McPherson Center for Health is proud to announce the addition of a second-generation Physical Capacity Testing Machine to its Occupational Medicine Department, expanding services for local employers and the regional workforce through objective, data driven functional assessments. The new equipment is slimmer, wireless, and designed to evaluate both upper and lower extremities individually, allowing the department to expand testing capabilities while fitting seamlessly into the clinic space. This addition supports growing demand from area industries, where overuse and movement related injuries such as shoulder, back, and wrist conditions are common.
“This equipment allows us to assess physical function with greater precision and consistency,” said Erica Selzer, PA. “It removes subjectivity from functional exams and gives employers confidence when making decisions related to hiring, training, and safely utilizing their employees.”
The Physical Capacity Testing Machine supports standardized testing for pre-employment baseline evaluations, post injury and post leave reassessments, and employer requested fit for duty evaluations. The Occupational Medicine team has already seen increased interest from local businesses seeking more comprehensive pre-employment exams, along with a rise in fit for duty requests. The new system allows for faster turnaround times while maintaining consistent and defensible results.
“Employers want clear, objective answers when it comes to worker readiness,” said Carol Fickes, Chief of Provider and Clinic Operations. “This equipment allows us to meet that need while expanding our services and improving efficiency.”
The service expansion was driven by Selzer, who identified the need for more advanced functional testing based on patient volume and employer demand.
“A large part of healthcare is prevention,” Selzer said. “These evaluations help prevent injuries by clearly measuring physical capabilities and placing employees in roles that better match their abilities. They are valuable across industries of all sizes.”
The addition of the new equipment has also supported professional development within the department. Tanaka Huff, CNA and clinical support staff for Occupational Medicine, completed specialized training to become certified to administer physical capacity testing. Her certification allows the department to schedule simultaneous patient visits and improve access to care.
“The Occupational Medicine department could not operate at the level it does without Tanaka,” Selzer said. “We are proud of her dedication and the role she plays in helping the department grow.”
In addition to in clinic services, the new testing capability supports planned onsite employer visits and strengthens partnerships with local businesses, reinforcing McPherson Center for Health’s role as a trusted occupational health resource in the community.
For more information about Occupational Medicine services at McPherson Center for Health, visit Occupational Medicine at McPherson Center for Health or contact the Occupational Health team at 620 241 2250 ext. 6600.