HOW DOL DOCTORS HELP INJURED POSTAL WORKERS

A DOL (Department of Labor) doctor can help an injured postal worker in several ways, depending on the nature of the injury and the worker’s needs:

Initial Assessment and Treatment:

  • Diagnosis: The DOL doctor will perform a thorough examination to diagnose the injury and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
  • Medical Treatment: They can provide necessary medical care, including prescription medication, physical therapy, B12 shots, and other treatment modalities.
  • Work Restrictions: They can determine if the worker needs any limitations or restrictions on their work activities to prevent further injury.
  • Continuation of Pay: They can help the worker obtain continuation of pay while they are unable to work due to their injury.
  • Referral to Specialists: If needed, they can refer the worker to specialists for further evaluation and treatment.

Workers’ Compensation Claims:

  • Documentation: The DOL doctor will document the injury and treatment in detail, which is essential for the worker’s claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Medical Reports: They will submit necessary medical reports to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) to support the worker’s claim.
    Communication with OWCP: They can communicate directly with OWCP on the worker’s behalf to answer questions and provide additional information.
  • Medical Authorization: They can request authorization from OWCP for any treatment or procedures that are deemed necessary for the worker’s recovery.
  • Appeals: If the worker’s claim is denied, the DOL doctor can help the worker file an appeal.

Return to Work:

  • Work Capacity Evaluations: The DOL doctor can conduct work capacity evaluations to determine when the worker is able to safely return to work.
  • Modified Duty: They can help the worker transition back to work by recommending modified duty assignments.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: If the worker is unable to return to their previous job due to their injury, the DOL doctor can assist them in obtaining vocational rehabilitation services.

Additional Resources:

Here are some additional resources that can be helpful for injured postal workers:

U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP): https://owcp.dol.gov/
Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA): https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/regs/statutes/feca
American Postal Workers Union (APWU): https://apwu.org/
National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC): https://www.nalc.org/
InnovA Technologies: https://innovallc.com/

It’s important to note that postal workers are covered under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), which provides specific benefits and procedures for injured workers. A DOL doctor plays a crucial role in helping injured postal workers receive the medical care and compensation they deserve.