Federal Employees’ Compensation Act Doctor in Buffalo, NY
Navigating the complexities of the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) can be challenging for those seeking medical benefits for job-related injuries or illnesses. At Medical Care of WNY, we understand the stress and confusion that can accompany this process. Our dedicated team is here to provide exceptional medical care and comprehensive support in managing the necessary paperwork and claims. If you need a Federal Employees’ Compensation Act doctor, we can help!
Our goal is to make the journey towards recovery as smooth and hassle-free as possible, ensuring that you receive the benefits you deserve without the administrative burden. Let us handle the complexities so you can focus on what truly matters—your health and well-being.
What Is the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA)?
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) is a law that provides financial and medical benefits to federal employees who are injured on the job or become sick as a result of their work.
FECA covers medical expenses, compensation for wage loss, and rehabilitation for returning to work. It also provides benefits to dependents if the injury results in the employee’s death. The act ensures that federal employees receive financial support during their recovery, allowing them to maintain a good quality of life despite their work-related conditions.
At a Glance:
- Target audience: Federal employees and survivors of federal employees who died due to an occupational injury or disease
- Coverage: Provides compensation for work-related injuries and occupational diseases
- Benefits: Covers medical expenses, wage-loss compensation, rehabilitation, and benefits for dependents in case of death
- Administration: The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) within the U.S. Department of Labor
- Unique Feature: Exclusively for federal employees, covering a broad range of work-related injuries and diseases
FECA Medical Benefits
FECA offers medical benefits to federal employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to their jobs. Eligible expenses include:
- Medical treatments
- Prescription medications
- Other related medical expenses
Additionally, FECA may cover transportation costs for traveling to and from medical appointments.
A key advantage of FECA is that it operates as a no-fault system. This means federal employees do not have to demonstrate employer negligence to receive benefits. They simply need to show that their injury or illness is work-related.
What Injuries Can Be Treated Under FECA?
FECA covers a broad range of injuries and illnesses.
Traumatic injuries (filed under Form CA-1) are those that occur due to external force or stress within a single workday or shift. Common examples include falls, cuts, fractures, sprains, and injuries from accidents or assaults. These injuries must happen at a specific time and place and affect a particular body part or function.
Occupational diseases (filed under Form CA-2) develop due to repeated exposure or strain over a long period in the workplace. Examples include repetitive stress injuries, lung diseases from inhaling toxins, hearing loss, and illnesses from exposure to radiation or other hazards. These conditions result from ongoing exposure to infection, stress, strain, toxins, fumes, or other harmful factors in the work environment over time.
At Medical Care of WNY, we can diagnose, treat, and monitor all sorts of workplace injuries. From diagnostic imaging to physical therapy and pain management, we have all your needs covered in one convenient place.
Who Is Eligible for FECA Medical Benefits?
Individuals of the following programs, or their survivors, may receive FECA medical benefits:
United States Postal Service- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of Homeland Security (TSA, US Customs, Border Patrol, ICE)
- Department of Justice
- Department of Defense
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of the Interior
- Department of Treasury
- Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Social Security Administration
- Internal Revenue Service
What Medical Treatments and Services Are Covered Under FECA?
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act covers all necessary medical treatments for work-related injuries or illnesses. This includes medical devices, therapies, surgeries, hospital stays, and home health services. The program pays for treatments that the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) deems likely to cure, relieve, or reduce the disability period. Additionally, vocational rehabilitation services and job placement assistance may be provided to help injured employees return to work.
Will My Medications and Physical Therapy Be Covered?
Yes, FECA covers medications and physical therapy. Medications prescribed by our team of qualified physicians and physical therapy sessions that are considered necessary for treatment and recovery are also included. The costs for these services are paid in full by the federal government. You will not be responsible for co-payments or any other costs associated with your medical treatment.
How To File a Claim
You will file and manage your claim in the Employees’ Compensation Operations & Management Portal (ECOMP). As your medical provider, we will also use this portal to submit necessary documentation.
Here’s the process:
- File a claim in ECOMP: Access the ECOMP system and submit your claim. The claim will be routed to your supervisor, then your agency’s workers’ compensation personnel, and finally to the OWCP, where your claim number is assigned.
- Receive claim status: Many minor injuries may be auto-assigned as “Administrative Authorization of Limited Benefits,” allowing up to $1500 in medical treatment. For claims not auto-assigned, you will be notified that your claim is “under development” and additional evidence is needed.
- Provide additional evidence: Submit a medical report via ECOMP, including a description of the work injury, the medical diagnosis, an explanation of how the injury was caused by the work event, and any other requested evidence. You have 60 days from the request to submit this information. At Medical Care of WNY, we are very familiar with this process and will complete the appropriate forms for you!
- Receive your claim decision: The Claims Examiner (CE) will issue a written decision accepting or denying the claim. For traumatic injuries, this may take 75 days. For mildly complex injuries, the decision can take 90 days. For very complex injuries, it can take 180 days.
When your claim is accepted, you don’t have to worry about billing and reimbursement—we will bill OWCP for you!
If you experience or anticipate wage loss due to the injury, you can also file a claim for wage loss compensation on ECOMP.
Why Choose Medical Care of WNY as Your Federal Employees’ Compensation Act Doctor?
At Medical Care of WNY, we simplify the process of obtaining your medical benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). Our team is dedicated to providing the necessary treatment while handling the complex paperwork on your behalf. We will bill for your medical services directly. We assist with completing essential OWCP forms, including:
Additionally, we handle the authorization requests for physical therapy and medications through the ECOMP system, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for you.
Medical Care of WNY: Your Trusted Federal Employees Compensation Act Doctor
FECA is a vital support system for federal employees, significantly contributing to the protection of their health and well-being. At Medical Care of WNY, our goal is to make the process of getting your needed medical care as easy and stress-free as possible for you. Our knowledgeable team will manage all the paperwork and help you with your claim, ensuring you obtain the medical benefits you need without the stress.
When you trust us to provide comprehensive care and support, you can focus on your recovery and getting back to what you do best. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.