DOL Second-Opinion Exams: What Federal Employees in Kansas City & St. Louis Need to Know

Introduction

For federal employees in Kansas City and St. Louis, few things create more stress in the OWCP claims process than the dreaded second-opinion exam (SECOP). Ordered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), these exams are meant to provide an “independent” medical evaluation of your condition.

In practice, however, many injured workers find them rushed, biased, or confusing — sometimes resulting in benefit reductions or denials.

At Restore Muscle and Joint, we know how second-opinion exams work, what your rights are, and how to fight back if a report is unfair.

What Is an OWCP Second-Opinion Exam?

OWCP has the legal authority under 5 U.S.C. §8123 to order you to see a doctor of its choosing.
These exams are used when OWCP questions your treating doctor’s reports, when surgery is requested, or when there are doubts about disability, treatment, or causation.
Doctors are chosen by OWCP’s contractors, not by your agency or union.

While the Department of Labor says these exams are impartial, many federal employees feel otherwise — especially when the same “regular” doctors are used repeatedly.

How Doctors Are Chosen

Physicians must be board-certified in the relevant specialty (orthopedist, psychiatrist, etc.).
OWCP uses scheduling vendors to locate available doctors within your region.
Unlike referee exams, there is no strict rotation — meaning OWCP has more discretion in who they select.
Many SECOP doctors perform dozens (sometimes hundreds) of OWCP exams a year, raising concerns about financial dependency on OWCP referrals.

For USPS carriers, TSA officers, and VA staff in Missouri, this often means seeing the same examiners repeatedly — doctors known to downplay injuries or emphasize “pre-existing” conditions.

What Actually Happens in a Second-Opinion Exam

Scheduling: You’ll receive a letter with the time, date, and location. Travel costs are reimbursable.
Referral Packet: The doctor is given OWCP’s “Statement of Accepted Facts” and specific questions to answer.
The Exam: Many workers report exams lasting only 15–30 minutes. The doctor may perform a limited physical exam and then write a detailed report.
The Report: OWCP reviews the findings and often gives more weight to the SECOP doctor than to your own treating physician.

⚠️ If your doctor’s opinion directly conflicts with OWCP’s doctor, you have the right to request a referee exam with a randomly chosen impartial physician.

Common Problems with Second-Opinion Exams

Brief, rushed exams that don’t reflect your true condition.
Reports that minimize symptoms or attribute everything to “degeneration.”
Repeat doctors whose reports often favor OWCP.
Misrepresentation — patients sometimes find their complaints twisted or omitted in the final report.
Employer misunderstandings — agencies often assume OWCP’s doctor is always correct, even when evidence suggests otherwise.

Your Rights and Recourse

If you believe the exam was unfair, you can:

Submit a rebuttal report from your treating doctor.
Request a referee (impartial) exam when there is a direct medical conflict.
Highlight procedural errors (e.g., failure to notify your representative, wrong specialty doctor chosen).
Appeal any decision relying on the SECOP report through reconsideration, hearings, or ECAB.

Knowing and using these rights is critical to protecting your benefits.

How Restore Muscle and Joint Helps Federal Employees

1. Preparing Patients for Exams

We educate you about your rights, help you document your symptoms, and coach you on how to handle the exam (without exaggerating or downplaying). We even encourage bringing a witness when possible.

2. Reviewing Reports for Errors

Our team carefully reviews SECOP reports, explaining them in plain English and spotting inaccuracies. If needed, we work with your treating physician to draft a strong, evidence-based rebuttal.

3. Providing Ethical Second Opinions

Restore’s board-certified doctors perform independent medical evaluations (IMEs) that meet OWCP standards but are grounded in medical truth, not bias. Our reports are thorough, rationalized, and patient-focused.

4. Supporting Appeals

We help supply the medical documentation you need for OWCP hearings, reconsiderations, or appeals — ensuring your case is supported by credible, compliant medical evidence.

Why This Matters in Kansas City & St. Louis

Whether you’re a USPS letter carrier in Kansas City, a TSA officer at Lambert Airport, or a VA nurse in St. Louis, second-opinion exams can make or break your workers’ compensation claim.

That’s why Restore Muscle and Joint is committed to helping Missouri’s federal employees navigate these exams — with the knowledge, documentation, and advocacy needed to protect your rights.

Conclusion

Second-opinion exams are meant to clarify medical questions under OWCP, but too often they become tools to reduce benefits. By preparing properly, documenting carefully, and seeking help from experienced clinics like Restore Muscle and Joint, federal employees can level the playing field and keep their claims on track.

📍 Restore Muscle and Joint – Kansas City
4119 NW Barry Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64154
📞 (816) 452-4488

📍 Restore Muscle and Joint – St. Louis
4225 Bayless Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63123
📞 (314) 439-1706

👉 Call today for a free OWCP claim review and consultation.