Former Worker Medical Screening Program (FWP)

Free occupational health exams for former Department of Energy (DOE) workers who may have been exposed to hazardous substances.

FWP Impact Since 1997

Program Reach

189,612

Total Medical Screening Exams Conducted

103,349

Former Workers Screened

Conditions Identified

300

Lung Cancers Detected Through CT Scans

47,005

Hearing Loss Cases Detected

18,672

Obstructive Airways Dysfunction Cases Detected

13,643

Asbestos-Related Lung Disease Cases Detected

2,619

Beryllium Sensitization Cases Detected

Tests Included

Chest X-ray with B-read (to detect dust-related lung disease)
Breathing tests
Beryllium sensitivity testing
Audiogram
General health
Early Lung Cancer Detection (ELCD) for high-risk participants

The tests offered to you as part of your FWP screening may vary depending on your former work site, job type, and reported exposures.

Why This Program Matters

Early Detection Saves Lives

Many occupational illnesses develop over years or decades without noticeable symptoms. Screening can identify these conditions at an earlier, more treatable stage, leading to better outcomes.

Free & Convenient

Medical screening exams are provided at no cost to eligible former DOE federal, contractor, and subcontractor workers. Participants may be screened every 3 years at a clinic near their residence.

Industrial facility representing DOE workplaces

Specialized for DOE Workers

Exams are tailored to test for occupational illnesses related to common DOE exposures, such as radiation, beryllium, asbestos, silica, welding fumes, solvents, and noise.

Low-dose CT scanner for lung cancer screening

Early Lung Cancer Detection

Participants at elevated risk may also be eligible for annual low-dose CT scans. This screening has been shown to find lung cancers at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective.

Support for Compensation

Program results letters may support claims under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA).

Approval checklist showing high satisfaction ratings

99.2% Satisfaction

In 2025, 99.2% of participants expressed satisfaction with the program in follow-up surveys.

Your Privacy & Our Independence

Independent & Objective

The exams are administered by independent occupational health experts from universities and labor unions, not by physicians employed by the Department of Energy. Because these third-party providers conduct the screening, evaluations stay objective and focused on the participant's health, free from employer or agency influence.

Confidentiality

All medical information collected through the program is confidential and never shared with the Department of Energy.

Medical results belong to the participant. They are not shared with the Department of Energy.

Stories from Former Workers

"This CT Scan saved my life because it showed a tumor on my kidney that I didn't know was there. Now it's gone, and I am cancer free!"

— Ron VanderMeeden, Former Savannah River Site Worker

"After following up on my abnormal NSSP chest x-ray, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. At that time, I had no symptoms that would have led me to see a doctor. I am confident that the NSSP recommendations are the reason I got an early diagnosis."

— Hanford Former Worker

"I like getting screened every 3 years. Gets things checked that the normal doctor does not do unless something happens."

— Burlington AEC Plant Former Worker