What to Expect at an FMLA Evaluation

If you've scheduled an FMLA evaluation or are considering one, you might be wondering what the process involves. Here's a complete guide to help you prepare.

Before Your Appointment

1. Scheduling

When you book your evaluation, you'll select a date and time that works for you. Most evaluations are conducted via secure telehealth video, so you can attend from the comfort of your home.

2. Intake Forms

After booking, you'll receive access to our patient portal where you'll complete:

Demographic information

Mental health history questionnaire

Current symptoms assessment

Employment information

Any relevant medical records you'd like to share

Tip: Complete these forms thoroughly—they help your evaluator understand your situation before the appointment and maximize your session time.

3. Gather Documents

While not required, it can be helpful to have:

Your FMLA forms from your employer (if you have them)

Records from current mental health providers

List of current medications

Notes about how your symptoms affect your work

During the Evaluation

What Happens

A typical FMLA evaluation lasts 60-90 minutes and includes:

Clinical Interview (30-45 minutes)

- Discussion of your symptoms and how they affect you
- Work history and current job demands
- Treatment history
- Daily functioning

Standardized Assessment Measures (15-30 minutes)

- Brief psychological questionnaires
- Symptom inventories
- These provide objective data to support your documentation

Questions and Next Steps (10-15 minutes)

- Opportunity to ask questions
- Discussion of findings
- Timeline for receiving documentation

What to Expect

The evaluation is not therapy—it's an assessment focused on documenting your condition and its impact on your ability to work.

Your evaluator will ask direct questions about:

Your symptoms (type, frequency, severity)

How long you've experienced them

What treatments you've tried

How your condition affects your job performance

What type of leave you need (continuous vs. intermittent)

Be honest and specific. The more detailed information you provide, the better your documentation will reflect your actual situation.

After the Evaluation

Timeline

FMLA forms: Typically completed within 1-3 business days

Delivery: Uploaded to your secure patient portal

Additional copies: Available upon request

What You'll Receive

Your completed documentation will include:

WH-380-E Form (Certification of Health Care Provider)

- Diagnosis
- Whether you have a serious health condition
- Expected duration of the condition
- Whether intermittent leave is medically necessary
- Frequency and duration of flare-ups (if applicable)

Submitting to Your Employer

Once you receive your documentation:

Review it for accuracy

Submit to your HR department

Keep a copy for your records

Your employer has 5 business days to respond

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my employer know my diagnosis?

The WH-380-E form does include your diagnosis. However, this information should be kept confidential by HR and not shared with your direct supervisor. If you're concerned about privacy, discuss this with your HR department.

What if I need more time than initially certified?

If you need to extend your leave, you may need a recertification. Contact us to schedule a follow-up evaluation.

Can my employer deny my FMLA request?

Your employer can deny FMLA if:

You're not eligible (haven't worked long enough)

Your employer isn't covered (fewer than 50 employees)

Your condition doesn't meet the "serious health condition" criteria

If you have a qualifying condition and are eligible, your employer cannot deny your request based on inconvenience or disagreement with your need for leave.

Ready to Schedule?

If you need an FMLA evaluation, we're here to help. Our process is straightforward, confidential, and designed to get you the documentation you need.

Book Your Evaluation →

What to Expect at an FMLA Evaluation