CA-16 · OWCP Form
Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment
The form your employer issues so you can see a doctor right away for a traumatic injury — no out-of-pocket.
Who Files
Your employing agency (supervisor, safety, or HR) issues the CA-16 to you.
When to File
Within 4 hours of injury (or as soon as practicable). You then take the CA-16 to a qualified physician of your choice — the agency cannot dictate which doctor you see.
Deadline
The CA-16 covers up to 60 days of treatment from the date of injury. After that, OWCP must authorize ongoing care directly.
What the Form Does
Authorizes immediate medical care for a traumatic injury and obligates OWCP to pay the bills, regardless of how the claim ultimately gets adjudicated. It's the fastest path to no-out-of-pocket care.
The Doctor's Role
An OWCP credentialed doctor accepts the CA-16, treats you immediately, and bills DOL directly. We do this routinely — bring the CA-16 to your first visit.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Claim
- ✕Supervisor refuses to issue a CA-16 — file CA-1 anyway and request the CA-16 in writing
- ✕Going to your personal physician without a CA-16 and getting billed (then having to fight for reimbursement)
- ✕Not realizing CA-16 must be presented to the doctor at the first visit
Where to Get the Official CA-16 Form
The official CA-16 form is published by the U.S. Department of Labor at dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/forms. Your employing agency should also have copies on hand. We help you complete the form correctly during your visit.