In Texas workers' compensation cases, a designated doctor may be appointed to resolve medical disputes between the employee, their employer, and the insurance company. If an employee disagrees with the designated doctor's report, they may have the right to appeal the decision. In this article, we will discuss whether an employee can appeal a designated doctor report in Texas workers' compensation.
What is a Designated Doctor Report?
A designated doctor report is a medical report prepared by a designated doctor appointed by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation. The report may address various issues related to the employee's medical condition, including their impairment rating, ability to return to work, and the appropriateness of medical treatment.
Can an Employee Appeal a Designated Doctor Report?
Yes, an employee may have the right to appeal a designated doctor report in Texas workers' compensation. If an employee disagrees with the designated doctor's report, they may file a request for a hearing with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation.
The hearing will be conducted by an administrative law judge, who will review the designated doctor's report and other evidence presented by both sides. The employee may present additional medical evidence or testimony from other medical experts to support their case.
If the administrative law judge finds that the designated doctor's report is not supported by the evidence or is otherwise flawed, they may reject the report and order a new designated doctor examination. Alternatively, the administrative law judge may accept the designated doctor's report as the final decision in the case.
An employee may have the right to appeal a designated doctor report in Texas workers' compensation if they disagree with the designated doctor's opinion. The employee may file a request for a hearing with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation, and present additional medical evidence or testimony to support their case. Personal injury lawyers like Ryan Pigg can assist employees who are involved in workers' compensation disputes and help them navigate the appeals process for designated doctor reports.
