Do I Have to Use a Nurse Case Manager for My OWCP Claim?

No, you are not required to use a nurse case manager for your OWCP claim. Federal employees have the right to select their own treating physician [3].

However, a nurse case manager can be a valuable resource to assist you with your recovery and return to work. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Benefits of a Nurse Case Manager:

• Facilitate medical care: They can help coordinate appointments, communicate with your doctor, and ensure you receive all the necessary medical care [1].
• Support recovery: They can provide guidance on your recovery plan and answer any questions you may have about your injury.
• Return-to-work assistance: They can help identify modified duty options or develop a plan to gradually return to your full duties [4].

Using a Nurse Case Manager is Optional:

• Your Choice: You can choose whether or not to allow a nurse case manager to be involved in your case [3].
• Doctor’s discretion: Your doctor can also decide whether or not to communicate with the nurse case manager [3].

If you decide to work with a nurse case manager, you should be aware that they represent the OWCP/DFEC [2]. They will be working to ensure a speedy recovery and minimize your disability time, which can also benefit you in the long run.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

U.S. Department of Labor, Nurse Intervention Program: https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/nurse-corps
Field Nurse Handbook: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/regs/compliance/DFECfolio/FNHB-PT2