Mon–Thu 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM · (732) 738-1800
Federal Workers' Compensation Doctor in New Jersey
Hurt on the job as a federal employee? FedMed Care, led by Dr. Douglas J. Zimmel, D.C., treats injured federal workers under the Department of Labor's OWCP program — and we handle the CA-16, CA-17 and CA-20 paperwork so your claim keeps moving. For accepted conditions, OWCP pays us directly: no copays, no deductibles.
- OWCP / FECA claims
- $0 out-of-pocket on accepted claims
- Forms filed for you
- Serving Edison since 1986
What is an OWCP doctor (DOL doctor)?
An OWCP doctor — often called a DOL doctor — is a provider enrolled with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs to treat federal employees injured at work under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). An enrolled provider can bill OWCP directly and submit the medical reports your claim depends on. Under FECA you have the right to choose your initial treating provider, and you can choose FedMed Care in Edison, NJ.
Who it's for
Civilian federal employees in New Jersey — USPS, TSA, VA, CBP, DoD civilians, Bureau of Prisons and more — with an on-the-job injury or occupational illness.
What it costs
For conditions OWCP has accepted, treatment is paid by OWCP directly to the provider. You should not receive a bill or pay a copay.
What we file
Duty status reports (CA-17), attending physician reports (CA-20), narrative medical reports and treatment requests — on time, every visit.
Care and claim support built around federal workers' comp
Federal claims run on documentation. Our clinic is set up to treat your injury and keep OWCP, your agency and your claims examiner informed — so you can focus on recovery.
Injury Exams & Evaluations
Thorough initial evaluation of your work injury, with findings documented the way OWCP claims examiners need to see them.
Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy
Structured rehab to restore strength, mobility and function — with a clear plan toward safe return to work.
Chiropractic Spinal Care
Spinal manipulation for x-ray-documented subluxation, the chiropractic service FECA specifically covers.
Orthopedic Referrals
When your injury needs imaging, injections or a surgical opinion, we coordinate referrals to OWCP-enrolled specialists.
Braces & DME
Medically necessary bracing and durable medical equipment, documented and requested through your OWCP claim.
Claims Assistance & Case Management
We complete OWCP medical forms, respond to claims examiner requests and keep your case on track from first visit to discharge.
New Jersey's federal workforce, one injured employee at a time
If your paycheck comes from a federal agency and you were hurt doing your job, FECA covers your medical care. We see federal employees from across Middlesex County and Central New Jersey, including:
- U.S. Postal Service
- TSA
- Veterans Affairs
- Customs & Border Protection
- DoD Civilians
- Bureau of Prisons
- FAA
- EPA
- Social Security Administration
- IRS
- National Guard Technicians
- Other federal agencies
How to start care after a federal work injury
Four steps — and we take care of the medical side for you.
Report the injury
Tell your supervisor and file a CA-1 (traumatic injury) or CA-2 (occupational disease) through the DOL's ECOMP portal.
Ask for a CA-16
For a traumatic injury, your agency can issue a CA-16 authorizing your first exam and treatment. No CA-16? Call us anyway.
Choose FedMed Care
FECA lets you pick your initial treating provider. Call (732) 738-1800 and bring your claim number if you have one.
We handle the paperwork
Exam, treatment plan, duty-status and progress reports — submitted to OWCP so your claim and benefits stay on track.
The OWCP forms every injured federal worker should know
Most delays in federal workers' comp come down to a missing or late form. Here's who completes what.
| Form | What it's for | Who completes it |
|---|---|---|
| CA-1 | Notice of traumatic injury (a single incident or shift). File within 30 days to protect Continuation of Pay. | Employee & agency |
| CA-2 | Notice of occupational disease — conditions caused by work over more than one shift (e.g., repetitive strain). | Employee & agency |
| CA-2a | Notice of recurrence of a previously accepted condition. | Employee & agency |
| CA-16 | Authorization for examination and/or treatment after a traumatic injury. | Agency issues; provider completes the attending physician section |
| CA-17 | Duty status report — your work restrictions and ability to return to work. | Provider (we complete this) |
| CA-20 | Attending physician's report — diagnosis, treatment and causal relationship. | Provider (we complete this) |
| CA-7 | Claim for compensation for lost wages or leave buy-back. | Employee & agency, supported by medical evidence |
Dr. Douglas J. Zimmel, D.C.
Dr. Zimmel has cared for injured patients in Edison, New Jersey since 1986. Today his practice focuses on what federal employees need most after a work injury: hands-on care, a clear return-to-work plan and medical documentation that stands up to OWCP review.
He leads a multidisciplinary team offering chiropractic, rehabilitation and physical therapy services, with bilingual (English/Spanish) staff.
Good to know: Under FECA, chiropractic treatment is reimbursable for manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation shown by x-ray. When your injury needs other care, we coordinate with OWCP-enrolled physicians and specialists so nothing falls through the cracks.
Common federal work injuries we evaluate and treat
Back & neck injuries
Lifting, carrying, sorting and loading injuries.
Slips, trips & falls
On routes, in facilities, on stairs and in parking lots.
Repetitive strain
Shoulder, wrist and elbow injuries from repeated tasks.
Vehicle accidents
Collisions while driving a government or postal vehicle.
Shoulder injuries
Strains and overuse from reaching, lifting and scanning.
Knee & ankle injuries
Sprains and strains from walking routes and uneven ground.
Dog bites & route injuries
Field injuries common to letter carriers.
Recurrences
Flare-ups of a previously accepted OWCP condition.
Visit our Edison, NJ office
FedMed Care — Dr. Douglas J. Zimmel, D.C.295 Pierson Ave, Suite 101
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 738-1800
| Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday – Sunday | Call for availability |
Serving federal employees in and around
- Edison
- Metuchen
- Woodbridge
- Iselin
- Piscataway
- New Brunswick
- Highland Park
- South Plainfield
- East Brunswick
- Perth Amboy
- Sayreville
- Old Bridge
- Carteret
- Rahway
Federal workers' comp questions, answered
How do I find an OWCP doctor near me in New Jersey?
Look for a provider enrolled with the Department of Labor's OWCP who treats federal employees under FECA. FedMed Care, led by Dr. Douglas J. Zimmel, D.C., sees injured federal workers at 295 Pierson Ave, Suite 101, Edison, NJ 08837. Call (732) 738-1800 to schedule.
Can I choose my own doctor for a federal workers' comp claim?
Yes. Under FECA you have the right to choose your initial treating provider. Changing providers later generally requires OWCP approval, so it pays to choose a provider experienced with OWCP claims from the start.
Do I pay anything for treatment under an OWCP claim?
For conditions OWCP has accepted, the provider bills OWCP directly and you should not pay copays or deductibles. If your claim is still pending, call us and we will explain your options.
What is the difference between a CA-1 and a CA-2?
A CA-1 reports a traumatic injury caused by a single event or one work shift. A CA-2 reports an occupational disease or condition caused by work exposure over more than one shift, such as repetitive strain. Both are filed through the DOL's ECOMP system.
What is a CA-16 and do I need one before my first visit?
A CA-16 is an authorization your agency can issue after a traumatic injury so you can be examined and treated right away. It helps, but you do not always need one to contact us. Call (732) 738-1800 and we will walk you through it.
Does FECA cover chiropractic care?
Yes, within limits. FECA reimburses chiropractic treatment consisting of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation demonstrated by x-ray. Other services, such as physical therapy, are covered when prescribed by a qualified physician.
Which federal employees can be treated as DOL patients?
Civilian federal employees covered by FECA, including USPS, TSA, VA, CBP, Bureau of Prisons, DoD civilian and other agency employees who were injured or became ill because of their work.
What are your office hours?
Our Edison office is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Call (732) 738-1800 to book or to ask about other availability.
Injured at work? Let's get your care and your claim moving.
The fastest way to an appointment is a phone call. Our team will check your claim status, explain your forms and get you on the schedule.
(732) 738-1800295 Pierson Ave, Suite 101
Edison, NJ 08837
Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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