Knoxville's Federal Work Comp Doctors — DOL-OWCP Care for Injured Federal Employees in East Tennessee
When a federal job injury sidelines you, getting the right care under OWCP shouldn't add to the stress. Our Knoxville team works exclusively with injured federal employees — postal workers, DOE and Oak Ridge personnel, TVA, VA, and other federal civilians across East Tennessee — guiding you from first form to full return to duty.
Federal worker care
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Getting Treated as a Federal Worker — Step by Step
Most federal employees have never filed an OWCP claim before. Here's what working with our Knoxville office actually looks like.
Tell us about your injury
Submit the short form on this page. It takes less than two minutes and gives our intake team what we need to point you in the right direction.
We confirm and schedule
A team member calls or emails to verify your federal employer, gather basic injury details, and book an appointment that fits around your shift schedule.
Evaluation & documentation
You're seen by a DOL-OWCP credentialed provider who completes the medical exam and prepares the OWCP forms — including the CA-17 and CA-20.
Ongoing covered treatment
Once your claim is accepted, we bill the Department of Labor directly for authorized care so you can focus on recovery, not paperwork.
Built Specifically for Federal Employees and OWCP Cases
Our Knoxville clinic isn't a general practice that also accepts DOL — every workflow we've built is shaped by federal workers' compensation requirements.
Federal-employee-only focus
OWCP isn't a side service for us — it's the entire model. Our intake, exam protocols, and reporting all assume you're a federal worker filing under FECA.
Direct billing to the Department of Labor
For accepted claims, the cost goes to OWCP — not to you. We handle DOL billing in-house so federal workers never pay out of pocket for covered care.
Early appointments for shift workers
7 AM starts on Tuesday and Thursday make it easier for letter carriers, plant workers, and other federal employees on early or rotating schedules to be seen.
CA-form preparation included
We complete the medical sections of CA-17, CA-20, and supporting documents the right way the first time, which is the single biggest factor in claim approval timing.
Coordinated multi-disciplinary team
Medical doctors, an osteopathic physician, family nurse practitioners, a doctor of physical therapy, and chiropractors all under one roof — no chasing referrals across town.
Coverage from Oak Ridge to the Tri-Cities
Federal workers regularly travel in from Oak Ridge, Maryville, Sevierville, Morristown, Kingsport, and Johnson City — our intake team helps coordinate accordingly.
Knoxville Federal Workers from Every Branch of Government
If you draw a federal paycheck and were injured at work, there's a strong chance we already treat workers from your agency.
U.S. Postal Service
City and rural carriers, mail handlers, clerks, and maintenance personnel from the Knoxville P&DC and surrounding offices. USPS workmans comp is one of our highest-volume case types.
Department of Energy
DOE employees and contractors across the Oak Ridge Reservation, including individuals potentially eligible under both FECA and EEOICPA programs.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Research scientists, technicians, and support staff at ORNL who develop work-related injuries or repetitive-strain conditions on the job.
Y-12 National Security Complex
Production, security, and operations personnel at Y-12 who need DOL-OWCP credentialed providers within reasonable driving distance.
Tennessee Valley Authority
Generation, transmission, dam, and corporate staff serving TVA's Knoxville headquarters and the broader East Tennessee territory.
Department of Veterans Affairs
VA employees connected to facilities throughout the region, including those affiliated with VA Mountain Home and the Knoxville VA outpatient network.
McGhee Tyson — TSA & Air National Guard
Federal civilians, TSA personnel, and 134th Air Refueling Wing employees stationed at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base.
FBI & federal law enforcement
Personnel assigned to the FBI Knoxville Field Office and other federal law enforcement employees injured in the line of duty.
Other federal agencies
Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, USDA, Department of the Interior, GSA, and additional federal civilians eligible under FECA.
On-the-Job Injuries Covered by Federal Workers' Compensation
Federal workers' comp covers a broad range of injuries and occupational conditions. These are the categories we see most often at our Knoxville office.
Lumbar & thoracic back injuries
Strains, herniated discs, and chronic back pain from lifting, twisting, or repetitive bending on the job.
Cervical / neck conditions
Whiplash from on-duty vehicle accidents, cervical strain, and disc injuries from prolonged postures.
Shoulder & rotator cuff
Tears and impingement injuries common among postal carriers, plant workers, and lifting-heavy roles.
Knee & lower extremity
Meniscus tears, ligament strains, and post-surgical rehab for federal workers across physical job categories.
Wrist, elbow & hand
Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and other repetitive-motion injuries from sorting, scanning, and keyboard work.
Slip, trip & fall trauma
Musculoskeletal and soft-tissue injuries from falls inside facilities or on routes, common across USPS and DOE sites.
Repetitive strain injuries
Cumulative trauma disorders that develop gradually from the same motions repeated thousands of times per shift.
On-duty motor vehicle injuries
Accidents involving USPS vehicles, federal fleet cars, or any work-required driving as a federal employee.
Foot & ankle conditions
Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and ankle injuries — frequent among letter carriers and walking-route postal workers.
Federal Work Comp Doctors and Specialists in Knoxville
Seven providers across medical, osteopathic, nurse practitioner, physical therapy, and chiropractic care — plus operational leadership focused on the federal worker experience.
Richard Mays
MD · Medical Doctor
Handles primary medical evaluations, diagnostics, and OWCP-required reports for injured federal workers seen at our Knoxville location.
Haley Newport
DO · Osteopathic Physician
Provides osteopathic evaluation and whole-person treatment care for federal employees with occupational injuries.
Katina Wier
FNP · Family Nurse Practitioner
Delivers primary and follow-up clinical care, prescription management, and OWCP-aligned documentation in support of active claims.
John Wier
FNP · Family Nurse Practitioner
Conducts comprehensive evaluations and ongoing visits for federal workers, with a focus on accurate medical reporting tied to FECA claims.
Madeleine Maves
PT, DPT · Physical Therapy
Leads rehabilitation and functional capacity work, helping injured federal employees rebuild strength and return to job duties.
D. Sean Newport
DC · Doctor of Chiropractic
Focuses on spinal, musculoskeletal, and soft-tissue care for federal worker injuries, with deep familiarity with OWCP documentation.
Sam Nia
DC · Doctor of Chiropractic
Performs chiropractic exams, manual treatment, and rehabilitation care for occupational injuries common in federal employment.
Christa Newport
COO · Operations
Directs patient experience, claim coordination, and operational support so injured federal workers move through the process smoothly.
Department of Labor Forms — What to Submit and When
Most federal injury claims involve a small set of standardized OWCP forms. Here's a breakdown of what each one does and where it fits in the process.
Notice of Traumatic Injury. Filed when an injury results from a single incident or work shift — for example, a slip-and-fall or lifting injury.
File at injuryNotice of Occupational Disease. Used for conditions that develop gradually from cumulative exposure or repetitive job duties over time.
File when diagnosedClaim for Compensation. Submitted when a federal worker loses pay because of disability and needs OWCP wage replacement.
File when out of workDuty Status Report. Communicates work restrictions to your federal employer, listing the activities you can and cannot perform.
After each visitAttending Physician's Report. The medical narrative supporting your claim — completed by your DOL-OWCP credentialed provider.
During evaluationYour First Visit at Our Knoxville DOL-OWCP Clinic
Walking into a new clinic is easier when you know what's coming. Here's how the first appointment unfolds.
Federal employer verification
We confirm your agency, work location, and basic claim status. Bring an employee ID badge if you have one — it speeds intake. No badge? No problem.
Injury history & medical exam
Your provider takes a detailed history of how the injury happened and performs an exam tailored to OWCP documentation requirements.
Imaging or diagnostics if needed
If the exam calls for X-rays, MRI, or other imaging, we coordinate the orders so they're properly billable to OWCP rather than your personal insurance.
Treatment plan & CA-17
You leave with a written treatment plan, work restrictions, and a completed CA-17 Duty Status Report you can hand to your federal supervisor.
Why OWCP Claims Get Denied — and How We Help You Avoid It
Most denials trace back to a handful of preventable issues. Going to a federal-focused DOL-OWCP clinic addresses each of them up front.
Treatment from a non-credentialed provider
If your doctor isn't enrolled with the Department of Labor, OWCP often won't pay the bill — leaving the worker to chase reimbursement that never comes. How we help: our Knoxville providers are DOL-credentialed.
Incomplete or vague CA-20 narratives
OWCP needs a clear medical link between the work duty and the diagnosis. Generic notes don't satisfy the standard. How we help: we draft CA-20 reports specifically to OWCP's medical-causation requirements.
Late filing of CA-1 or CA-2
Although workers technically have up to three years, late filings raise questions and slow approval. How we help: we move quickly at your first visit to begin documentation that supports the claim timeline.
Mismatched diagnosis and duty status
A CA-17 saying "no restrictions" while the CA-20 describes a serious injury creates immediate red flags for OWCP examiners. How we help: our forms are completed in tandem so the documentation matches.
Billing under personal health insurance
When a work injury gets routed through private insurance, untangling it later costs time and can complicate your OWCP claim. How we help: we bill DOL directly from day one.
Federal Work Comp Doctors Across East Tennessee
Federal workers searching for "OWCP doctors near me" or "doctors that take DOL" find us from communities throughout the region.
Reviews from Knoxville Federal Workers and Patients
We're rated 4.6 out of 5 stars across 21 verified reviews. A few examples below.
"From the moment I walked in, the office felt welcoming and well-organized. Both doctors took the time to listen and explained everything clearly. I truly appreciate the level of care I received and would recommend this practice to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate healthcare."
"Outstanding customer service. Dr. Newport took such great care of me and my family. The team was very thorough and the pricing is fair. I'd highly recommend this clinic."
"The staff made me feel comfortable from the start. Providers really listened to my concerns and never rushed me. I've noticed real improvement and would absolutely recommend this place."
How OWCP Works for Knoxville Federal Employees
The agency: OWCP
The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs sits inside the U.S. Department of Labor and is the federal agency that processes injury claims for civilian federal employees, the U.S. Postal Service, and several smaller covered groups. Knoxville-area workers file with OWCP because the federal government is their employer — not the State of Tennessee — and federal workers are excluded from state workers' comp systems.
The law: FECA
The Federal Employees' Compensation Act is the legal foundation behind OWCP. Originally passed in 1916, FECA provides medical care, partial wage replacement, and rehabilitation services to federal civilian employees who suffer a job-related injury or develop an occupational illness. Most Knoxville-area federal workers — from postal carriers to ORNL technicians — are FECA-covered.
Why provider choice matters
OWCP only reimburses doctors who are formally enrolled in its system. Going to a non-credentialed provider often means delayed treatment, denied bills, and unnecessary stress in the middle of a recovery. Choosing a DOL clinic in Knoxville like ours keeps the medical and administrative sides aligned so your claim doesn't get tripped up on paperwork.
USPS workers in East Tennessee
Postal employees experience some of the highest occupational injury rates in the federal workforce — strains, falls, dog bites, vehicle incidents on the route, and repetitive-strain conditions from sorting and handling. Our Knoxville office regularly cares for USPS letter carriers, mail handlers, clerks, and maintenance personnel, helping them complete CA-1 or CA-2 paperwork and access timely treatment under USPS workmans comp.
DOE, Oak Ridge, and Y-12 personnel
East Tennessee is home to one of the country's densest concentrations of Department of Energy facilities. Our DOL-OWCP team frequently treats DOE, ORNL, and Y-12 workers — both for traditional FECA injury claims and for occupational-illness situations that may also fall under the EEOICPA program for energy-related conditions.
DOL-OWCP and FECA — Your Questions Answered
Quick answers from our Knoxville team. If yours isn't listed, send it through the form below.
What does OWCP mean?
OWCP is the acronym for the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, the federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that handles injury claims for federal civilian employees, postal workers, and several other covered groups hurt while performing their duties.
What is the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA)?
FECA is the law that establishes workers' compensation for civilian federal employees. It guarantees medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and rehabilitation services to federal workers who suffer a job-related injury or develop an occupational illness in the course of their employment.
Which Knoxville-area federal workers are eligible for OWCP?
Eligibility extends to civilian employees of any federal agency. In East Tennessee, that commonly includes USPS letter carriers and clerks, Department of Energy and Oak Ridge personnel, TVA employees, VA staff, FBI agents, McGhee Tyson federal staff, and most other federal civilians who are injured at work.
How do I locate a DOL-OWCP doctor in Knoxville?
Use the short search form on this page. Once submitted, you'll see a Knoxville-area map of DOL-OWCP credentialed providers and our team will reach out to confirm scheduling, federal employer details, and any documentation you already have on hand.
Which OWCP forms will I need?
Most federal injury claims involve some combination of CA-1 (traumatic injury), CA-2 (occupational disease), CA-7 (compensation for lost wages), CA-17 (duty status), and CA-20 (attending physician's report). Our Knoxville office walks you through each one and prepares the medical sections.
Does OWCP cover U.S. Postal Service workers?
Yes. USPS employees are FECA-covered. Letter carriers, clerks, mail handlers, and maintenance staff routinely use OWCP for injuries sustained on the route or inside the facility. USPS workmans comp cases are among the most common we handle in Knoxville.
Are Department of Energy and Oak Ridge workers covered?
They are. DOE federal employees, including those assigned to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12, qualify for FECA. A subset of these workers may also be eligible under EEOICPA for occupational illness claims tied to nuclear weapons production or radiation exposure.
What is the deadline to file a federal workers' compensation claim?
In most situations, federal employees have up to three years from the date of injury or last exposure to file a CA-1 or CA-2. Filing as early as possible is strongly preferred, since delays can complicate documentation and slow approval. Our team can help review your timing.
Will I have to pay anything to see a DOL-OWCP doctor?
For accepted OWCP claims, the Department of Labor pays the bill directly. There are no deductibles or copays for treatment related to the approved work injury, so federal workers receive covered care at no out-of-pocket cost.
What kinds of injuries does OWCP typically cover?
Coverage extends to musculoskeletal injuries (back, neck, shoulder, knee), repetitive stress conditions, falls and lifting injuries, vehicle accidents on duty, hearing loss, and a range of occupational illnesses or psychological conditions tied to federal service.
Can any doctor handle a federal workers' comp claim?
Not effectively. The Department of Labor only reimburses providers enrolled in its system, and OWCP-specific documentation is its own discipline. Going to a DOL-OWCP credentialed clinic in Knoxville like ours protects your claim from billing issues and avoidable denials.
Does Federal Work Comp Knoxville serve cities outside Knoxville?
Yes. We routinely treat federal workers traveling in from Oak Ridge, Maryville, Alcoa, Farragut, Lenoir City, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Clinton, Morristown, Kingsport, Johnson City, and other communities throughout East Tennessee.
Find Us in Downtown Knoxville
Just east of the city center, with easy access from I-40, I-275, and Hall of Fame Drive — convenient for federal workers commuting from Oak Ridge, Maryville, Sevierville, and beyond.
Office details
900 E Hill Avenue, Suite 205
Knoxville, TN 37915
Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Maryville, Alcoa, Farragut, Sevierville, Morristown, Kingsport, Johnson City & surrounding East Tennessee.
DOL-OWCP credentialed federal workers' compensation care — FECA, USPS, DOE, TVA, VA & federal civilian agencies.
Office hours
7 AM start times on Tuesday and Thursday are designed around USPS, DOE, and other federal employees on early or shift-based schedules.
Find Experienced DOL-OWCP Credentialed Doctors Near You
Locate a Federal Work Comp Doctor in Knoxville
Submit the short form to view our Knoxville-area map of DOL-OWCP credentialed providers. There's no cost, no obligation — just a clear next step for injured federal workers.
- Built around federal employees, not general workers' comp
- USPS, DOE, ORNL, Y-12, TVA, VA & federal civilians welcome
- OWCP forms assistance — CA-1, CA-2, CA-7, CA-17, CA-20
- Most patients scheduled within a few business days