacity to perform at specified physical demand levels. Central to the Physical Abilities Test process is a review of the job description and if needed, an analysis of the worksite to review the physical demands and essential functions of the specific job classification.

Benefits of a PAT

• Greater likelihood that job performance and job satisfaction will be maximized
• Potential for injury and lost work time are reduced, enabling the employee to maintain maximum output
• Enhanced productivity
• Reduced medical & indemnity costs
• Lower worker replacement costs
• Results are reported within 24 hours
• Healthier bottom line
• Results promote informed decision-making regarding return-to-work or modified duty, thereby reducing the risk of re-injury

U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group provides ADA/EEOC compliant procedures and reporting along with national testing protocols that ensure consistent testing at any of our clinics nationwide. Test results are reported to the employer within 24 hours, enabling employers to quickly make job assignments or return recovered employees to work.

Post-Offer PAT
The U.S. HealthWorks Post-Offer PAT is based on the physical demands and essential functions of a job and generally measures:

• Grip strength
• Static and dynamic lifting strength
• Lifting ranges
• Positional work tolerances
• Aerobic capacity

Post-Injury PAT
During treatment, patients will be tested at certain points during their rehabilitation to ensure improvement. Post-injury tests provide baseline tracking and monitoring and are reported to the medical provider promptly so plans can be made for the employee's transitional duty or full-duty return-to-work.

Return-To-Work PAT
A Return-To-Work PAT provides assurance to the employer, payor and employee that the employee is ready to resume work. The test is based on the employee’s job description and can be modeled after the Post-Offer PAT. The test will allow the medical provider and employer to make an informed decision about the employee's ability to safely return to work.

This type of PAT generally measures:

• Grip strength
• Static and dynamic lifting strength
• Lifting ranges
• Positional work tolerances
• Aerobic capacity

The PAT results promote informed decision-making regarding return-to-work or modified duty, thereby reducing the risk of re-injury. Work stability is also enhanced while avoiding additional costs for medical care and lost work time.