The dwc 032 form is the Texas form used to ask the state to send you to a designated doctor. Either party in a workers’ comp claim can file it with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to help settle a medical dispute. If you and the insurance carrier disagree about your injury, this form is one way to get a neutral medical opinion. This guide explains what the form does, who files it, how to fill it out, and what comes next.
What the Dwc 032 Form Is For
In Texas, medical disagreements are common in workers’ comp claims. For example, your treating doctor may say you still need time off. However, the insurance carrier’s doctor may say you can go back to work. The dwc 032 form lets either side ask DWC to assign a designated doctor. That doctor is chosen by DWC, not by you or the carrier. As a result, the exam is meant to be a neutral, third-party look at your condition.
A designated doctor can answer specific questions. These typically include maximum medical improvement (MMI), your impairment rating, the extent of your injury, whether your disability is caused by the work injury, and whether you can return to work. In most cases, the designated doctor’s opinion carries a lot of weight in later disputes. That is why it matters to understand the dwc 032 form before you file or respond to one.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Form number | DWC Form-032 |
| Form title | Request for Designated Doctor Examination |
| Who files | Either party, to resolve a medical dispute |
| Where filed | Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation |
| Fee | The worker generally pays no filing fee; confirm with DWC |
| Official PDF | DWC Form-032 (PDF) |
Who Files the Dwc 032 Form and When
Either party can file the dwc 032 form. That includes you, your representative, or the insurance carrier. In most cases, the carrier files it when it wants an exam on MMI or impairment. However, you may also file one if you disagree with what a doctor has said about your injury.
You do not need a lawyer to file it. That said, many Texas workers find it helpful to talk with someone who knows the process. To learn who oversees these requests, see our guide to the Texas workers comp board.
Timing matters. You typically file the dwc 032 form after a real medical question comes up in your claim. DWC may deny a request if the same question was already answered by a designated doctor recently. It may also deny a request that comes too early for the issue you raise. If you have not yet reported your injury, start with how to file a Texas workers comp claim.
If the carrier files the dwc 032 form, you should receive a copy. Read it carefully. It will show which questions the carrier wants the doctor to answer. If you think a question is wrong or unfair, you can raise that with DWC.
How to Fill It Out and Where to Send It
The dwc 032 form asks for basic claim details first. This typically includes your name, your claim number, your date of injury, and the carrier’s information. Next, you mark the questions you want the designated doctor to answer. You must also explain the reason for the exam. Be specific. For example, if you think your injury includes your shoulder as well as your back, say that clearly in the extent-of-injury section.
Common mistakes can cause DWC to deny or delay the request. These include:
- Leaving out the claim number or date of injury.
- Not checking any question for the doctor to answer.
- Failing to describe the injured body parts or conditions.
- Asking a question a designated doctor already answered too recently.
- Not sending a copy to the other parties when the rules require it.
- Missing a signature or contact information.
Always use the most current version of the form. You can download the official dwc 032 form PDF from TDI. You can also find it on the official TDI list of DWC forms. The form explains the accepted ways to submit it to DWC. Follow those directions exactly. Keep a copy of everything you send, along with proof of the date you sent it.
What Happens After You File
After DWC receives the dwc 032 form, it reviews the request. If it is approved, DWC picks a designated doctor and sends notice of the exam date, time, and place. Go to this exam. In most cases, missing a designated doctor exam without a good reason can put your income benefits at risk. If you truly cannot attend, contact DWC and the carrier right away to ask about rescheduling.
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After the exam, the designated doctor writes a report. That report is sent to you, the carrier, and DWC. If you disagree with it, you may be able to dispute it through DWC’s dispute process. Deadlines apply, so act quickly. For questions, contact DWC through the Texas Department of Insurance website. You can also review the basics in our guide to Texas workers comp requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own designated doctor with the dwc 032 form?
No. DWC selects the designated doctor, not you or the insurance carrier. This is what makes the exam neutral. You may still see your own treating doctor for ongoing care.
Do I have to pay to file the dwc 032 form?
In most cases, the injured worker does not pay a fee to file this request. The insurance carrier typically pays for the designated doctor exam. Confirm the current rules with DWC before you file.
What if I disagree with the designated doctor’s report?
You may be able to dispute the report through DWC’s dispute process. However, the designated doctor’s opinion often carries strong weight, and strict deadlines apply. Confirm your options and the exact deadline with DWC and a licensed attorney.
Dwc 032 form: Quick Recap
If you remember one thing about dwc 032 form, make it this: the rule is set by the state (or the federal program), not by the insurer, and the official source is linked above. Every figure on this page about dwc 032 form should be confirmed with the agency before you act on it.
Questions about dwc 032 form that this page does not answer are usually answered for free by the state workers’ comp agency’s information line — and, for a disputed claim, by a licensed attorney in a first consultation.
See your state’s exact numbers
What you are owed depends on your state’s benefit caps and deadlines. Start with your state’s settlement and claim guides for the exact figures.
Sources & How to Verify
The figures on this page come from official government and industry sources. Workers’ comp benefit caps, deadlines, and rules change, so always confirm the exact figure with your state’s workers’ comp board or a licensed attorney before acting. Settlement estimates are illustrative, and every case is different.
- Your state workers’ comp board, division, or commission: the official source for your state’s exact caps, deadlines, and forms — search “[your state] workers compensation board”
- U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP): dol.gov — federal workers’ compensation overview
- NCCI: ncci.com — workers’ comp rating and benefit data
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov — benefit-cap and SSDI offset data
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org — neutral workers’ comp background
Content last reviewed October 2026. If you notice an outdated figure, please contact us.
Related Guides
- Texas Workers Comp Board
- How to File a Texas Workers Comp Claim
- Texas Workers Comp Requirements
- Workers Comp Settlements by State (All 50)
- Workers Comp Claims by State (All 50)
- More in This Category
- Settlements by Injury
- Benefits Explained
- Workers Comp Glossary
Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers Comp Explained is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, insurer, or medical or financial advisor, and this page does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers’ compensation benefits, deadlines, and rules vary by state and change over time, and settlement estimates are illustrative only. Always confirm the exact figure and any deadline with your state’s workers’ compensation board and a licensed attorney before you act.