The OWCP CA-16 form, also known as the “Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment,” is a document used by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) in the United States Department of Labor. This form serves as an authorization for federal employees who have sustained a work-related injury or illness to receive medical treatment and services. You save time by not delaying examination and treatment of a reported work injury. This will pay for your examination and treatment for up to 60 days, or when your case is accepted, whichever comes first.
This is the most overlooked form, but the one that may provide the greatest initial peace of mind because it really does save you time, since you won’t have to wait for care, and money, since you will not have to pay out of pocket or insurance copays for the care received. However, there are specific rules that you must know and act quickly – you only have 7 days from when you report your injury to request the CA-16 form. Once you request it, your supervisor MUST provide you the form within 4 HOURS of your request! Do not let your time expire!
However, CHOOSE YOUR DOCTOR WISELY! You need a doctor that is Federally credentialed and will see you with an unaccepted case at first. Your family doc, urgent care center, hospital ER, specialist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, or physician’s assistant may be great, but are almost always BAD CHOICES. You MUST see someone that knows how to write a proper medical narrative, specific to DOL/OWCP, to get your case accepted!
Here’s a breakdown of the key components related to the OWCP CA-16 form:
*A Federal employee injured by accident while in the performance of duty has the initial right to select a physician of his/her choice to provide necessary treatment. The supervisor shall immediately authorize examination and appropriate medical care by use of Form CA-16 to either a United States medical officer/hospital or any duly qualified physician/hospital of the employee’s choice.
*Form CA-16 is valid for up to sixty days from date of issuance, and may be terminated earlier upon written notice from OWCP to the provider. It should not be used to authorize a change of physicians after the initial choice is exercised by the employee.
*The term “physician” includes doctors of medicine (MD), surgeons, podiatrists, dentists, clinical psychologists, optometrists, chiropractors and osteopathic practitioners within the scope of their practice as defined by State law. The reimbursable services of chiropractors under the FECA are limited by statute to physical examination, related laboratory tests and X-rays to diagnose a subluxation of the spine; and treatment consisting of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation demonstrated by X-ray. (But remember – they must be a federally credentialed workers compensation physician)
*This form covers office visits and consultations, laboratory work, hospital services (including inpatient), x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, physical therapy, emergency services (including surgery) and chiropractic services.
*This form does not cover elective and non-emergency surgery, home exercise equipment, whirlpools, mattresses, spa/gym membership and work hardening programs.
The OWCP CA-16 form plays a crucial role in ensuring that federal employees receive timely and appropriate medical care for work-related injuries and illnesses, helping them to recover and return to work as soon as possible.