FAQ
Request for designated doctor examination

Who may request a designated doctor exam?
The injured employee, the injured employee’s representative, or the insurance carrier may request the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to order a designated doctor exam. DWC may also order a designated doctor exam on its own.

How often can a designated doctor exam occur?
A designated doctor exam may not occur more than once every 60 days. DWC may approve requests for an exam within the 60-day period if good cause exists. A designated doctor exam may occur no more than once a year after the injured employee gets eight quarters of supplemental income benefits.

Do I have to complete all the fields on the form?
Yes. If you don’t provide all the required information, your request may be delayed or denied. You may specify “No Treating Doctor” in Box 24 if the injured employee does not have a treating doctor.

Where do I send the DWC Form-032?
Send the form to DWC by fax to 512-804-4121 or by mail to:

Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workers’ Compensation
Designated Doctor Operations
PO Box 12050
Austin, Texas 78711

You can also send the form electronically by creating an account in TXCOMP, DWC’s claim system. See www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/txcomp for more information.

You must also send a copy of the completed form to all parties when you send it to DWC.

What does DWC do?

• If we approve the request, we will assign a designated doctor to examine the injured employee. If there is a designated doctor who was previously assigned to the claim, the same doctor will be used as long as the doctor is still qualified and available. DWC will issue an order to the parties for the exam within 10 days.
• If we deny the request, we will send a notice with the specific reasons for the denial. If you want to dispute our approval or denial of a request, you are entitled to an expedited contested case hearing under 28 Texas Administrative Code Section 140.3.

Questions? Need more information?
Call us at 800-252-7031. Also, see our website at www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/dd.

Note: With few exceptions, on your request, you are entitled to:

• Be informed about the information DWC collects about you.
• receive and review the information (Government Code Sections 552.021 and 552.023); and
• have DWC correct information that is incorrect (Government Code Section 559.004).

For more information, contact [email protected] or refer to the Corrections Procedure section at www.tdi.texas.gov.