Texas: Division adopts rule on examinations by treating doctor

The Division of Workers' Compensation adopted a new rule regarding guidelines for examination by a treating doctor or referral doctor after a designated doctor examination.

The rule addresses issues other than certification of maximum medical improvement and the evaluation of permanent impairment. An injured worker required to be examined by a designated doctor can request a medical examination to determine maximum medical improvement and the injured worker's impairment rating from the worker's treating doctor or another doctor to whom the injured worker is referred by the treating doctor if the designated doctor's opinion is the injured worker's first evaluation of maximum medical improvement and impairment rating and the injured worker is not satisfied with the designated doctor's report. The rule also sets forth guidelines prescribing the circumstances under which an examination by a treating doctor or referral doctor to determine any issue other than certification of maximum medical improvement and the evaluation of impairment rating, may be appropriate. The adopted rule went into effect on Jan. 6.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

Washington: DLI looks to establish medical provider network (09/10/12)
New York: Temporary insurance rule in effect (11/07/11)
Washington: Safety and health grants program rules allow for funding (03/05/12)
Oregon: Division sets claims processing administrative cost factor (01/30/12)
Alaska: Amendments would tweak medical benefits rules (09/29/11)

January 14, 2013

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