See also:
General
Q: When will DWC let me know if it approved my request for a DD exam or an RME?
A: DWC will first process all examinations based on a Presiding Officer's Directive (POD) to order a DD Exam, then it will process requests from system participants in the order they were received. It will take three to four weeks for DWC to process all pending requests. System participants should not resend requests because duplicates will delay processing.
Q: I sent a DD exam request that had maximum medical improvement, impairment rating, and return to work? Will DWC deny the request? Do I need to send a new request?
A: You do not need to send a new request. DWC will order exams on all issues other than evaluating the injured employee's ability to return to work or disability as a direct result of the compensable injury. DWC will issue orders for return to work and disability exams when those types of exams can resume.
For example, if an approved request includes the issues of maximum medical improvement, impairment rating, and return to work, DWC will order maximum medical improvement and impairment rating now. When return-to-work exams resume, DWC will order another exam for that issue from the same request.
DWC will give direction to all stakeholders before return-to work and disability exams resume. System participants should not resend requests because duplicates will delay processing.
Q: I sent an RME request that had maximum medical improvement, impairment rating and return to work? Will DWC deny the request? Do I need to send in a new request?
A: You do not need to send a new request. DWC will order exams on all issues other than evaluating the injured employee’s ability to return to work or disability as a direct results of the compensable injury. DWC will give direction to all stakeholders before return-to-work and disability exams resume.
Q: Will DWC resume ordering exams to evaluate the injured employee's ability to return to work or disability as a direct result of the compensable injury?
A: Not at this time. Commissioner Bulletin # B-0030-20 states that DD and RME exams on these issues continue to be suspended. DWC will order exams on all other issues.
Q: I am supposed to attend a DD or RME appointment. What if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
A: The person with COVID-19 symptoms should contact the other party and reschedule the appointment. The DD must notify DWC about the rescheduled appointment. The RME doctor must notify the insurance carrier about the rescheduled appointment.
Q: Since DWC has resumed ordering DD and RME examinations, will DWC allow benefit review conferences and contested case hearings to resume as in-person proceedings as well?
A: Not at this time. Commissioner’s Memo dated March 24, transitioned all proceedings to telephonic or Zoom proceedings until further notice.
From Injured Employees
Q: I do not want to risk my health by going to a DD exam or RME. Is there anything else I can do? What will happen if I don’t go?
A: You must attend the exam unless you are sick or have other issues. Contact the doctor if you need to reschedule the appointment or contact DWC at DDScheduler@tdi.texas.gov, or 800-252-7031, Option 1. Failure to attend the exam without it being rescheduled could result in your benefits being suspended.
Q: What is the cleaning or disinfecting protocol for the facility and who is doing it?
A: DWC encourages all DD and RME doctors to follow Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. You can find DSHS guidelines at: www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/healthprof.aspx. You can find CDC guidelines at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html. Doctors must also follow the requirements of their licensing board. If you have concerns about the safety of a facility, contact DWC at DDScheduler@tdi.texas.gov, or 800-252-7031, Option 1.
Q: What do I do if the doctor or the facility is not following safety guidelines?
A: Contact DWC at DDScheduler@tdi.texas.gov, or 800-252-7031, Option 1.
Q: Can I attend a DD exam or RME by telemedicine?
A: No. Telemedicine visits are not allowed for DD or RME appointments. You must attend the exam in person.
Q: I have been ordered to an exam. Will the doctor provide supplies for a safe exam like masks? Does the doctor have to use social distancing measures?
A: Contact the doctor’s office to see if personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided for the exam. You may want to go to the exam with your own PPE. DWC encourages health care providers to follow DSHS and CDC guidelines. You can find DSHS guidelines at: www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/healthprof.aspx. You can find CDC guidelines at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html. Doctors must also follow the requirements of their licensing boards.
Q: What if I need a designated doctor exam to address a return-to-work or disability issue because my benefits have been affected?
A: Contact DWC at DDScheduler@tdi.texas.gov, or 800-252-7031, Option 1.
From Doctors
Q: Can I attend a DD exam or RME by telemedicine?
A: No. Telemedicine visits are not allowed for DD or RME appointments. You must attend the exam in person.
Q: What if the injured employee refuses PPE or refuses to comply with social distancing guidelines?
A: DWC encourages all system participants to practice social distancing and follow DSHS and CDC guidelines. You can find DSHS guidelines at www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/healthprof.aspx. You can find CDC guidelines at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html. For specific concerns, contact DWC at DDScheduler@tdi.texas.gov, or 800-252-7031, Option 1.
Q: If the injured employee cancels the DD appointment, do I reschedule within 21 days?
A: Yes. If the reschedule date is outside the 21-day timeframe, contact DWC at DDScheduler@tdi.texas.gov.
Q: I have an order for an exam that was issued before the governor’s disaster proclamation, but I have not conducted the exam. Is that order still good?
A: Yes, unless that order included evaluating the injured employee's ability to return to work or disability as a direct result of the compensable injury. DWC will issue amended orders to remove those issues.