The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) requires physicians to submit specific reports and documentation when treating injured workers.

Reporting requirements apply to both network and non-network claims, but the recipient and compliance pathway differ depending on claim type.

Network Reporting

Network claims are managed by a certified workers’ compensation health care network (HCN).

The treating physician must have an active contract with the network to provide care to injured workers with claims managed by HCNs, except in cases of emergency treatment or when the network issues written authorization for out-of-network services.

Each network establishes its own reporting and documentation requirements in the provider’s contract. While some networks continue to require submission of DWC-073 and DWC-069 forms, others may:

• Use network-specific forms or electronic portals,
• Require all reports to be submitted through the network, rather than directly to the DWC, and
• Set different submission timelines or processes, provided those meet or exceed DWC’s minimum standards.

Providers must review their network contract to determine the correct method for submitting work status reports.

Non-Network Reporting

In non-network claims, the DWC forms (DWC-072 and DWC-069) are mandatory and must be submitted to the following recipients:

• The injured worker
• The injured worker’s employer
• The claims administrator
• The DWC (in select cases)

Required Reports & Deadlines

Texas requires physicians to submit the reports below to document an injured worker’s status.

Work Status Report (DWC-073)

The Work Status Report communicates the injured worker’s ability to return to work and any restrictions.

Providers can refer to the DWC Work Status Report filing table for detailed requirements on when, where, and how to submit DWC Form-073.

The table outlines reporting timelines, delivery methods, and filing responsibilities for treating doctors, referral doctors, delegated physician assistants (PAs), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), designated doctors, and required medical exam (RME) doctors.

Report of Medical Evaluation (DWC-069)

Physicians must complete and file a DWC-069 when determining an injured worker’s Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) or assigning an impairment rating.

The following providers can file a DWC-069:

• Treating doctor
• Doctor selected by the treating doctor
• Designated doctor
• Insurance carrier-selecred RME doctor

The form must be filed within 7 working days of:

• The examination where MMI is certified or an impairment rating is assigned, or
• The date of the request from the DWC or claims administrator

The completed form and required narrative must be filed with:

• The claims administrator
• The treating doctor (if a doctor other than the treating doctor files the report)
• The DWC
• The injured worker, and
• The injured worker’s representative (if any)

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