Preparing for Your Designated Doctor Exam
If you have been scheduled for a Designated Doctor exam, The DD Network is here to help you understand what to expect, how to prepare for your appointment, and who to contact if you need help.
Your Exam, Explained
A Designated Doctor exam is part of the Texas workers’ compensation process. The doctor reviews information about your injury, examines you, and prepares a report answering the questions assigned for the exam. A Designated Doctor exam may be requested by you or your attorney, the insurance company, or a judge at the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation.
You will receive an official appointment notice in the mail from the state. It includes detailed instructions you must follow. The DD Network can help answer questions about your appointment and the exam process.
Watch Before Your Exam
These short videos explain what a Designated Doctor exam is and how to prepare before your appointment.
How to Prepare for Your Designated Doctor Exam
1
Check your appointment details.
Add the appointment to your calendar and make every effort to attend. If you do not go to the exam, your income benefits might end, and you could be fined.
2
Talk with us before the appointment.
When our team calls before your exam, please answer or call us back. We need to ask about your injury, treatment, and how it affects your work and daily life.
3
Plan for exam day.
Wear clothing that allows you to move and lets the doctor examine the injured area. A friend or family member may come with you and wait in the waiting room during the exam.
4
Tell us what support you need.
Let us know if you prefer to communicate in another language, have transportation concerns, or would like to learn about travel reimbursement.
FAQs
A Designated Doctor exam is a specialty medical evaluation ordered by the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation to answer important questions for injured workers. The doctor speaks with you to understand your situation, reviews prior medical records, examines you, and prepares a report to answer the state’s questions.
A Designated Doctor exam can be requested by you or your attorney, the insurance company, or a judge at the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation. The Designated Doctor is independent and does not work for you, the insurance company, your employer, or your treating doctor.
No. The Designated Doctor does not provide treatment and does not replace your workers’ compensation doctor.
Yes. If you have been scheduled for a Designated Doctor exam, make every effort to attend. If you do not go to the exam, your income benefits might end, and you could be fined.
Wear clothing that allows you to move and lets the doctor examine the injured area. Choose clothing that is loose and easy to rearrange.
Yes. You may bring a friend or family member. That person may wait in the waiting room during the exam.
Please let us know as soon as possible, and we can communicate, schedule, and examine you in any language you need.
You may be eligible for travel reimbursement. Ask us about the process.
Call us as soon as possible at 1-833-DD-EXAMS (1-833-333-9267). We will see what options are still available.
After the exam, the doctor prepares a report to answer the state’s questions about your situation. Then we give copies to you, your doctors, the insurance company, the state, and others as required.