Donald Ammon Jr., DC

Dr. Donald Ammon Jr. is a Chiropractor practicing in El Paso, TX and Odessa, TX. Dr. Ammon specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain, among many others. Dr. Ammon Jr. seeks to reduce pain and discomfort through manipulation and adjustment of the spine.

Dr. Ammon's specialties are much more expanded and scientifically based than most practioners.

Dr. Ammon is a Certified Designated Doctor.  A Certified Designated Doctor for the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), performs several important functions related to workers' compensation claims. Here are the primary responsibilities:

1. **Medical Evaluations**: Designated doctors provide independent medical evaluations of injured workers. They assess the extent of injuries and determine the worker's ability to return to work.

2. **Impairment Ratings**: They assign impairment ratings to injured workers, which help determine the level of permanent disability and the corresponding benefits.

3. **Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) Determinations**: They determine when an injured worker has reached maximum medical improvement, meaning their condition is not expected to improve further with or without medical treatment.

4. **Dispute Resolution**: Designated doctors may be called upon to resolve disputes between injured workers and insurance carriers regarding the extent of injuries, treatment plans, or other medical issues.

5. **Consultation and Reporting**: They provide detailed reports on their findings, which are used by the Texas Department of Insurance and other parties involved in the workers' compensation process to make informed decisions.

Designated doctors must maintain certification and adhere to specific guidelines and regulations set forth by the Texas Department of Insurance to ensure their evaluations are accurate, impartial, and in compliance with state laws.

Dr. Ammon performs peer review for different insurance companies.  A peer review doctor is a medical professional who performs evaluations and reviews of medical treatment and care provided by other healthcare practitioners. The primary roles and responsibilities of a peer review doctor include:

1. **Quality Assurance**: Assessing the quality of medical care provided by other doctors to ensure it meets established standards and guidelines.

2. **Utilization Review**: Evaluating the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of medical services provided to patients. This includes reviewing medical records and treatment plans to determine if the care provided was necessary and beneficial.

3. **Second Opinions**: Providing second opinions on diagnoses, treatment plans, and surgical procedures to confirm or challenge the original recommendations made by the treating physician.

4. **Compliance Review**: Ensuring that medical care complies with relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines, including those set by insurance companies and government agencies.

5. **Dispute Resolution**: In cases of disputes between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies, peer review doctors may provide an impartial assessment to help resolve conflicts.

6. **Education and Feedback**: Offering feedback and guidance to other healthcare providers to improve the quality of care and adherence to best practices.

7. **Credentialing**: Participating in the credentialing process of healthcare providers by reviewing their qualifications, performance, and adherence to medical standards.

Peer review doctors play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of medical care, ensuring patient safety, and promoting the efficient use of medical resources. They often work with hospitals, insurance companies, medical boards, and other healthcare organizations.

A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Medical Examiner is a licensed healthcare professional who performs medical examinations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The primary roles and responsibilities of an FMCSA Medical Examiner include:

1. **Conducting Physical Examinations**: Performing comprehensive physical examinations of CMV drivers to ensure they are physically qualified to operate commercial vehicles safely.

2. **Medical Certification**: Determining whether drivers meet the medical standards set by the FMCSA. This includes evaluating their medical history, physical health, vision, hearing, and overall fitness for duty.

3. **Issuing Medical Certificates**: Providing medical certificates to drivers who meet the FMCSA’s physical qualification standards. These certificates are required for drivers to legally operate commercial vehicles.

4. **Monitoring Medical Conditions**: Monitoring drivers with certain medical conditions to ensure they are managing their health effectively and remain fit to drive. This may include follow-up examinations and periodic reviews.

5. **Compliance with Regulations**: Ensuring that all examinations and certifications comply with FMCSA regulations and guidelines, including maintaining proper documentation and records.

6. **Education and Guidance**: Educating drivers on maintaining their health and managing medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely.

7. **Use of the National Registry**: All FMCSA Medical Examiners must be listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). This registry ensures that medical examiners have the necessary training and knowledge to perform examinations according to FMCSA standards.

The role of an FMCSA Medical Examiner is critical in promoting road safety by ensuring that commercial drivers are medically fit to operate their vehicles, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and injuries on the road.