Dr. Steve Arculeo

Benefits of Working with a Federal Workers’ Compensation Doctor

https://www.pphcc.com/benefits-of-working-with-a-federal-workers-compensation-doctor/

Federal workers’ compensation provides benefits to federal employees who have been injured or become ill on the job. When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is important to work with a doctor who is experienced in treating work-related injuries and illnesses.

Here are some benefits of working with a federal workers’ compensation doctor:

Knowledge of Federal Workers’ Compensation System: A federal workers’ compensation doctor understands the unique requirements of the federal workers’ compensation system. They can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Experience in Treating Work-Related Injuries: Federal workers’ compensation doctors have experience in treating work-related injuries and illnesses. They understand the physical demands of federal jobs and can provide effective treatment for injuries such as back pain, repetitive strain injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Familiarity with Federal Jobs: Federal workers’ compensation doctors are familiar with the physical demands of federal jobs and can provide specialized care tailored to your job requirements. This can help you return to work as soon as possible and reduce the risk of further injury or illness.

Ability to Communicate with Your Employer: Federal workers’ compensation doctors can communicate with your employer about your condition and work restrictions. This can help ensure that your employer is aware of your limitations and can make any necessary accommodations to help you return to work safely.

Coordination of Care: Federal workers’ compensation doctors can coordinate your care with other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists or occupational therapists. This can help ensure that you receive comprehensive care and achieve the best possible outcome.

In conclusion, working with a federal workers’ compensation doctor can provide many benefits to federal employees who have been injured or become ill on the job. These doctors have specialized knowledge and experience in treating work-related injuries and can help you navigate the federal workers’ compensation system to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

If you are looking for a federal workers’ compensation doctor call us today at (312) 440-9646 to speak to an OWCP expert about your care.

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November 02, 2024 at 12:01AM

Choosing the Right Doctors Who Specialize in DOL Federal Workers Comp: Factors to Consider for Injured Federal Employees

https://www.pphcc.com/choosing-the-right-doctors-who-specialize-in-dol-federal-workers-comp-factors-to-consider-for-injured-federal-employees/

When federal employees sustain work-related injuries or illnesses, it is essential to seek proper medical treatment to aid in their recovery. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) oversees the medical care of injured federal employees and provides them with a list of approved doctors.

However, choosing the right doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines is a critical decision that can significantly impact the quality of care and the overall outcome of your recovery.

Experience and Expertise

One of the primary factors to consider when choosing a doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines, is their experience and expertise. Look for physicians who have a background in treating work-related injuries and are familiar with the unique challenges faced by federal employees. Doctors who specialize in occupational medicine or have extensive knowledge of workers’ compensation laws can provide valuable insights and tailored treatment plans specific to your needs.

An experienced Doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines will understand the intricacies of the claims process and ensure that your medical documentation accurately supports your case.

Accessibility and Convenience

When selecting a doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines, it’s important to consider their accessibility and the convenience of their location. Look for doctors who are located near your home or workplace, making it easier for you to attend appointments and receive ongoing care.

Additionally, consider the doctor’s availability and appointment scheduling process. A doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines, who offers flexible appointment times and promptly responds to inquiries can help ensure that you receive timely medical attention and avoid delays in your recovery.

Communication and Bedside Manner

Effective communication is crucial when working with a doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines. Look for a physician who actively listens to your concerns, explains the diagnosis and treatment options in a clear and understandable manner, and addresses any questions you may have.

A doctor with good bedside manner can help alleviate anxiety and build a trusting relationship, which is essential for your overall well-being and the success of your treatment plan. Feeling comfortable and understood during your medical appointments can positively impact your recovery journey.

Collaboration with OWCP and Claims Process

A doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines should be well-versed in the workers’ compensation system and be willing to collaborate with the OWCP and claims examiners. They should provide accurate and timely medical reports, complete necessary paperwork, and communicate any updates or changes in your condition to the OWCP.

A doctor who understands the importance of thorough documentation and can effectively navigate the claims process can help ensure that your medical needs are appropriately addressed and that your case progresses smoothly.

Recommendations and Referrals

Seeking recommendations and referrals from trusted sources can be beneficial when choosing a doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines. Speak to colleagues or friends who have gone through a similar experience and ask for their recommendations.

Additionally, consider reaching out to federal employee unions or workers’ advocacy groups for suggestions. These sources can provide valuable insights into doctors who have a positive track record in handling OWCP cases and providing exceptional care to injured federal employees.

Selecting the right doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines is a crucial step in the recovery process for injured federal employees.

Considering factors such as experience, accessibility, communication skills, collaboration with the OWCP, and recommendations can help you make an informed decision.

Remember that you have the right to choose a doctor who best suits your needs and can provide the necessary care and support throughout your recovery journey. By carefully selecting a doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines, you can improve the likelihood of receiving appropriate medical treatment and achieving a successful recovery.

If you have any questions, or need advice, we here at Federal Injury Centers are here to help! Call us today at ((312) 440-9646 to speak to one of our team members today!

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October 30, 2024 at 12:01AM

Common Workplace Injuries Among Federal Employees: Prevention and Treatment

https://www.pphcc.com/common-workplace-injuries-among-federal-employees-prevention-and-treatment/

Workplace safety is a paramount concern for all employees, including those in the federal sector. Federal employees perform a wide range of duties, and their workplaces can vary from office settings to more physically demanding environments.

Regardless of the nature of their work, federal employees are susceptible to workplace injuries.

Common Workplace Injuries Among Federal Employees

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace injuries across all industries. In federal workplaces, this can happen in office spaces, warehouses, or outdoor areas. Wet floors, cluttered walkways, and uneven surfaces contribute to these accidents.

Musculoskeletal Injuries: Federal employees, especially those in physically demanding roles like law enforcement or construction, may experience musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries can include strains, sprains, and even more severe conditions like herniated discs.

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Jobs that involve repetitive motions, such as data entry or assembly line work, can lead to RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Federal employees who spend long hours working at computers are particularly at risk.

Falls from Heights: Some federal employees work in settings where they are required to perform tasks at heights, such as maintenance workers or those in construction. Falls from heights can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Vehicle Accidents: Federal employees who drive as part of their job, such as postal workers or law enforcement officers, are at risk of vehicle accidents. These accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Certain federal employees, such as those in laboratories or healthcare facilities, may be exposed to hazardous substances that can cause chemical burns, respiratory issues, or other health problems.

Stress-Related Injuries: The demands of some federal jobs can lead to stress-related injuries, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. These injuries can have long-term effects on an employee’s mental and emotional well-being.

Prevention of Workplace Injuries Among Federal Employees

Preventing workplace injuries is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of federal employees. Here are some strategies for injury prevention:

Safety Training: Provide comprehensive safety training to federal employees, including proper lifting techniques, ergonomics, and hazard recognition. Ensure that employees understand safety protocols and procedures specific to their roles.

Safety Equipment: Ensure that federal employees have access to and use appropriate safety equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), safety harnesses, and fall protection gear.

Ergonomic Assessments: Conduct ergonomic assessments in office settings to identify and address issues like improper workstation setup or repetitive motion risks. Make necessary adjustments to reduce the risk of RSIs.

Fall Prevention Measures: Implement fall prevention measures, such as guardrails, safety nets, and proper signage, for federal employees who work at heights. Ensure that employees are adequately trained for working in elevated areas.

Vehicle Safety: Enforce safe driving practices and provide defensive driving courses for federal employees who operate vehicles as part of their duties. Regularly inspect and maintain vehicles to prevent accidents caused by mechanical issues.

Hazardous Substance Handling: Provide training and resources for federal employees who work with hazardous substances. Ensure that they have access to appropriate personal protective gear and follow safety protocols when handling these materials.

Stress Management Programs: Recognize the importance of mental health and well-being in the workplace. Implement stress management programs, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and initiatives that promote work-life balance and stress reduction.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

In the unfortunate event of a workplace injury, prompt treatment and rehabilitation are crucial for the affected federal employees. Here are some steps to follow:

Immediate Medical Care: Ensure that injured employees receive immediate medical attention. This may involve calling emergency services or transporting the injured individual to a medical facility, depending on the severity of the injury.

Workers’ Compensation: Federal employees are typically covered by workers’ compensation programs. These programs provide financial support for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages resulting from workplace injuries.

Rehabilitation Services: Encourage injured employees to undergo rehabilitation services to aid their recovery. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling may be necessary, depending on the type of injury.

Return-to-Work Plans: Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop return-to-work plans for injured employees. These plans should outline any necessary accommodations or modifications to their work duties to facilitate a safe return to their jobs.

Follow-Up Care: Ensure that injured employees receive follow-up care and regular assessments to monitor their progress. This helps track their recovery and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plans.

Supportive Workplace: Create a supportive and accommodating workplace environment for injured employees returning to work. This may include ergonomic adjustments, reduced workload, or modified duties to prevent further injury.

Mental Health Support: Recognize the importance of mental health support for employees dealing with stress-related injuries. Provide access to counseling and resources to help them manage stress and maintain their well-being.

Workplace safety and the prevention of injuries are vital concerns for federal employees across various sectors. Prioritizing workplace safety not only protects the well-being of federal employees but also contributes to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.

To learn more about workplace safety for federal employees call federal Injury Centers today at (312) 440-9646 OWCP to speak with an OWCP expert.

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November 02, 2024 at 12:01AM

Common Reasons OWCP Claims Are Denied and How to Avoid Them

https://www.pphcc.com/common-reasons-owcp-claims-are-denied-and-how-to-avoid-them/

Federal employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses are entitled to benefits through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). However, navigating the claims process can be complex, and many claimants find their claims denied for various reasons.

Understanding the common reasons for OWCP claim denials and how to avoid them is crucial for ensuring that injured federal workers receive the benefits they deserve.

Here are some of the most frequent reasons OWCP claims are denied and provide tips on how to prevent these denials.

Failure to Report the Injury Promptly

One of the most common reasons for OWCP claim denials is the failure to report the injury or illness promptly. Federal employees must report work-related injuries or illnesses to their supervisor or employer as soon as possible after they occur. Failure to report the injury promptly can raise questions about the validity of the claim and may result in denial. To avoid this, injured workers should report injuries immediately and ensure that a formal report is filed with their employer as soon as possible.

Lack of Adequate Medical Documentation

Another frequent reason for OWCP claim denials is the lack of adequate medical documentation to support the claim. OWCP requires detailed medical evidence, including medical reports, diagnostic test results, treatment records, and physician statements, to substantiate the claim. If the medical documentation is incomplete, insufficient, or inconsistent, the claim may be denied. To prevent this, injured workers should seek prompt medical treatment, follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations, and ensure that all medical records are submitted with the claim.

Pre-Existing Conditions

OWCP may deny a claim if the injury or illness is deemed to be a pre-existing condition unrelated to work-related activities. In such cases, the burden of proof is on the claimant to demonstrate that the injury or illness was caused or aggravated by work-related factors. To avoid denial on these grounds, injured workers should provide detailed information about how the injury or illness occurred and any work-related factors that may have contributed to it. Additionally, they should ensure that their medical records clearly establish the connection between the work activities and the injury or illness.

Missed Deadlines or Procedural Errors

OWCP has strict deadlines and procedural requirements that must be followed when filing a claim. Failure to meet these deadlines or adhere to the prescribed procedures can result in claim denial. Common procedural errors include submitting incomplete forms, missing deadlines for filing claims or appeals, and failing to provide requested documentation or information. To avoid these pitfalls, injured workers should familiarize themselves with the OWCP claims process, adhere to all deadlines, and ensure that all required forms and documentation are submitted accurately and on time.

Disputes Over Causation or Eligibility

OWCP may deny a claim if there is a dispute over whether the injury or illness is work-related or if the claimant is eligible for benefits. This often occurs in cases where the employer or OWCP questions the validity of the claim or alleges that the injury or illness is not related to work activities. To avoid denial on these grounds, injured workers should provide detailed and consistent information about the circumstances surrounding the injury or illness and any work-related factors that may have contributed to it. It may also be helpful to enlist the assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to navigate any disputes or challenges to the claim.

Failure to Follow Treatment Plans or Return-to-Work Orders

OWCP may deny a claim if the claimant fails to follow prescribed treatment plans or return-to-work orders. Failure to comply with medical treatment recommendations or return-to-work restrictions can raise doubts about the severity or legitimacy of the injury or illness and may result in claim denial. To prevent this, injured workers should follow their healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations, attend all scheduled appointments, and adhere to any work restrictions or accommodations prescribed by their physician. Compliance with treatment plans and return-to-work orders demonstrates a commitment to recovery and can strengthen the validity of the claim.

Navigating the OWCP claims process can be challenging, and many claims are denied for various reasons. By understanding the common reasons for OWCP claim denials and taking proactive steps to prevent them, injured federal workers can increase their chances of obtaining the benefits they deserve.

Prompt reporting of injuries, thorough documentation of medical evidence, adherence to procedural requirements, and compliance with treatment plans are essential factors in ensuring a successful OWCP claim.

At Federal Injury Centers of Chicago, we are committed to helping injured federal workers navigate the claims process and obtain the benefits they need to recover and return to work.

If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t let a claim denial stand in your way – contact us today at (312) 440-9646 for assistance with your OWCP claim.

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November 03, 2024 at 12:01AM

Injured Federal Workers: DO NOT PAY FOR OWCP CLAIMS ASSISTANCE!

https://www.pphcc.com/injured-federal-workers-do-not-pay-for-owcp-claims-assistance/

We recently met a group, whose name I won’t mention here, that charges federal employees a fee for handling their OWCP workers comp case. They have fees for assisting in filling out CA1 or CA2 forms. They charge to assist in report writing so that OWCP injury claims are accepted by claims examiners. They charge to fill out CA7’s, OWCP 915’S, and OWCP 957’s so injured federal employees can be paid and reimbursed for expenses.

I understand that the federal workers comp system is complicated. There are a lot of forms to fill out. Because there are so few good, qualified doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines around the country, it’s easy to see why federal employees need help with report writing to prove that their injuries are work related. But whole companies exist that CHARGE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES for this assistance.

OUR DOCTORS DO ALL OF THIS FOR FREE

Free claims assistance. That’s exactly what that means.

We won’t charge you for assistance with your CA1’s and CA2’s.

We won’t charge you for assistance with your CA7’s, OWCP 915’s, and OWCP 957’s so you can get paid.

And report writing? That’s what we do! We don’t charge you extra to be good at what we do.

So, don’t pay someone else to do what we do as a normal course of business FOR FREE.

No federal worker should ever be charged for claims management, claims assistance, or any other form of assistance. If you or a coworker was injured working in a federal job, call Federal Injury Centers. We have offices in Texas and Massachusetts. We will work to get your OWCP federal workers comp case open – no additional fees required.

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October 16, 2024 at 12:03AM

OWCP Federal Workers Comp Doctor Boston, MA

https://www.pphcc.com/owcp-federal-workers-comp-doctor-boston-ma/

Federal Injury Centers can help injured federal employees from the USPS, VA, TSA, and all other federal agencies, when you live or work near Boston. Specifically, we help injured federal workers with their OWCP work injury cases in Quincy and Worcester, MA (and Norwood coming soon).

The Boston area has suffered a shortage of good, qualified, doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines until now. The Quincy and Worcester OWCP work injury offices are ready to help you.

With doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines and chiropractors, we are ready to help you with any work injury you have experienced. So, give us a call today if you were hurt at work for the federal government in the Boston, Quincy, and Worcester, MA areas.

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October 21, 2024 at 12:04AM

McKinney, Allen, Plano, TX Doctors Who Treat OWCP Federal Workers Comp Injuries According to Federal Guidelines

https://www.pphcc.com/mckinney-allen-plano-tx-doctors-who-treat-owcp-federal-workers-comp-injuries-according-to-federal-guidelines/

Thousands of federal employees work or live in McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and Plano, TX, but until recently haven’t had choices of good, qualified doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines in their area. Most doctors who attempt to treat DOL/OWCP workers comp injuries are South and North of the DFW metroplex, making a trip to the doctor for a federal workers comp claim inconvenient (as if the work injury itself weren’t inconvenient enough).

Federal Injury Centers has opened highly-trained OWCP workers comp programs in areas where people in McKinney, Allen, Plano, and the rest of Collin County have more convenient options when they are inevitably hurt while working for a federal agency such as the postal service (USPS), VA, TSA, FEMA, Homeland Security, and the other federal agencies in and around the Collin County area.

Prior to the opening of these new, more-convenient DOL/OWCP work injury options, injured federal employees in McKinney, Allen, and Plano had to choose between driving a far distance or settling for a primary care doctor or urgent care center in Collin County. While most of these doctors are no doubt good doctors, they are not OWCP experts, and this causes a huge problem for injured federal employees who need to get their OWCP work injury claims accepted.

Not getting OWCP injury claims accepted means federal employees not gaining access to their valuable and earned federal workers compensation benefits. So, Federal Injury Centers has opened OWCP/DOL workers comp programs in McKinney (also serving Allen, Plano and the rest of Collin County), Frisco (serving the 121 Corridor and its surrounding areas), and South-East Dallas (conveniently located on Central Expressway). The addresses for offices located conveniently near you can be found here on our website.

Gaining access to qualified doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines in and around Collin County should no longer be a problem for federal employees living and working in McKinney, Allen, and Plano, TX. Federal Injury Centers is here to help you get your OWCP workers compensation injury claim accepted so you can focus on getting better and back to making this country go. Our federal employees make this country go. When they break, we have to fix them. FIC has offices ready to help you in Collin County.

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October 19, 2024 at 12:03AM

McKinney, TX Doctors Who Treat OWCP Federal Workers Comp Injuries According to Federal Guidelines

https://www.pphcc.com/mckinney-tx-doctors-who-treat-owcp-federal-workers-comp-injuries-according-to-federal-guidelines/

McKinney, TX has Doctors who treat OWCP federal workers comp injuries according to federal guidelines, who will get your federal work injury claim accepted

Collin County, home to McKinney, Allen, Plano, Frisco, and the surrounding towns has approximately 18,000 federal employees. In this group of federal workers, is Rural Letter Carriers, City Letter Carriers, Mail Clerks, Mail Handlers, VA Nurses and other VA employees, TSA agents, and employees from Social Security, FBI, ICE, IRS, along with a number of employees from various other federal agencies. All of these federal workers need a good, willing, and trained doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines when they get hurt on the job.

Nationwide, the biggest problem associated with federal workers compensation, is the shortage of qualified and willing OWCP-trained physicians. Plenty of doctors CLAIM to treat federal workers comp. However, the sad reality is that most of them have no clue how to get an OWCP injury claim approved by the Department of Labor, which forces injured federal employees to have to go out-of-pocket to pay for needed treatment.

When federal employees are hurt at work, the doctor must get their OWCP injury claim approved by DOL. This is job #1, followed closely by doing what it takes to get the injured person better and back to work at full capacity. In McKinney, Allen, Plano, Frisco, and the surrounding areas, this can be a serious problem, but Federal Injury Centers gets OWCP work injury claims accepted.

Federal Injury Centers in McKinney, TX Gets OWCP Work Injury Claims Approved

As of the writing of this article, we have a 100% claims acceptance rate. Finally! Injured Federal Employees in Collin County can get help for an OWCP injury claim with the comfort of knowing their doctor can do the job they need them to do. We’ll get your injury claims accepted and we’ll help you get better.

Another unique quality of Federal Injury Centers is that all treatment is done by licensed doctors and physical therapists after the evaluation and narrative report showing causation, which is done by our incredible medical doctor. We’re committed to helping injured federal employees with all aspects of their OWCP federal workers comp injuries.

Finally, the nationwide OWCP claims acceptance rate is about 3% of all federal employees. That means that just 3% of all federal employees actually get their work injury claims covered by the Department of Labor. Every other injured person is forced to use their own personal health insurance and their personal sick and vacation time. 3%.

The National Average is 3%. Federal Injury Centers Has Gotten 100% of OWCP Injury Claims Accepted (So Far)

So, if you’re a federal employee who was hurt with an OWCP / DOL workers comp injury in or around McKinney, Allen, Frisco, or Plano, TX, the decision of which doctor to trust to get your claim approved and get you better and back to work is easy. Federal Injury Centers gets legitimate OWCP injury claims accepted – period. Don’t suffer a denied claim after suffering a federal workers comp injury. Give us a call today. We can help you.

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September 29, 2024 at 12:03AM

Don’t Search ACS for Doctors Who Specialize in DOL Federal Workers Comp According to Federal Guidelines

https://www.pphcc.com/dont-search-acs-for-doctors-who-specialize-in-dol-federal-workers-comp-according-to-federal-guidelines/

Contact Federal Injury Centers in Denton, Frisco, McKinney, and Dallas, TX instead of attempting to search ACS for a Doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines.

Time after time, we hear injured federal employees complain that they were told to search ACS to find an doctor near them after they were hurt on the job. ACS FRUSTRATES EVERYONE. It’s frustrating for a couple of reasons.

Searching Google for “ACS” brings up at least a dozen search results that have nothing to do with federal workers comp. I just did that and here’s what I found on the first 2 pages of Google:

A financial lender (not OWCP)

American Chemical Society (not OWCP)

The Census (not OWCP)

American Cancer Society (not OWCP)

American College of Surgeons (not OWCP)

Hearing Protection Devices (not OWCP)

An Athletic Website (not OWCP)

An Education Site (not OWCP)

American Constitution Society (not OWCP)

An IT Company (not OWCP)

Hubble Telescope (not OWCP)

The FAA (not OWCP)

Searching ACS resulted in exactly ZERO search results from a site listing FIC Trained Federal Work Injury Doctors.

If you’re able to successfully search for ACS, you have to select from 3 programs, of which nearly nobody knows which to select. If they get past this section, they have to select a series of boxes, some of which require the user to have some healthcare knowledge. And IF they get past all of this, the list of doctors is usually very long, and when you call those doctors, MOST OF THEM DON’T ACCEPT OWCP.

Federal Employees constantly complain that searching ACS results in multiple doctors saying they don’t accept OWCP

We’re trying to make it easier for injured federal employees to find good, trained, willing, qualified doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines. We travel all over the country educating federal employees on their rights and responsibilities in the event they are injured on the job. The trouble we find in many areas is when people in leadership positions know about these willing and qualified doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelinesin their areas, but they STILL TELL PEOPLE TO SEARCH ACS.

ACS is frustrating

So, if you’re reading this and you were told to go to ACS instead of being told about the good, qualified, trained, and willing doctors in your area, hopefully your search resulted in you finding this website. We want to help all federal employees when they get injured at work. The first way we can help you is to make your search for willing doctors in Denton, Frisco, McKinney, and Dallas, TX a little easier.

Please – don’t get frustrated with the ACS website when you need a Doctor who treats OWCP federal workers comp injuries according to federal guidelines, call us here. We can help you.

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September 30, 2024 at 12:02AM

Statistical Data of Texas USPS Employees

https://www.pphcc.com/statistical-data-of-texas-usps-employees/

According to the website Governing.com, Texas employees 1.5 postal workers per 1000 residents. 26 other states have a higher number ranging from 2.0 – 2.6 postal workers per 1000 residents, and only a small handful of states have the same or fewer than Texas, but for this article, we’re just going to focus on Texas and the 26 states higher than 2.0.

Fact: Texas has 268,597 square miles. The other 26 states (including Alaska) average just 71,113 square miles. This means that Texas postal employees have to cover 3.77 more square miles than those other states that have more postal employees per 1000.

Fact: Texas has 0.15 postal employees per square mile. The other 26 states have an average of 0.54. This means that Texas has 3.6 times fewer postal employees per square mile than the other 26 states.

Fact: Texas postal employees cover 3.7 times more square miles with 3.6 times fewer employees than the other 26 states.

So, in case you haven’t heard this before, Texas is kind of big. You can drive 18 hours and still be in Texas.

Postal employees in Texas have to cover a lot of ground to do their jobs. One lady who is a letter carrier in Richardson, TX told me that she walked 23 miles in a single day. That’s 3 miles short of a marathon. And as if covering that kind of ground isn’t enough, these folks are lifting and carrying around bags and packages weighing up to 70 pounds (or more) all day long. In the summer time, it’s miserable. The average temperature in a Texas summer is between 90 and 100+ degrees every day. So, add heat exhaustion to heavy lifting and long distance walking of over 3 times more square miles than the other 26 states.

Another point: the employee per square mile data almost certainly takes into account the fact that there is so much open and relatively unpopulated land in Texas. A person can drive hundreds of miles and never see anything but cattle and open fields. Since most cows don’t get a lot of mail, there’s not much reason to have postal employees in those areas. So, let’s take Denton and Collin counties. These counties have a combined 1839 square miles. In this area, based on published data, there should be about 2500 postal employees, which comes to about 1.3 postal employees per square mile. Now that’s more like it. The Mail Carriers in Denton and Collin Counties are mostly rural route carriers. Rural carriers have a very hard job, just like city carriers and there are plenty of those letter carriers in Denton and Collin Counties as well. But let’s not leave out the other groups: Mail Handlers – hard job. Clerks – hard job. These Denton county and Collin county postal employees are busting it every day to make sure the rest of us get our mail. And they’re getting hurt at alarming rates.

In 2016, the US Postal Service had an injury and illness rate of just over 7%, which really couldn’t be farther from the truth. Why? Because that data doesn’t include DENIED CASES. Postal employees are being hurt at work and going to doctors who don’t have the slightest clue or desire to do the work that it takes to get an OWCP injury claim accepted. So the cases are getting denied at a staggering pace, causing postal employees to lose time and money along the way. Based on that 7% number, 178 Denton and Collin county postal employees would have been injured and had their OWCP injury claims accepted in 2016, but based on my experience and all of my interactions with federal employees, especially postal employees, nationwide, that number is much much much higher.

Most rooms that I’m in have more than half the room telling me that they’ve been hurt at work. In some places, it’s at least 80% of the room. NOT 7%. So, that would mean that 1200 or more postal employees would have been injured and either decided not to go through OWCP because it was too difficult, or they went to a doctor who got their OWCP injury claim denied. WE HAVE TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF OUR INJURED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.

United States Postal Service employees in Denton County and Collin County have 3 places they can go to get excellent, expert care for their OWCP federal workers compensation injuries. Doctors who treat OWCP federal workers comp injuries according to federal guidelines with Federal Injury Centers in Denton and Collin Counties are located in Denton, Frisco, and McKinney, TX. Our doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines specialize in getting OWCP injury claims approved by the Department of Labor. We will also help federal employees who have gone to other doctors previously and got their DOL/OWCP injury claims denied.

We can help you with your denied OWCP work injury claims. Postal employees in Texas are covering 3 times more ground with 3 times fewer people for the area. They carry heavy loads and walk long distances in sometimes terribly hot temperatures. Their heavy jobs are causing them to be injured at very high rates, but their OWCP injury claims are being denied at equally high rates. Federal Injury Centers is trying to fix that particular problem in Denton and Collin counties.

If you live or work in Denton, Sanger, Krum, Corinth, Lake Dallas, Lewisville, Little Elm, Flower Mound, Frisco, The Colony, McKinney, Princeton, Allen, Plano, or any of the other surrounding towns in Denton and Collin Counties, please give us a call. We want to help you get the care you deserve. Don’t get your OWCP injury claim denied by going to untrained or uncaring or unwilling doctors. Call us instead. Get help. Get better. Get all of your OWCP work injury benefits in the process.

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October 02, 2024 at 12:05AM

OWCP Injury Claims Accepted in Denton, Frisco, McKinney, Dallas, TX

https://www.pphcc.com/owcp-injury-claims-accepted-in-denton-frisco-mckinney-dallas-tx/

Federal Injury Centers in Denton, Frisco, McKinney, and Dallas, TX SPECIALIZES IN GETTING OWCP INJURY CLAIMS ACCEPTED. We know exactly what DOL needs in order to make a decision of approval for your claims.

When DOL denies OWCP claims because of the work of other untrained doctors, we know how to respond to the denial letter so that the OWCP claim will be ultimately approved. Untrained doctors simply aren’t able to do the sort of detailed work required.

DENIED OWCP injury claims lead to the following LOST BENEFITS:

Having to pay money out of pocket for medical care.

Lost time from having to use sick and vacation time.

Not being able to be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Not being eligible for a schedule award impairment rating.

Once your OWCP injury claim is APPROVED by DOL:

You can be paid back for any money you paid for treatment of your work injury.

You can get all of the sick and vacation time back that you used after you were injured.

You can go back and be reimbursed for mileage related to your work injury.

You can be eligible for a schedule award which is money in your pocket.

You can be paid to go to therapy or get other medical care just like you would at work.

Many doctors don’t want to help federal employees with OWCP. Many doctors value money more than patients. Many doctors think that OWCP is too much trouble. Many doctors cut corners and get injury claims denied. FEDERAL INJURY CENTERS WILL GET YOUR OWCP INJURY CLAIM APPROVED. Federal employees make this country go. When they break we have to fix them. That starts with getting the injury claim accepted. You want yours accepted so you don’t lose your benefits. So, Please call us today and let us help you. Texas offices are located in Denton, Frisco, McKinney, and Dallas.

via Peak Performance https://www.pphcc.com

October 03, 2024 at 12:04AM

10 Horror Stories From Injured Federal Employees Who Needed a Good OWCP-Trained Doctor

https://www.pphcc.com/10-horror-stories-from-injured-federal-employees-who-needed-a-good-owcp-trained-doctor/

Through my interaction with federal employees across the country, I want to share the stories from 10 injured federal employees who were hurt by confusing system after they were hurt at work.

1. A letter carrier broke his ankle while carrying the mail. His supervisor told him it wasn’t broken and to finish out the last half of his shift. The next day, he told his supervisor it was red and swollen and she said, “It’s not broken.” IT WAS BROKEN, but he didn’t get the official medical report until the next day when his union president insisted that he go ahead and get to the doctor. This carrier didn’t realize his rights and responsibilities after he was hurt at work. Simply knowing about the Form CA-10 would have made all the difference.

2. A federal employee was hurt at work and decided to go see his own doctor, as was his right. The supervisor was upset about him choosing his own doctor instead of going to the company doctor first, and she threatened to fire him. He was understandably worried about losing his job until we sent him the law from the DOL web site that says he can choose his own doctor and nobody can prevent him from exercising his right to choose. Needless to say, he wasn’t fired. Nobody was getting fired that day for wanting to go to a doctor he trusted.

3. A federal employee visited another doctor in Denton, TX, and his initial report was buried on a desk for 6 weeks, preventing his OWCP injury claim from even being considered, much less accepted. He was forced to go to another doctor to get help and finally get his injury claim accepted. He had a torn calf muscle that he wasn’t able to get treatment on for 6 WEEKS until he finally found our doctors and was taken care of.

4. A rural carrier was injured in a town nearly 2 hours away from Dallas. The doctor’s office she called said she had to bring in a CA-16 if she was going to be seen at that office. This put her at a serious disadvantage since most supervisors have never heard of this form. She had to drive nearly 2 hours to see our doctor because we see all injured federal employees with or without a CA-16 and with or without an accepted OWCP claim.

5. A supervisor said that a federal employee who was injured lifting a box and falling down, was due to the employee’s “willful misconduct” because that employee was noticeably unstable and unable to walk. That supervisor was trying to prevent an otherwise valid OWCP injury claim from being accepted. The doctor got the case accepted after reporting that the “willful misconduct” was actually due to a supervisor who knowingly put an obviously unstable person in a position to get injured. Case accepted.

6. A letter carrier was injured after his mail truck was hit by another driver, causing serious injury to the carrier – an obvious valid OWCP injury claim. The claim was denied! His previous doctor was completely unable to get such an open-and-shut injury claim accepted. Our doctors are on it now. This case is going to be accepted.

7. Letter carriers in Indianapolis were being forced to drive to MICHIGAN to get help from doctors who were OWCP-trained. I had to ask if Michigan was also a city in Indiana. Having to drive that far was shocking. Not anymore though. There’s a GREAT OWCP-trained doctor in Indy now. Problem solved.

8. Similarly, a carrier was told, by someone that should have known better, that he had to drive 4 hours (8 hours roundtrip) to go to the “nearest” OWCP-trained doctor when she very well knew that a great doctor was trained IN THE CARRIER’S SAME TOWN. Unacceptable.

9. A federal employee was hurt in an obvious work-related accident. All reports were clear. The CA1 form was clear. Every doctor he saw wrote substandard causation reports, including and especially the company doctor. His injury happened several YEARS ago. The claim was never accepted. He paid thousands of dollars out of his own pocket. He’s had his job threatened if he’s unable to physically perform the job, which he can’t. The stress of having to make a living in a heavy job, with severe pain, and under the treat of termination is all due to the fact that he wasn’t able to find a good, qualified, OWCP-trained doctor years ago. Now he has. The doctors that we trained are on it. We’re going to work to get his claim accepted, get his money and time back, and get his life back.

10. A federal employee paid a “case management” group literally thousands of dollars to “manage” his case and help get it accepted. Mission Not Accomplished. His case is still denied. Paying a group for this “service” would seem to lend itself to denials that require more work and thus more payments to handle the appeals after the denials. Maybe I’m wrong about this (doubt it), but every single doctor who we have trained does all of that case management and gets all of those cases accepted WITHOUT CHARGING THE INJURED WORKER. Nobody should ever have to pay for a service that should naturally be a free service from a medical provider.

I can go on. There are 10 more for every 10 I could talk about. Case after case of injured federal employees being hurt by a complicated system after they are hurt by a heavy federal job. The doctors of Federal Injury Centers are solving these problems for injured federal employees. And the doctors outside of our group that we have trained are working with us in that same direction. Federal employees need and deserve better and we’re giving it to you.

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October 03, 2024 at 06:00PM

ACS: Federal Employees Being Told to Search ACS for Doctors Who Specialize in DOL Federal Workers Comp According to Federal Guidelines

https://www.pphcc.com/acs-federal-employees-being-told-to-search-acs-for-doctors-who-specialize-in-dol-federal-workers-comp-according-to-federal-guidelines/

ACS is not a good source for finding willing Doctors who treat OWCP federal workers comp injuries according to federal guidelines. I repeat, it is NOT a good source. Many doctors who are on ACS are not even aware that they’re listed there. Many of them don’t even know what OWCP stands for. In a lot of cases, someone in the doctor’s office was getting the office credentialed on health plans like BCBS, Aetna, and United Healthcare, and they found Department of Labor and said, “hey, what’s this DOL thing?”

But, those doctors aren’t trained in department of labor workers comp. They will never take the time it takes to get trained to help injured federal employees. It’s just too hard. So, when you get hurt, and someone in your union tells you to check ACS, you will get frustrated. You’ll call 6 or 7 doctors and none of them will take OWCP. Why? Because they think it’s bad like state workers comp or they think it must be Medicare because it’s federal.

For you, it’s just one more hassle that started when you got hurt. You didn’t wake up that morning thinking, “hey, I think I’ll get hurt today so I can deal with endless battles and frustrations with my employer and with this complicated federal workers comp system.” And you go to someone that you trust for good advice and they tell you to check ACS?

ACS is not your solution. It’s nobody’s solution. ACS will just frustrate you. Don’t believe me? Check. Google “DOL ACS”. Click the first link on Google and see what happens. Prepare yourself for unamazement. You will be underwhelmed by how helpful it is. When you’re finished with ACS, you will be finished with OWCP. You’ll throw your hands up and say, “forget it”. You’ll work with pain because the pain of finding a doctor who will actually help you will be even more painful.

So, don’t go to ACS. DO NOT CHECK ACS. ACS will not help you. ACS is not your solution. ACS is that website you go to when you’re in the mood to throw your laptop across the room. It’s the website you go to when banging your head on the wall has gotten too painful. If you love a good migraine, go to ACS.

But in all seriousness, ACS is the website of choice for anyone responsible for telling you where to go when you’re hurt at work, but who is too scared to make an actual good recommendation that will actually help you. The people you trust to help you when you’re hurt should NEVER recommend ACS when they very well know of good doctors who can help you. Don’t accept ACS as a recommendation when you’re hurt at work. Expect more. ACS is not your solution.

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September 24, 2024 at 07:48PM

OWCP CA-2 Injuries: USPS Letter Carriers, Is Your Job Getting Easier Tomorrow?

https://www.pphcc.com/owcp-ca-2-injuries-usps-letter-carriers-is-your-job-getting-easier-tomorrow/

Letter Carriers for the United States Postal Service can best be described as FEDERAL ATHLETES.

Your job description describes physical activities that over time must lead to bodies breaking down. The key term there is “over time”. This is exactly why the Department of Labor allows for federal employees to get treatment for conditions that result from hard word done over a long period of time. These conditions are reported using the OWCP form CA-2, “Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation”.

The CA-2 is used for reporting injuries and illnesses that develop over 2 or more work shifts. 2 or more. I know letter carriers (and other federal employees from other agencies and within the postal service) who spend entire careers delivering the mail. 2 or more shifts? Try 20 or 30 years or more. The average American probably doesn’t understand what a USPS letter carrier is required to do in a typical work shift. Let’s take a look at some of it here.

A letter carrier is required to work an 8 hour shift, but if asked by the supervisor to work overtime, is required to work up to 4 more hours (for a total of 12). Letter carriers are required to carry a satchel around their back or over their shoulder that weighs up to 35 pounds. All carriers are required to load and deliver packages weighing up to 70 pounds. (Side note: go to a gym today and lift a 50 pound dumbbell and imagine doing that throughout your day, every day. Then add 20 pounds.) When delivering mail, carriers must bend down or stretch over obstacles to place the mail in a box while the 35 pound satchel is on their back or shoulder. And this is done in all weather conditions: extreme heat, pouring rain, freezing ice or snow, which creates a hazard of slips and falls, and carriers are constantly twisting and turning in the vehicle to deliver the mail.

Extreme physical stress is constantly placed on the letter carrier’s back, neck, shoulders, and knees by walking five to eight miles or more a day over all kinds of terrain and in all weather conditions. I talked to a carrier in Dallas, TX who said she walked 23 miles that day. That’s 3 miles short of a marathon.

In extremely hot places like Dallas, TX, carriers are required to do their jobs in 100+ degree temperatures causing heat exhaustion, which can dehydrate and break down muscles. In cold weather places like Boston, MA, carriers are required to do their jobs in frigid temperatures with snow and ice that cause carriers to slip and fall and hurt knees, ankles, backs, and shoulders in the process. I can remember an icy day in Denton, TX where the only vehicles on the roads were mail trucks. Rain, sleet, or snow, the mail gets delivered.

So, does anyone think you’re job is going to get easier tomorrow? Next week? Next month? NO. And too many letter carriers are making the decision to not go through the difficult and complicated OWCP process and just suffer with injuries and struggle through daily work activities. Let me tell you something: just “sucking it up” actually makes your job HARDER. Lift that 70 pound tray with back pain. Step up and down from your mail truck with knee pain. Put that satchel back over your painful shoulder. Limp your way through tomorrow’s 10-mile route.

Your injuries are making your jobs harder and the federal government has given you a way to make it better. FILL OUT YOUR CA-2 FORMS AND TURN THEM IN TO YOUR SUPERVISOR TODAY. This allows you to get your painful condition accepted by OWCP and get treatment while you continue doing your job. THIS MAKES YOUR JOB EASIER. DOL doesn’t want you to suffer with painful conditions. On the CA-10, “What a Federal Employee Should Do When Injured at Work,” DOL mandates that you report your conditions IMMEDIATELY and fill out your CA-2 form with your supervisor. So, do it. Don’t suffer through it.

The CA-2 form exists so that federal employees, such as the USPS letter carrier, can get help for painful conditions and continue to work. America needs its mail delivered, but it doesn’t need it’s letter carriers to break down in the process.

YOUR JOB IS NOT GETTING EASIER TOMORROW. SO GET HELP TODAY. Report your condition to your supervisor. Fill out your CA-2 form. Call the Doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines at Federal Injury Centers in Denton, Frisco, McKinney, and Dallas, TX, or contact the doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines in your area. If you can’t find one, contact us here and we’ll try to help guide you to a doctor who understands and is willing to help you with your OWCP CA-2 injury claim.

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September 22, 2024 at 12:04AM

ACS for Doctors Who Treat OWCP Federal Workers Comp Injuries According to Federal Guidelines in McKinney, TX

https://www.pphcc.com/acs-for-doctors-who-treat-owcp-federal-workers-comp-injuries-according-to-federal-guidelines-in-mckinney-tx/

Injured Federal Employees are being told to search ACS to find a doctor who can help them with their OWCP / DOL federal workers comp injury.

Every time I talk to anyone who was told to check ACS, they tell me what a frustrating task that was. If you ever get to the page that actually shows the doctors who claim to accept OWCP, you have to call several of them on the list to eventually find out that some of them don’t know what OWCP is, and most of the rest of them aren’t willing to take new patients with OWCP. Many injured federal employees report calling 6 or more doctors and getting rejected each time.

So, why are federal employees told to check ACS in the first place? Well, it’s easier for whoever the injured person is talking to. Telling people to go to ACS is technically correct, but it’s the wrong thing to do if you’re in a position to make recommendations for good, quality work injury doctors, and telling people to check ACS is easy, although incorrect.

Another reason people in leadership positions defer to ACS is because they are scared to make referrals to doctors who actually are willing and trained in OWCP. These people are scared of making bad decisions, so they defer to ACS, which is a bad decision in and of itself.

Some people are fearful of being associated with “bad” doctors who get themselves in trouble with the federal government. We certainly understand that. This is a sad reality for too many federal employees. Federal employees feel like they have to look over their shoulders when they go to certain “bad” doctors. We hate this and our patients never have these worries. And by the way, these “bad” doctors are listed on ACS as well, but once you go to them, it’s too late. You’re there already.

ACS has some good, willing, trained doctors listed. They’re just hard to find because you have to call so many of them to find the good ones. Federal Injury Centers doctors are listed there. We just don’t want you to go there to find us. It’s too much trouble and federal employees have enough hassles to deal with when they’re hurt at work. You don’t need this hassle too.

So, one of our offices is in McKinney, TX, which is located in Collin County, Texas. Some towns that surround McKinney are Allen, Plano, Frisco, Princeton, Rockwall, Melissa, Celina, Dallas, along with several other smaller towns. We are here to help you when you’re injured working for a federal agency like the United States Postal Service (USPS), VA, TSA, FBI, ICE, SSA, and other federal agencies. Don’t search ACS when you need a doctors who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines. Call Federal Injury Centers instead. We will get your valid OWCP injury claims accepted and we’ll help you get better and back to work helping this country go.

Federal Injury Centers is with you. Give us a call.

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September 24, 2024 at 12:00AM

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) OWCP Work Injuries

https://www.pphcc.com/department-of-veterans-affairs-va-owcp-work-injuries/

In 2016, 2.39% of VA employees had OWCP injury claims that were accepted. This accepted OWCP claims rate is lower than the average of all federal agencies (3.19%), and this is due to a number of factors that we will discuss here.

VA employees have a wide range of duties that potentially could lead to work injuries. Nurses have to lift patients. Maintenance staff climb ladders and lift heavy equipment. Janitorial staff could slip on wet floors. Administration staff lift heavy boxes of paper along with a variety of other heavy items. Of course, these are just examples. Lots of other situations could lead to injuries.

So, when VA workers suffer work-related injuries, they have some obstacles that other federal employees rarely have to deal with. First, the VA is a medical agency: hospitals and outpatient facilities. There is a false belief that injured VA employees are required to go to VA doctors when they’re hurt at work. This is simply not true. An excerpt of the law from OWCP says the following:

Agency personnel may not interfere with the employee’s right to choose a physician, nor may they require an employee who claims an injury to go to a physician who is employed by or under contract to the agency before going to the physician of the employee’s choice.

In other words, VA employees can not be forced to go to VA doctors when they suffer OWCP work injuries. Don’t get me wrong – VA doctors are world-class physicians. They are some of the very best doctors in the world. They just aren’t specifically trained in OWCP. Without this specific training, OWCP injury claims get denied.

Another problem VA employees deal with is simply not knowing what to do when they are hurt on the job. DOL has a great document called a CA-10: What a Federal Employee Should Do When Injured at Work. VA employees need to be familiar with this document. It’s so important.

To summarize, here’s what it says:

Report your injury immediately to your supervisor.

Tell your supervisor to give you a CA-16 to authorize medical care. This step also says you can choose your own doctor.

File a CA-1 or CA-2 when reporting your injury. This must be filled out by the injured employee and the supervisor.

Obtain a receipt from your supervisor for the filing or your CA-1 or CA-2.

Elect to use sick or annual time or elect Continuation of Pay (COP) in case you have to be off work when you’re unable to work full duty.

The next problem is one that all federal employees deal with, and that is not being able to find a willing and trained doctor who understands and accepts OWCP. The nation’s biggest problem with respect to OWCP federal workers compensation is a massive shortage of willing, trained doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines. When you can’t find doctors who understand OWCP, injury claims are denied – period. When OWCP injury claims are denied, they’re not counted in the annual injury statistics.

The final problem we’ll discuss here is that many federal employees fear being fired if they report an OWCP work injury. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE FIRED FOR REPORTING AN INJURY. Look back at step 1 from the CA-10 above. Federal employees are REQUIRED to report work injuries. Those 5 steps above ARE THE LAW. Supervisors can’t fire you for following the law. Some supervisors aren’t well trained in OWCP and may not understand your rights or their responsibilities. The CA-10 helps with that.

We actually had a supervisor who threatened a federal employee that he was going to be fired. Of course that never happened. We showed him the LAW. That employee still has their job. We’ve talked with lots of federal employees who have had careers of 20 years, 30 years and more. We asked them how many people they ever saw get fired for filing an OWCP federal work injury. Every single person answered “nobody”. In all of their years on the job, these career federal employees couldn’t think of a single person who was fired for filing a work injury. If just doesn’t happen.

2.39% is the percentage of VA employees who have ACCEPTED OWCP INJURY CASES. Denied cases are not counted. The real shame of it all is that VA employees have such an important job helping our nation’s veterans. While they’re helping veterans, who’s helping them? If we don’t take care of our VA personnel, who’s going to help veterans? Federal employees make this country go. When they break we have to fix them. We have to get their OWCP injury claims accepted so they can get better without paying money from their own pocket and without using their own sick and vacation time. When we can get their OWCP claims accepted, they can get all of the treatment needed so they can get back to work without re-injury.

Federal Injury Centers and the doctors around the country that are associated with FIC know how to get OWCP injury claims accepted. While VA employees have a 2.39% accepted claims rate nationwide, Federal Injury Centers patients have a 100% OWCP claims acceptance rate. We’re committed to helping our injured VA employees so they can get back to work helping our nation’s sick and injured veterans.

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September 19, 2024 at 12:01AM

Doctors Who Specialize in DOL Federal Workers Comp According to Federal Guidelines in Alabama

https://www.pphcc.com/doctors-who-specialize-in-dol-federal-workers-comp-according-to-federal-guidelines-in-alabama/

Montgomery, Alabama has a Doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines. Dr. John Porter, DO has been trained in OWCP. His expert causation reports get OWCP injury claims accepted. Prior to Dr. Porter, Montgomery had no doctors who understood OWCP and who could get OWCP work comp claims approved by the Department of Labor.

Nationwide, only 3% of all federal employees have OWCP work injury claims that are approved by DOL. We are changing that. Federal Injury Centers has a claims acceptance rate of greater than 97%. If you’re injured working for a federal agency in Montgomery, Alabama call Federal Injury Centers for expert OWCP assistance. We help all agencies and assist all federal unions with federal OWCP injury claims. Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Rural Carriers, Clerks, VA Employees with AFGE, TSA employees, and all other federal employees with federal unions: we want to help you. NO MORE DENIED OWCP INJURY CLAIMS.

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September 16, 2024 at 12:02AM

Montgomery, Alabama Doctors Who Specialize in DOL Federal Workers Comp According to Federal Guidelines

https://www.pphcc.com/montgomery-alabama-doctors-who-specialize-in-dol-federal-workers-comp-according-to-federal-guidelines/

Montgomery, Alabama finally has a doctor who understands OWCP and can get OWCP workers comp injury claims accepted. Over the past 12 months, we’ve gotten so many calls from federal employees in Alabama that we decided to go to Alabama and help out.

Federal Injury Centers of Montgomery is up and running to help injured federal employees with OWCP. So far, we’ve talked to people with the NRLCA, NALC, APWU, NPMHU, and AFGE. VA employees in Montgomery need help with OWCP as do letter carriers, clerks, and mail handlers for the USPS. Until now, these federal employees have not had a doctor who can get OWCP injury claims accepted. We’ve been able to help several rural letter carriers in Montgomery and some of them had to drive all the way from Birmingham.

So, we’ll be opening in Birmingham soon. With that said, we’re here in Alabama now and we want to be your doctors who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines. If you are a mail carrier, mail handler, mail clerk, rural carrier, or employee at the VA Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama, we’re here to help you. Call us today if you are ready to get your OWCP work injury claim accepted so you can get the treatment you need to get back to work full duty.

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September 15, 2024 at 12:03AM

Common Pitfalls With Filing OWCP Work Injury Claims and CA2 Injury Claims

https://www.pphcc.com/common-pitfalls-with-filing-owcp-work-injury-claims-and-ca2-injury-claims/

I recently attended a union meeting where I spoke about some common pitfalls associated with filing OWCP claims along with several reasons why folks aren’t filing CA-2 injuries. We love talking to federal employees about OWCP workers comp issues. Teaching you about this complicated system will go along way towards helping more federal employees get their OWCP work injury claims accepted by the Department of Labor.

When it comes to filing a CA-2 injury, the most common mistake is not telling your supervisor you have been experiencing a problem until the very moment you submit your forms or ask to file. If you are experiencing pain, discomfort or have a diagnosed condition that is becoming worse, then you need to say something NOW. If you don’t, they may very well challenge your claim.

So, always remember to communicate these problems with your supervisors, even if you’re not filing an OWCP work injury claim yet. Problems with filing OWCP work injury claims can be avoided by telling your supervisor what’s going on when you first notice a problem. This doesn’t mean that each time your back hurts you need to file a claim, but if you are making management aware you are experiencing an issue, then when it comes time to file, they will be well aware and will now be able to help you, instead of work against you.

Communication about OWCP injuries can make the process easier for you, especially as it relates to CA-2 work injury claims. Federal Injury Centers has doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines in the following locations: Quincy, MA, Norwood, MA, Dallas, TX, Montgomery, AL, and Birmingham, AL and Clearwater, FL are coming soon. So, if you’re in these areas and you’d like us to come speak to your unions to help you better understand the complicated OWCP system, please contact us and let us know.

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September 14, 2024 at 12:01AM

Tragically Low OWCP Claims Acceptance Rates for Federal Employees

https://www.pphcc.com/tragically-low-owcp-claims-acceptance-rates-for-federal-employees/

Over 1 million Federal Employees work for the USPS and the VA, each of which have extremely low OWCP injury claim acceptance rates. We attend meetings every month with rooms full of these federal employees, and when asked for a show of hands as to who is injured or knows someone who is, more than 70% of the room raises their hands.

Look at the picture below taken partially from OSHA.gov’s federal injury and illness statistics. 6.67% of USPS employees and 2.2% of VA employees had accepted OWCP injury claims (in 2017). As you can see, total cases excludes cases that were denied because the person didn’t work for the federal government (so shouldn’t be counted anyways), wasn’t able to prove that an injury actually occurred, couldn’t prove the injury happened while at work, and couldn’t show that the injury was because of work. In other words, BAD DOCTORS’ NARRATIVES ARE CAUSING DENIED CASES.

Why did I say that bad doctors’ narratives are causing denied claims? Because reports should clearly explain these points so the case never gets denied. It’s not enough to fill out and submit your CA1 or CA2 forms. It’s not enough that your supervisors may not dispute your injury. Going to the company doctor and sadly to the VA doctor when you’re injured is almost never good enough. YOU MUST GO TO A DOCTOR WHO IS TRAINED AND COMPETENT IN OWCP.

True Story: I just talked to a lady on the phone who initially chose a doctor who I guarantee will cause her OWCP injury claim to be denied. I never try to get people to leave their doctors. Your doctor is your choice – period. After I explained what was going to almost certainly happen to her, she wanted to go ahead and stick it out. No problem. Call me after Department of Labor has mailed out your denial letter. How can I be so sure the case will be denied? Look again at the picture above: less than 6% of those employees will have an accepted claim. 94% will not until there is a better understanding of what to do and what doctor to go to after an OWCP work injury.

Greater than 97% of Federal Injury Center patients have ACCEPTED OWCP injury claims

We have made it our business to teach federal employees what to do when they’re injured at work. That education is a huge reason the OWCP injury claim acceptance rate will go up in the future. However, while you have the right to choose whatever doctor you want for a federal work injury, the wrong choice will lead to a denied claim. So, choose carefully.

We’re helping to educate injured federal employees all over the country. However, in some places, our doctors can actually help get your OWCP workers comp injury claims accepted so you can get help without paying money out of your own pocket and without using your own sick and vacation time.

If you live in the following areas, we have doctors to help you:

Dallas, TX

Quincy, MA

Norwood, MA

Montgomery, AL

Birmingham, AL

Clearwater, FL

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September 13, 2024 at 12:05AM

Clearwater, St. Pete, and Tampa Florida OWCP Injuries for VA Employees

https://www.pphcc.com/clearwater-st-pete-and-tampa-florida-owcp-injuries-for-va-employees/

We’ve been fortunate to become friends with so many VA employees and their AFGE union leaders throughout the state of Florida. We frequently visit with VA AFGE members and leaders in St. Pete, West Palm Beach, and Miami. These federal employees and union leaders have become some of our very best friends and WE LOVE THEM. So, we’re happy to say that we now have a doctor who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines to help VA employees in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay area.

Employees in the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and the surrounding VA outpatient clinics can visit us when they have an OWCP federal work injury in Clearwater, St. Pete, and Tampa, Florida. One problem that we’ve found over the years helping injured VA employees is that they are very often told that they have to FIRST see a VA doctor when they are hurt at work with an OWCP injury. This is completely false and so far, we’ve never seen an OWCP injury claim that was accepted when the only doctor who evaluated the patient was the VA doctor. And listen, VA doctors are world-class; some of the very best doctors in the world, but they are not trained in OWCP and that’s critically important.

So, here’s the actual rule on initial choice of physician.

CA-810: Injury Compensation for Federal Employees Chapter 6, Medical Benefits and Care 6-3. Choice of Physician A. Initial Choice. An employee is entitled to initial choice of physician for treatment of an injury. He or she may choose any licensed physician in private practice who is not excluded, or he or she may choose to be treated at a government medical facility if one is available. Such facilities include hospitals of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of Veterans Affairs and their medical officers. Agency personnel may not interfere with the employee’s right to choose a physician and may not require an employee to go to a physician employed by, or under contract to, the agency before going to the physician of the employee’s choice. . .

See what it said there? You can not be required to go to a physician employed by, or under contract to, the agency. That includes VA doctors. You can choose any licensed private physician who is not excluded from OWCP. So there you have it. VA employees can choose their own doctor and we have great, willing, and highly-trained doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines for injured VA employees in and around St. Pete, Clearwater, and Tampa Florida. Please call us when you are injured working at the VA. We want to help you.

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September 06, 2024 at 12:01AM

Florida OWCP: Florida Rural Letter Carrier Injury Problems

https://www.pphcc.com/florida-owcp-florida-rural-letter-carrier-injury-problems/

We just attended the Florida State Convention for the Florida Rural Letter Carriers Association and had the opportunity to talk with a lot of Florida Rural Letter Carriers. One common theme kept coming up: Rural Carriers feared filing OWCP injury claims because they worried their supervisors would retaliate against them. This was said over and over in many different ways. One person said, “they want to make me quit.”

Over and over, Florida rural carriers told us stories about being injured but just ignoring it and electing not to file an OWCP injury claim. So many of them even knew of other carriers who they knew had work-related injuries but were suffering instead of getting help. A carrier told me she wasn’t getting help because she thought she wouldn’t be eligible for continuation of pay (COP) and she didn’t have any sick or annual time available. That’s completely WRONG! And of course, the other common theme: “no doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines near me”.

People in Florida are having a terrible time finding willing doctors to help with their OWCP work injuries. So, let’s start with this: SUPERVISORS CAN’T STOP YOU FROM FILING AN OWCP WORK INJURY CLAIM. That’s the law! Look at the law below. . . .

542.33 Penalty for Refusal to Process Claim: Any employee or supervisor responsible for making reports in connection with an injury who willfully fails, neglects, or refuses to do so; induces, compels, or directs an injured employee to forego filing a claim; or willfully retains any notice, report, or paper required in connection with an injury may be subject to a fine of not more than $500 or 1 year in prison, or both.

Among other things, this tells supervisors that they can’t induce or compel you to not file your OWCP claim. Threats of being fired definitely qualifies here. COP: In order to be eligible for continuation of pay, you need to report your CA-1 work injury claim within 30 days from your date of injury (unfortunately COP is not available for CA-2 injury claims). So, report your CA1 injuries immediately to your supervisor.

Finally, we know how hard it is to find good doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines in Florida. That’s why we opened up in the Clearwater, Florida area. If you have an OWCP federal work injury in the Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Oldsmar, Lakeland, Tampa Bay area, please give us a call and let us help you get your Florida OWCP injury claim accepted. We help all injured federal workers and we want to help you too. Call us today.

via Peak Performance https://www.pphcc.com

September 05, 2024 at 12:02AM

Doctor Who Specializes in DOL Federal Workers Comp According to Federal Guidelines Birmingham

https://www.pphcc.com/doctor-who-specializes-in-dol-federal-workers-comp-according-to-federal-guidelines-birmingham/

Over this past weekend, we’ve been visiting with letter carriers, mail handlers, mail clerks, and VA employees in Birmingham, Alabama. The one problem that stood out the most is that they previously did not have a doctors who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines in Birmingham. We heard too many problems that people have had to go through due to not having any doctors: denied OWCP injury claims, injuries that have not healed, paying too much money to get help, and more. WE HAVE TO PUT A STOP TO THIS.

So, now Birmingham has a doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines. We are located just outside Birmingham, in Bessemer, Alabama. This office is comprised of a MD, Chiropractor, and a Nurse Practitioner who are excited to help injured federal workers. They understand the problems federal employees go through when they’re hurt at work for federal agencies and they’re with us. They’re going to help us stop those problems from happening.

So, here’s a notice to all Federal Employees in the Birmingham, Alabama area: No more denied OWCP work injury claims. No more paying money out of your pocket to get help. No more doctors that don’t care what happens to you. This is the end to the troubles and hassles associated with having an OWCP work injury in Birmingham, Alabama. Call Federal Injury Centers of Birmingham, Alabama. We care about you and we want to help you. Pass the word on.

via Peak Performance https://www.pphcc.com

September 04, 2024 at 12:01AM

Doctors Who Specialize in DOL Federal Workers Comp According to Federal Guidelines in Dallas, Alabama, Massachusetts

https://www.pphcc.com/doctors-who-specialize-in-dol-federal-workers-comp-according-to-federal-guidelines-in-dallas-alabama-massachusetts/

Injured Federal Employees continually tell us that ACS is not working for them when they need a doctor who treats OWCP federal workers comp injuries according to federal guidelines. I just talked to a guy who was out-of-state and couldn’t find a doctor. I went to ACS for him and found 3 doctors for him to call. One was out of business and the other 2 did not accept federal workers compensation. This is an all too common problem for injured federal employees.

I go into whole states where there isn’t a single doctor who promotes him or herself as an FIC Trained Federal Work Injury Doctor and who doesn’t want to help federal employees. Alabama was exactly that sort of state. Not a single doctor was willing to help federal employees with work injuries. But, now we have 2 doctors in Alabama: Montgomery and Birmingham. These new doctors who specialize in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines love federal employees and they are ready to help.

The same is true in Massachusetts and Texas. We have OWCP offices in Quincy, Norwood, and Worcester, MA and in Dallas, Denton, and McKinney, TX. Injured federal employees in these areas fortunately have no need to search ACS for a doctor; they can be found here. ACS causes a difficult situation for any federal employees in need of a doctor who specializes in DOL federal workers comp according to federal guidelines because too many of the listed doctors don’t actually accept DOL OWCP work injuries. So, in Dallas, Alabama, and Massachusetts, we can help you and we want to help you with your OWCP federal workers comp injury claim.

via Peak Performance https://www.pphcc.com

September 06, 2024 at 07:00PM