(a) The employee is entitled to receive all medical services,
appliances or supplies which a qualified physician prescribes or
recommends and which OWCP considers necessary to treat the work-related
injury. The employee need not be disabled to receive such treatment. If
there is any doubt as to whether a specific service, appliance or supply
is necessary to treat the work-related injury, the employee should
consult OWCP prior to obtaining it.
(b) Any qualified physician or qualified hospital may provide such
services, appliances and supplies. A qualified provider of medical
support services may also furnish appropriate services, appliances, and
supplies. OWCP may apply a test of cost-effectiveness to appliances and
supplies. With respect to prescribed medications, OWCP may require the
use of generic equivalents where they are available.
