Why become an MMI/IR certifying doctor?

Ease of certification: You now only need to pass the certification test once and complete online training every two years. If you have passed the test once since May 13, 2013, you do not have to test again.

Increased reimbursement: As of June 2024, the reimbursement for MMI/IR exams and other similar exams has increased about 28% and is updated according to the Medicare Economic Index every year.

Non-network referrals: A certifying doctor may receive referrals to conduct MMI/IR exams for injured employees from treating doctors. If a doctor is certified, their publicly available TXCOMP profile will show this information. NOTE: A certified doctor does not have to accept all incoming referrals.

Network referrals: A workers’ compensation network treating doctor who is certified may receive referrals to conduct MMI/IR exams from other network doctors. A treating doctor who makes a referral to a non-network certifying doctor for an MMI/IR exam will need network approval. Networks are required to have an adequate number of doctors who are qualified to provide MMI/IR services (28 Texas Administrative Code 10.80). NOTE: A certified doctor in a network may have different requirements for accepting referrals for MMI/IR within the network.

Treating doctor responsibility: The treating doctor is responsible for managing the injured employee’s workers’ compensation claim. This includes assessing when the injured employee reaches MMI and whether there is a probability of permanent impairment. The treating doctor, with the doctor-patient relationship established, is the ideal doctor to assess these milestones and communicate this information to the injured employee.

Become an MMI/IR certifying doctor

You must complete the required training every 2 years and have passed the required test on or after May 13, 2013, to become a certifying doctor. Once the requirements are met, you must email the Office of Medical Advisor at OMA@tdi.texas.gov to request certification. Your certification will be updated in DWC’s public database TXCOMP for potential referrals for MMI/IR certification.

Renew MMI/IR certification

To renew an MMI/IR certification, you must have completed the required training within 12 months prior to asking for renewal, and have passed the required test on or after May 13, 2013, at least once. Email the Office of Medical Advisor at OMA@tdi.texas.gov to request certification renewal. Your certification will be updated in DWC’s public database TXCOMP for potential referrals for MMI/IR certification.

MMI/IR certifying doctors must subscribe to, own or have access to the following required guidelines:

• MDGuidelines (MDG) or call 800-442-4519.
• Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) or call 800-488-5548.
• AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 4th Edition.
  • Online AMA Guides (4th – 6th included, use 4th edition only).
  • Printed AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment 4th Edition is not sold by the AMA Guides, you may find other options to purchase online.

Training

Register for training certifying doctor events and training.

Training materials:

• Required training for certifying doctor certification.
• Optional webinar presentations.
• Self-study- extended 2015 presentations.
• Tips for viewing presentations.
• AMA guides (use promotion code: EVENTS50, for $50 off a one-year subscription, good through 12/31/25).
• Supplemental information packet – includes DWC acronyms, MMI/IR appeals panel decisions, applicable rules and more.

Meet the faculty:

• David Alvarado, D.C.
• James Bales, M.D.
• Karrn E. Bales, D.O.
• David Bauer, M.D.
• Simon J. Forster, D.C., DABCO, Cert MDT
• Martin B. Jones, M.D.
• Calvin W. Plumb, D.C.
• Michael S. Sheppard, D.C.
• Kristy R. Simank, D.C.
• Lori B. Wasserburger, M.D.

Testing

PSI Services administers the MMI/IR certifying doctor tests at locations across Texas. Contact PSI to schedule a test or call 855-746-8173.

Use the TXCOMP Health Care Provider System to find your expiration date.

• PSI candidate bulletin- information from PSI on how to schedule and rules for the testing process
• Certifying doctor sample test questions

News and certifying doctor program updates:

• Billing and Reimbursement Training for Designated Doctor and Other Certifying Doctor Exams (after 6/1/24). slides | handout 1 | handout 2 | memo (PDF)

Certifying doctor forms:

• DWC Form-069, Report of Medical Evaluation

Certifying doctors may send the DWC Form-069, Report of Medical Evaluation to DWC by faxing to 512-490-1047; see form instructions for more information.