Yes. Under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act you get the first pick of your treating doctor. Your supervisor does not choose for you.
Your initial choice
The regulation says the employer "should advise the employee of the right to his or her initial choice of physician" and "shall allow the employee to select a qualified physician." The only names you cannot pick are providers OWCP has excluded from the program.
Your doctor can be in private practice, part of an HMO, or a physician employed by a federal agency such as the Army, Navy, Air Force or Veterans Affairs.
Who counts as a provider
Any qualified physician or qualified hospital can treat you. Physician assistants, nurse practitioners and physical therapists can also provide authorized care, as far as federal and state law allow. Chiropractors are covered only in a narrow way, explained in our chiropractor guide.
Specialists
If the doctor you picked refers you to a specialist, you do not need OWCP's approval to see that specialist. Any other switch needs a written request. See how to change doctors.
Choose carefully the first time
Because changing later takes a written request, the first pick matters. Before your first visit, call and confirm the office is enrolled with OWCP and taking new DOL patients, and ask whether the doctor treats injuries like yours.
Find offices that billed OWCP in the last 12 months near you.
Common questions
Can my supervisor send me to a specific clinic?
Your agency issues the authorization (Form CA-16), but the regulation gives you the initial choice of a qualified physician. You can tell your supervisor which doctor or facility you chose so it can be named on the form.
Can I use a VA doctor?
The regulation lists physicians employed by federal agencies, including Veterans Affairs, among the doctors an employee may select.
Sources
- 20 CFR 10.300, authorizing medical care (Form CA-16)
- 20 CFR 10.310, basic rules for obtaining medical care
- 20 CFR 10.316, changing your treating physician
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. This guide explains the rules in plain English and is not legal advice.
