What to Expect During a Workers’ Comp Medical Exam in Texas (Designated Doctor Exam)
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The Designated Doctor Exam Can Make or Break Your Case
If you’re injured at work in Texas, you may eventually receive a notice requiring you to attend a Designated Doctor Exam (DDE). Many workers panic when they see this letter — and for good reason. The designated doctor’s opinion can affect:
- Your ability to keep receiving benefits
- Whether you can return to work
- Your impairment rating
- Whether you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
This exam is one of the most important moments in your workers’ comp case. Knowing what to expect — and how to prepare — can protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes.
What Is a Designated Doctor Exam in Texas?
A Designated Doctor Exam is an independent medical evaluation performed by a doctor chosen by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC).
The designated doctor may be asked to determine:
- Whether your injury is work-related
- Whether you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
- Your Impairment Rating (IR)
- Whether your restrictions are appropriate
- Whether you can return to work
- The extent of your injury
This doctor does not treat you. Their job is to give an opinion that the insurance company and DWC will rely on.
FAQs: Texas Designated Doctor Exams
Yes. Missing the exam can result in suspended benefits.
You can bring someone to the office, but they usually cannot enter the exam room.
Texas generally does not allow recording unless the doctor agrees.
You can dispute it — but deadlines are strict.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Am I Being Sent to a Designated Doctor?
You may be sent to a DDE if:
- Your treating doctor and the insurance company disagree
- There is a dispute about your work restrictions
- There is a question about whether your injury is work-related
- You may have reached MMI
- You need an impairment rating
- The insurance company wants to challenge your benefits
If you received a DDE notice, it means your case is at a critical stage.
What Happens During the Exam?
- The doctor reviews your medical records
They will look at:
- Injury reports
- Imaging (MRI, X-rays)
- Treatment notes
- Work restrictions
- Prior injuries
2. You will be asked detailed questions
Expect questions about:
- How the injury happened
- Your symptoms
- Your pain levels
- Your ability to perform daily tasks
- Your work duties
- Your treatment history
- A physical examination
Depending on your injury, the doctor may:
- Test your range of motion
- Check strength and flexibility
- Evaluate neurological function
- Perform standardized impairment tests
- The doctor writes a report
This report is extremely important. It may determine:
- Whether your benefits continue
- Whether you can return to work
- Your impairment rating
- Whether additional treatment is approved
What You Should Not Do During the Designated Doctor Exam
Many injured workers unintentionally harm their case by making simple mistakes.
❌ Don’t exaggerate your symptoms
Designated doctors are trained to spot inconsistencies.
❌ Don’t minimize your pain
This is one of the most common — and most damaging — mistakes.
❌ Don’t guess
If you don’t know the answer, say so.
❌ Don’t perform movements that violate your restrictions
If it hurts, stop immediately.
❌ Don’t discuss unrelated medical issues
Stay focused on the work injury.
What You Should Do During the Designated Doctor Exam
✅ Be honest and consistent
Your statements must match your medical records.
✅ Describe your pain accurately
Use clear, specific language.
✅ Bring your restrictions
The doctor must consider them.
✅ Bring a list of medications
This helps document ongoing treatment.
✅ Take notes immediately after the exam
Write down:
- What tests were performed
- What questions were asked
- Anything unusual
These notes can be crucial if the report is inaccurate.
What Happens After the DD Exam?
The designated doctor will send a report to:
- The DWC
- The insurance company
- Your treating doctor
The report may determine:
- Whether you reached maximum medical improvement
- Your impairment rating
- Whether you can return to work
- Whether you need more treatment
If the report is unfavorable, you have the right to challenge it — but deadlines are strict and it can be confusing to figure out how to dispute an impairment rating report. It is highly recommended that a dispute of a designated doctor report be done using a Texas workers comp lawyer.
Can I Dispute the Designated Doctor’s Report?
Yes. You can dispute:
- MMI determinations
- Impairment ratings
- Work restrictions
- Causation statements
But you must act quickly. Disputes have strict deadlines, and the process is complex. In some circumstances, you can even disqualify the designated doctor.
This is where having a lawyer makes a major difference.
What If My Employer Is a Non-Subscriber?
If your employer does not carry workers’ comp, you will not attend a DDE.
Instead, you may undergo:
- Independent medical exams (IMEs)
- Company-requested evaluations
- Defense medical exams
These exams are often more adversarial — and can be used against you in a lawsuit.
The Designated Doctor Exam Is High-Stakes — Don’t Go Alone
The DDE is one of the most important events in your workers’ comp case. A single exam can determine your benefits, your restrictions, and your future.
You deserve someone who knows the system and can protect your rights.
📞 Scheduled for a Designated Doctor Exam? Worried about what will happen?
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. Our Texas workers’ compensation lawyers know all about designated doctors, the related deadlines and the best strategies for pursuing a dispute.
You pay nothing unless we win.
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