Program overview
Either party may request a designated doctor when there is a dispute about MMI, impairment rating, or extent of injury. The DD certifies the MMI date and impairment rating on the Report of Medical Evaluation; the rating is invalid without a valid MMI date.
2023 rule updates
Rule changes effective June 5 2023 revised DD requirements and forms; TDI publishes the DD overview notes and Quick Reference Guide for Designated Doctors.
Telemedicine
From June 1 2025, a treating doctor may certify MMI by telemedicine only for minor injuries with no additional treatment and no impairment; an examination to assign an impairment rating is excluded (28 TAC 133.30).
Key facts
| Program | Designated Doctor |
| Agency | Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation |
| Statute / rules | 28 TAC 126.7; 28 TAC 130.1–130.2 |
| AMA Guides edition | Edition adopted by the commissioner (verify per rule) |
| Edition basis | 28 TAC 130.1 |
| MMI rules | MMI date and impairment rating must be certified on the Report of Medical Evaluation to be valid |
| Key forms | DWC-32 (Request for Designated Doctor); Report of Medical Evaluation |
| Fee schedule | Designated doctor fee schedule per TDI rules (verify current) |
| Telehealth | MMI certification by telemedicine allowed for minor injuries with no impairment (28 TAC 133.30, from June 1 2025); impairment-rating exams remain in person |
