Key Takeaways
- A doctor that "takes DOL" is enrolled with the Department of Labor's OWCP and accepts federal workers' comp patients.
- DOL doesn't certify doctors. Providers enroll with OWCP so they can be authorized and paid.
- You have the initial choice of your treating doctor under FECA — not your agency.
- For accepted claims, enrolled providers bill OWCP directly. They can't bill you for the amount OWCP's fee schedule reduces.
- Every doctor in our directory offers free claims assistance and case management. Call 888-610-6515.
What Does It Mean When a Doctor "Takes DOL"?
A doctor that takes DOL is a physician or licensed provider enrolled with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) who accepts injured federal employees as patients. They treat your work injury, complete the medical reports OWCP requires for a FECA claim, and bill OWCP directly for accepted conditions.
People call them "DOL doctors," "OWCP doctors" or "doctors that accept federal workers' comp." It all means the same thing: the provider knows how the federal system works and can be paid by it. If you're going through a DOL-OWCP injury claim, you may feel overwhelmed with decisions while you're trying to recover. A doctor experienced with OWCP claims can tell you what the next steps are so you get the treatment you need.
Your agency may have sent you to a doctor it prefers. You have other options if you'd rather be treated by someone who is independent of your agency. Learn how federal workers' compensation doctors fit into the FECA process.
Does the Department of Labor Certify Doctors?
No. The Department of Labor does not certify, rank or endorse doctors. Providers enroll with OWCP by submitting Form OWCP-1168 through OWCP's medical bill processing portal (20 CFR 10.800). Enrollment lets a provider request authorizations and get paid for treating injured federal workers. It is not a quality rating.
That's why it pays to look beyond enrollment. Ask how many federal workers' comp patients the practice treats, whether they're comfortable writing causation reports, and how quickly they return forms to OWCP. Those things affect your claim far more than a label.
You Have the Right to Choose Your Treating Doctor
Did your employer tell you that you have the right to choose your own treating doctor? Under FECA you make the initial choice of a qualified physician, and you are not obligated to see the "company doctor" for your work injury (20 CFR 10.300). You can choose an experienced DOL doctor who puts your medical needs first.
Choose carefully: after your initial choice, switching to a different treating physician generally requires OWCP's written approval, and your employer cannot approve the change (20 CFR 10.316).
Why See a Doctor Experienced With DOL-OWCP Claims?
They know what OWCP needs
A FECA claim has to explain, in medical terms, how your injury relates to what you did on the job. Experienced DOL doctors document that connection with honest, accurate detail.
Fewer delays
They return reports promptly and use the right forms, which helps keep your claim and any wage-loss payments from stalling while you're off work.
Straight answers
When you have questions about the process, they can explain what you're facing in plain language — not just the technical steps.
Your recovery first
Good DOL doctors listen to your situation and build treatment around getting you healthy and safely back to work.
Every doctor in our directory also offers free claims assistance and case management, so the paperwork doesn't land on you while you recover.
DOL Clinics and OWCP Clinics: What to Look For
A DOL clinic, or OWCP clinic, is a medical practice whose providers are enrolled with OWCP and regularly treat injured federal employees. Some are single-specialty offices. Others bring orthopedics, pain management, physical therapy and chiropractic care under one roof, which makes referrals and paperwork on one claim easier to coordinate.
There's no official "DOL clinic" designation: the Department of Labor doesn't rate or designate clinics. Judge a clinic the way you'd judge a single doctor: OWCP enrollment, experience with federal claims, and how quickly it returns reports. Clinics that focus on federal workers are also called fed comp clinics or federal injury centers. Learn what a fed comp clinic does.
How to Confirm a Doctor Takes DOL-OWCP
Before your first visit, call the office and ask these questions. Or skip the phone calls: our free search connects you with DOL-enrolled doctors who are accepting new OWCP patients.
- "Are you enrolled with OWCP?" Only enrolled providers can be paid by OWCP for your care.
- "Are you accepting new federal workers' comp patients?" Some enrolled practices limit how many they take.
- "Do you treat my type of injury?" Back, shoulder and knee injuries, repetitive-motion conditions and others may need a specialist.
- "Will you write a causation report?" A reasoned medical opinion linking your condition to your work is the core of an accepted claim.
- "How do you bill while my claim is pending?" Coverage is clear once a claim is accepted; ask about the time before that.
What to Bring to Your First DOL Doctor Visit
- Your OWCP claim number, if you have one
- Form CA-16 from your agency (traumatic injuries)
- A copy of your CA-1 or CA-2
- A description of your job duties
- Your supervisor's name and phone number
- Photo ID
- A list of your current medications
- Any prior records or imaging for the injury
A CA-16 authorizes treatment for 60 days from the date of injury unless OWCP ends it sooner. Your agency should issue it within 4 hours of a reported traumatic injury (20 CFR 10.300).
The Reports a DOL Doctor Files for You
Much of the paperwork in a FECA claim belongs to your doctor, not to you. Here's what a doctor who takes DOL typically handles. For the forms you file yourself, see our OWCP forms guide and our guide to OWCP injury claims.
| Form | What it does |
|---|---|
| CA-16 (Part B) | Attending physician's report on the agency's treatment authorization |
| CA-20 | Attending physician's report on your diagnosis and treatment |
| CA-17 | Duty status report: your work restrictions, completed with your supervisor |
| Narrative report | The medical explanation of how your work caused or aggravated your condition |
| OWCP-5 series | Work capacity evaluations (5a psychiatric, 5b cardiovascular, 5c musculoskeletal) |
Find DOL Doctors Near You
Our directory includes doctors that take DOL-OWCP claims in these cities and states, and many more. View the full DOL doctor map.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Atlanta, GA
- Boston, MA
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX
- DC Metro / Fort Washington
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- Greensboro, NC
- Greenville, SC
- Houston, TX
- Indianapolis, IN
- Kansas City, MO
- Laredo, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Miami, FL
- New York City, NY
- Orlando, FL
- Salt Lake City, UT
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Tennessee
- Tyler, TX
- Wilmington, DE
Doctors That Take DOL: FAQs
What does it mean if a doctor takes DOL?
It means the doctor is enrolled with the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) and accepts injured federal employees. They treat your work injury, complete OWCP medical reports, and bill OWCP directly for accepted claims.
Does the Department of Labor certify DOL doctors?
No. DOL doesn't certify or endorse doctors. Providers enroll with OWCP using Form OWCP-1168 so they can be authorized and paid for treating federal workers. Enrollment is not a quality rating, so ask about the doctor's experience with federal claims.
What is a DOL clinic or OWCP clinic?
A DOL clinic, also called an OWCP clinic, is a practice whose providers are enrolled with OWCP and regularly treat injured federal employees. The Department of Labor doesn't designate or rate clinics, so look for OWCP enrollment, experience with federal claims and prompt reports.
Can I choose my own DOL doctor?
Yes. Under FECA you make the initial choice of a qualified physician, and you don't have to see a doctor your agency picks. After that first choice, changing treating physicians generally requires OWCP's written approval (20 CFR 10.316).
Do doctors that take DOL charge me anything?
For accepted claims and authorized treatment, enrolled providers bill OWCP directly and FECA has no copays or deductibles. Providers can't bill you for amounts OWCP's fee schedule reduces (20 CFR 10.813). If your claim is pending, ask the office about billing first.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your claim number if you have one, the CA-16 from your agency for a traumatic injury, a copy of your CA-1 or CA-2, a description of your job duties, your supervisor's contact details, photo ID, and a list of your medications.
How do I find doctors that take DOL near me?
Call 888-610-6515 or use the free one-minute search form on this page. We'll connect you with DOL-enrolled doctors near you who are accepting new OWCP patients. Using the Find DOL Doctors directory is free.