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Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

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2-0811-11 Second Opinion Examinations<br />

11. Second Opinion Examinations. Based on the medical evidence <strong>of</strong> record, the CE may request a<br />

second opinion examination at any time.<br />

a. Conditions for Referral. Such referrals are recommended where:<br />

(1) The attending physician has not provided reports which are complete and adequate,<br />

giving a clear picture <strong>of</strong> the claimant's present condition; or<br />

(2) A specialist in the pertinent field <strong>of</strong> medicine has not previously examined the<br />

claimant and provided complete, supportive and well-reasoned reports; or<br />

(3) The evidence indicates that the claimant will not return to duty within 30 days.<br />

b. Content <strong>of</strong> Referral.<br />

(1) The CE must prepare a Statement <strong>of</strong> Accepted Facts (SOAF) and draft questions to<br />

be posed to the examining physician (see PM Chapter 2-809). The SOAF should not include<br />

details regarding matters extraneous to the issue under consideration. If there is a<br />

question regarding the duration or degree <strong>of</strong> disability, the physical requirements <strong>of</strong> the job<br />

at injury should, <strong>of</strong> course, be included.<br />

(2) Referrals should be made consistent with OWCP procedures for selection <strong>of</strong> and<br />

rotation among physicians (see PM Chapter 3-500). It is preferable but not required that<br />

physicians selected to perform second opinion evaluations be board-certified. Copies <strong>of</strong> all<br />

medical evidence in the file should be sent to the second opinion specialist.<br />

(3) Where the opinion <strong>of</strong> the specialist is contrary to that <strong>of</strong> the attending physician, the<br />

CE must weigh the evidence <strong>of</strong> record. If the opinions are <strong>of</strong> nearly equal weight, an<br />

impartial medical examination is necessary. For a discussion <strong>of</strong> weighing medical evidence,<br />

see Chapter 2-810.<br />

2-0811-12 Continuing Total Disability<br />

12. Continuing Total Disability. If the medical evidence establishes continuing total disability, the CE<br />

should set a call-up for receipt <strong>of</strong> a medical progress report. If at that time updated medical evidence has<br />

not been received, the CE should ask the attending physician to provide a narrative report to include:<br />

a. Objective findings from the most recent examination.<br />

b. Subjective complaints <strong>of</strong> the claimant.<br />

c. Current impairments and their relationship to the work injury.<br />

d. Work limitations imposed (using Form OWCP-5).<br />

e. Course <strong>of</strong> treatment followed, and a treatment plan.<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 372

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