# TX Designated Doctor Program Guide | Medrecords AI

> Texas' designated doctor program uses state-selected, state-trained physicians to resolve MMI, impairment-rating, and extent-of-injury disputes, with findings carrying presumptive weight.

Canonical page: https://medrecords.ai/ime-hub/states/tx/

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## 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

## Sources

- [TDI DWC Designated Doctor program](https://agate.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/dd/index.html)
- [28 TAC § 130.1](https://regulations.justia.com/states/texas/title-28/part-2/chapter-130/subchapter-a/section-130-1/)
- [28 TAC § 133.30 (telemedicine)](https://regulations.justia.com/states/texas/title-28/part-2/chapter-133/subchapter-b/section-133-30-d-1/)

Last verified: 2026-08-15