How do I find a DOL-OWCP doctor in Washington DC?

To find a DOL-OWCP doctor in Washington DC, you should look for providers listed in the Department of Labor’s OWCP directory or clinics specializing in federal workers’ compensation cases. These doctors understand OWCP documentation requirements, including injury causation and medical reporting. Choosing an experienced OWCP provider is important because incomplete or incorrect documentation is a common reason claims are delayed or denied.

What is the difference between a CA-1 and CA-2 form?

A CA-1 form is used to report a traumatic injury caused by a specific incident during a single work shift, while a CA-2 form is used for occupational illnesses or injuries that develop over time. Each form has different documentation requirements, and filing the correct one is essential to avoid delays. An OWCP-experienced clinic can help ensure the correct form is submitted.

Do I need an OWCP doctor for my federal workers’ compensation claim?

While you are not required to see an OWCP-specific doctor, it is strongly recommended. OWCP claims require detailed medical documentation that many general doctors are unfamiliar with. An OWCP doctor understands how to properly document your injury, establish causation, and create reports that meet Department of Labor requirements, improving your chances of claim approval.

How long does it take for an OWCP claim to be approved?

OWCP claim approval times vary depending on the completeness of your documentation and the complexity of the case. Some claims are processed within a few weeks, while others take longer if additional medical evidence is needed. Clear, detailed medical reports from an OWCP-experienced provider can help reduce delays and improve approval speed.

What happens if my OWCP claim is denied?

If your OWCP claim is denied, you have the option to request reconsideration or file an appeal. Many denials are due to insufficient medical evidence or unclear causation. An OWCP doctor can provide additional documentation and strengthen your medical narrative to improve your chances of approval during reconsideration.

What does an OWCP clinic do for injured federal workers?

An OWCP clinic provides medical treatment and claim support for federal employees injured on the job. These clinics ensure injuries are properly documented according to Department of Labor requirements. They also help with medical reports, required forms, and ongoing documentation, which supports both treatment and claim approval.

What is a DOL doctor?

A DOL doctor is a physician who is enrolled with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) to treat federal employees injured on the job under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). DOL doctors bill OWCP directly, complete the required OWCP medical forms (such as the CA-16, CA-17 and CA-20) and write the narrative reports that support a federal workers' compensation claim. Federal Injury Centers' DOL doctors treat injured federal and postal employees at 9 clinics across Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Can I choose my own doctor for a federal workers' compensation (OWCP) injury?

Yes. Under FECA, an injured federal employee has the right to choose their own treating physician for an accepted work injury. Your agency may offer treatment through an agency health unit or a designated physician first, but you are entitled to select a qualified physician of your choice, including a DOL doctor at Federal Injury Centers. Note that once you have chosen a physician, changing treating physicians later generally requires OWCP approval.

Is a DOL doctor a "company doctor" who works for my agency?

Not at Federal Injury Centers. It is a private DOL doctor practice — independently owned and not employed by, paid by or affiliated with any federal agency, the Postal Service or the Department of Labor. An agency health unit or agency-designated physician works for the employer, and OWCP's second-opinion and referee examiners work for OWCP; a private DOL doctor chosen by the employee under FECA works for the patient. The practice reports diagnosis, findings and work restrictions to OWCP and the agency because the claim requires it (the CA-17 and CA-20), but does not report to a supervisor beyond that, and reporting a work injury is a protected right.

Do I pay anything to see a DOL doctor for an OWCP claim?

For an accepted OWCP claim there are no copays, deductibles or out-of-pocket medical costs to you. OWCP pays enrolled providers directly for treatment of the accepted work-related condition. Federal Injury Centers bills OWCP for you, so you do not use your personal health insurance for your work injury.

What OWCP forms does my doctor need to complete?

The physician-completed OWCP forms are the CA-16 (Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment, Part B), the CA-17 (Duty Status Report, which sets your work restrictions) and the CA-20 (Attending Physician's Report). You file the CA-1 (traumatic injury) or CA-2 (occupational disease) and, if you lose time from work, the CA-7 (Claim for Compensation). Our DOL doctors complete the medical forms and narrative reports at your visit and can guide you through the employee forms and ECOMP filing.

Do you treat injured postal workers?

Yes. USPS employees are covered by FECA and make up a large share of the injured federal workers we treat. Our clinics regularly care for letter carriers, mail handlers, clerks and postal vehicle operators with back, shoulder, knee, wrist and repetitive-strain injuries, and we complete the OWCP forms USPS and OWCP require.

Where are Federal Injury Centers located?

Federal Injury Centers has 9 clinics serving the Washington DC metro area: Alexandria VA, Baltimore MD, Fairfax (Merrifield) VA, Frederick MD, Greenbelt MD, Laurel MD, Rockville MD, Silver Spring MD and Temple Hills MD. All locations can be reached at (240) 863-2822.

How soon can I be seen after a federal work injury?

Prompt evaluation matters for both your recovery and your claim, because OWCP requires medical evidence connecting your condition to the work incident. Call (240) 863-2822 and our scheduling team will book the earliest available appointment at the clinic nearest you, typically within days of your call. Bring your CA-16 if your agency issued one, or we will help you request it.

What is the difference between federal workers' compensation and state workers' compensation?

Federal civilian employees are covered by the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's OWCP, not by Maryland, Virginia or DC state workers' compensation systems. FECA has its own forms (CA-1, CA-2, CA-7, CA-16, CA-17), its own provider enrollment, its own rules for choosing a physician and its own schedule award system for permanent impairment. A general workers' comp clinic that handles state claims may not be enrolled with OWCP or familiar with its documentation requirements; Federal Injury Centers treats federal claims exclusively.

DOL Doctors & OWCP Injury Care for Federal Employees | Federal Injury Centers – Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia

✅980 OWCP injury claims accepted · Private DOL doctors, not your agency's doctor

DOL Doctors & OWCP Injury Care for Federal Employees in Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia

Injured on the job as a federal or USPS employee? Federal Injury Centers is the DMV's dedicated federal workers' compensation practice — an independent, private DOL doctor group that works for you, not your agency. Our OWCP-enrolled DOL doctors evaluate and treat your injury, complete your CA-16, CA-17 and CA-20 forms correctly, and bill the Department of Labor directly — no copays, no personal insurance.

Call (240) 863-2822 Find Your Nearest Clinic

980+OWCP injury claims accepted for our patients
9Clinics across DC, MD & VA
$0Out-of-pocket on accepted claims
MDPhysician Medical Director on staff

Treating injured employees of USPSVeterans AffairsDHS / TSA / CBPDepartment of DefenseBureau of PrisonsFAASmithsonian& every federal agency covered by FECA

Federal Injury Centers is a multi-location medical practice serving the Washington DC metro area (DMV) that treats federal and postal employees injured on the job under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). It is an independent private practice, not affiliated with any agency, the Postal Service or the Department of Labor. Its private, OWCP-enrolled DOL doctors — physicians, nurse practitioners, chiropractors and physical therapists — provide the medical evaluation, treatment and documentation (CA-16, CA-17, CA-20 and narrative reports) that a federal workers' compensation claim requires, at nine clinics in Maryland and Northern Virginia, all reachable at (240) 863-2822.

What we do

Everything an Injured Federal Employee Needs — In One Practice

General clinics treat state workers' comp and auto accidents on the side. We treat federal OWCP claims exclusively, so nothing about your care or paperwork is a guess.

DOL Doctors

Private, OWCP-enrolled physicians who understand federal injury claims — chosen by you, not assigned by your agency. Same-week evaluations for back, neck, shoulder, knee, wrist and repetitive-strain injuries — with the causation narrative OWCP looks for.

Medical, chiropractic & physical therapy care
Work restrictions & return-to-duty planning
Impairment ratings for schedule awards

Meet our private DOL doctors

OWCP Forms

Incomplete or inconsistent forms are the #1 reason federal claims get delayed or denied. Our providers complete every physician form at your visit and walk you through the ones you file yourself.

CA-16 authorization & CA-17 Duty Status Report
CA-20 Attending Physician's Report
Guidance on CA-1, CA-2, CA-7 & ECOMP filing

OWCP forms explained

Federal Work Comp

Federal workers' compensation is not state workers' comp. From the day you're hurt through treatment, wage-loss compensation and permanent impairment, we make sure the medical side of your FECA claim is airtight.

Traumatic injury & occupational disease claims
Direct OWCP billing — $0 out of pocket
Coordination with your agency & claims examiner

How federal work comp works

Your first visit

How to See a DOL Doctor After a Federal Work Injury

Four steps. Most patients are seen within days of calling.

Report the injury

Tell your supervisor and file a CA-1 (traumatic injury) or CA-2 (occupational disease) in ECOMP. For a traumatic injury, ask your agency for a CA-16 authorization.

Call (240) 863-2822

Choose any of our 9 DMV clinics. You have the legal right under FECA to pick your own treating physician — you do not have to use the agency's doctor.

Get evaluated & treated

A DOL doctor examines you, orders any imaging, starts treatment and writes the causation narrative and CA-17 restrictions OWCP needs to accept your claim.

We bill OWCP directly

No copays or deductibles on an accepted claim. We handle authorizations, ongoing reports and — when needed — impairment ratings for a schedule award.

From injured federal employees

What Federal Workers Say About Their OWCP Claims With Us

Rated 4.4 on Google at our Alexandria clinic. Google reviews and testimonials shared with Federal Injury Centers by our patients.

"I had an excellent experience with Federal Injury Centers throughout my federal workers' compensation claim. Krystal and Orlett were consistently responsive, knowledgeable, patient and genuinely supportive from beginning to end. They helped me navigate a complicated OWCP process, worked with me on the necessary medical documentation and forms, and were always willing to answer questions. Most importantly, I always felt that they cared about both my recovery and making sure my medical documentation accurately reflected my condition and progress. My claim was ultimately accepted, and I am extremely grateful for the care I received along the way. Thank you Krystal, Orlett, Dr. Ahmed and the entire team."

Philip Federal employee · Patient testimonial, shared with permission

"I was injured on the job and referred to Federal Injury Centers DMV. I went online to inquire, and within five minutes the intake person called me, gathered my info and immediately emailed me my case manager's contact information. Anastasia is truly an asset — pleasant, knowledgeable and responsive. It was a very stressful time, and having her handle the paperwork lifted a load off me and let me focus on my healing and recovery. I would definitely refer Federal Injury Centers to others."

Keisha Federal employee · Patient testimonial, shared with permission

"I came across FIC on Google and it was the best find ever on the internet. The folks at FIC were wonderful in assisting me through the maze of the federal workers' compensation program. They are a tremendous benefit to any federal worker injured on the job. I highly recommend them as a starting resource."

Charles C. Federal employee · Google review, Alexandria, September 2026

"I previously had an accident and had to deal with OWCP on my own, which was a nightmare. I had a second work injury and found Federal Injury Center — they handled all of the OWCP paperwork, which made it really easy and without stress. The surgery and physical therapy were approved. This place is awesome."

David B. Federal employee · Google review, Alexandria

"From the very beginning, Ms. Cindy, my caseworker, has been a blessing — relatable, available and transparent throughout my journey. The entire physical therapy team has been nothing short of amazing. I love the family-oriented atmosphere and the way everyone works together with genuine care. You can feel that they love what they do, and that makes the healing process even more special. I'm grateful for the support, encouragement and care I've received."

Jasmin Federal employee · Patient testimonial, shared with permission

Reviews and testimonials are lightly edited for length and spelling and are published with the patient's permission. Individual experiences vary; OWCP determines claim acceptance and benefits. Read more patient reviews →

Why Federal Injury Centers

Built for Federal Claims. Not a General Clinic With a "Federal Worker?" Page.

A private DOL doctor, not a "company doctor." We are an independent practice. Your agency does not employ us, pay us or choose us — you do, under your FECA right to select your own physician. Our duty is to you as our patient.
Physician-led, multidisciplinary. An MD Medical Director, nurse practitioners, chiropractors and physical therapists collaborate on one treatment plan — and OWCP recognizes physician-authored reports.
Documentation that holds up. Causation narratives, objective findings, CA-17 restrictions and CA-20 reports written the way DFEC claims examiners expect to read them.
Nine locations, one phone number. Alexandria to Baltimore, Frederick to Temple Hills — a federal-focused clinic close to where you live or work.
Leadership with national credibility. Founded by Dr. John Rosa, DC — White House and federal law-enforcement consultant on the opioid crisis — and Dr. Rick Rosa, DC, author of The Six Pillars of Sports Recovery.

Why Federal Employees Choose Us

Federal Injury Centers compared with a general workers' comp clinic
What matters for your OWCP claim	Federal Injury Centers	General clinic
Private doctor you choose — not assigned by your agency	Yes	Varies
Treats federal / OWCP claims exclusively	Yes	Rarely
OWCP-enrolled providers who bill DOL directly	Yes	Sometimes
CA-16, CA-17, CA-20 completed at your visit	Yes	Varies
MD Medical Director overseeing care	Yes	Often DC-only
Impairment ratings for schedule awards	Yes	Referral out
Locations across DC, MD & VA	9	Fewer

Our providers

The DMV's Most Experienced Federal Injury Team

Every patient is treated under the supervision of a physician Medical Director and a leadership team with decades of integrative musculoskeletal care.

Dr. Yasmin Ahmed, MD

Medical Director · Internal Medicine

MDInternal Medicine

Physician Medical Director overseeing medical evaluation, treatment plans and OWCP physician reporting across all Federal Injury Centers locations. Reviews the medical content on this website.

Full bio →

Cierra Coughlin, FNP-C

DOL Provider · Nurse Practitioner

FNP-COWCP Provider

Certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-C) focused on evaluating and treating work-related injuries for federal and postal employees and completing OWCP medical documentation.

DOL provider team →

Orlett Torrence, CRNP

DOL Provider · Nurse Practitioner

CRNPOWCP Provider

Certified registered nurse practitioner who evaluates and treats injured federal and postal employees, tracks recovery progress and prepares the OWCP medical documentation that keeps claims moving.