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If you're a federal employee injured on the job, navigating the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) system can feel overwhelming. Between paperwork, deadlines, and agency red tape, it's easy to lose track of your rights—especially when it comes to choosing your treating physician. One of the most common questions we hear at Sarphie Law is, “Do I have to see the doctor my agency tells me to?” The good news is, under federal workers’ compensation law, you have the right to choose your own doctor—but that right comes with important caveats and strategic decisions.
Let’s break down how this works under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), and why making the right choice can impact everything from your treatment plan to the success of your claim.
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) governs workers’ comp benefits for civilian federal employees. It’s administered by the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Under FECA regulations, injured federal workers have the legal right to select their own attending physician after a work-related injury or occupational illness. This means that your employing agency cannot require you to be treated by a doctor they select—though they may try to suggest or “strongly recommend” one.
In reality, some agencies attempt to steer injured workers toward specific occupational health clinics or "agency-preferred" providers. While these recommendations may seem convenient, they are not binding—and they are not always in your best interest.
Your treating physician plays a central role in your entire OWCP claim. From diagnosis to documentation, everything your doctor writes or doesn’t write will directly affect:
A doctor unfamiliar with federal workers’ compensation may fail to properly establish a causal relationship between your injury and your federal employment. That’s all OWCP needs to deny your claim. So while you can technically choose any qualified doctor, you should choose one who understands how OWCP works—or who is willing to work with your attorney to make sure all documentation is accurate and timely.
Our federal workers' compensation attorneys at Sarphie Law can help guide you to physicians who understand the OWCP process and how to support your case effectively.
OWCP allows you to select a qualified, licensed physician in good standing. According to OWCP regulations, acceptable providers include:
However, chiropractors can only be considered the treating physician if they diagnose a spinal subluxation via X-ray. Nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists can provide supportive care, but they cannot act as your attending physician in the eyes of OWCP.
This is unfortunately common. Many federal agencies try to route employees to in-house or third-party occupational health clinics. You may be told:
These tactics are often misleading and potentially unlawful. You are not obligated to be treated by a provider chosen by your employer, and any attempt to pressure you otherwise should raise red flags. If you’ve already been seen by an agency-recommended provider, don’t panic—you can still select your own attending physician and have OWCP recognize that doctor moving forward. However, once you officially designate your choice, changing doctors requires OWCP approval.
You have one unrestricted choice of treating physician. If you later wish to change doctors, you must submit a written request to OWCP justifying the change. Reasons may include:
OWCP typically approves reasonable requests. But unauthorized provider switches may lead to unpaid medical bills, treatment delays, or even case complications. That’s why it’s so important to make your first choice carefully.
The best doctors for OWCP cases are those who not only provide great care, but also:
Some providers may be excellent clinicians but completely unfamiliar with the federal claims process—leading to incomplete documentation or denials that could’ve been avoided. Sarphie Law maintains connections with OWCP-experienced doctors across the country and can help you evaluate your options.
Choosing the wrong physician—or letting your employer choose for you—can lead to:
Even if your injury is legitimate, your claim can be denied if your doctor doesn’t provide the right documentation. This is why having an experienced federal workers' comp attorney matters.
At Sarphie Law, we know how critical it is to work with a physician you trust—especially when that choice impacts your financial future. We help injured federal workers nationwide assert their rights, navigate OWCP procedures, and ensure their care is not dictated by an employer’s preference. We can:
Don’t let anyone else make medical decisions for you. If you’re unsure whether you’re seeing the right doctor—or feel pressured by your agency—contact us today. We’ll help you protect your rights, your benefits, and your recovery.
