
Donald Ammon Jr., DC
Chiropractor | Independent Medical Examiner
6300 Gateway Blvd E El Paso TX, 79905About
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.
Education and Training
Palmer School of Chiropractic DC 2004
University of Northern Iowa MS 1996
Iowa Wesleyan College BA 1994
Board Certification
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Certified Designated Doctor for the Texas Department of Insurance - Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
Provider Details

Donald Ammon Jr., DC's Expert Contributions
Can a spine hernia be fixed without surgery?
Usually within 5 years, the a spinal disc hernia will have the same result with surgery, injections, or no treatment at all. The more invasive treatments are used when the pain is dibilitating. If you have difficulty performing you activityies of daily living, seek out a surgical consultation. If you can perform your activities of daily living, contact a chiropractor or physical therapist to assit you in your recovery. READ MORE
Do exercises help with ankle arthritis?
Maintaining active rrange of motion is important for all arthritic conditions. If weight bearing exercises increase the pain, you may try water/pool exercises or range of motion exercises while sitting. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Clinic Director Alivio Injury Solutions 2023 - Present
- Clinic Director 1st Choice Treatment Clinic 2019 - Present
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Medical Examiner -
Treatments
- Palmer Package, Gonstead, Diversified, Activator, Thompson
Donald Ammon Jr., DC's Practice location
Alivio Injury Solutions
500 N Adams 100 -Odessa, TX 79761Get Direction
Donald Ammon Jr., DC's reviews
Write ReviewMedia Releases
Transforming Chiropractic Practice with Advanced Specializations in Workers’ Compensation and Medical Evaluations
Dr. Ammon, a distinguished chiropractor and Clinic Director at Alivio Injury Solutions in Odessa and 1st Choice Treatment Clinic in El Paso, Texas, is making significant strides in enhancing patient care through his expanded and scientifically-based chiropractic specialties.
An alumnus of Iowa Wesleyan College (BA, 1994) and the University of Northern Iowa (MS, 1996), he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer Chiropractic College in 2004. His commitment to excellence in chiropractic care has positioned him as a trusted expert in the field.
As a Certified Designated Doctor for the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), Dr. Ammon plays a crucial role in the workers' compensation process. His responsibilities encompass independent medical evaluations of injured workers, impairment ratings, and determinations of Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). By providing impartial assessments, he aids in the resolution of disputes between injured workers and insurance carriers, ensuring fair treatment and appropriate benefits for those affected by workplace injuries.
In addition to his work with the DWC, he also contributes to quality assurance and compliance in the healthcare sector through peer reviews for various insurance companies. As a peer review doctor, he evaluates the quality, necessity, and appropriateness of medical treatments provided by other healthcare practitioners. His role includes offering second opinions, conducting compliance reviews, and providing educational feedback to enhance the quality of patient care.
Furthermore, Dr. Ammon extends his expertise as a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Medical Examiner, performing essential medical examinations for commercial motor vehicle drivers. His evaluations ensure that drivers meet the stringent medical standards required for safe operation of commercial vehicles. By issuing medical certificates and monitoring drivers with specific medical conditions, he promotes road safety and helps prevent accidents caused by health-related issues.
Recommended Articles
- What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain is a painful condition that can stop you from carrying on with your normal duties. It is impossible for a normal person to stay still at all times; every now and then we find ourselves either bending, stretching or twisting. Tests and DiagnosisDuring the first visit to your doctor, a...
- Treatment Options for Back Pain
Back pain is a very common condition, especially among the elderly group. It can vary from a dull constant back pain to a very sharp pain, which may disrupt your daily routine. Back pain can be either acute or chronic. This classification of back pain is essential especially when it comes to...
- Can Arthritis Cause Back Pain?
Yes. Arthritis is one of the major causes of back pain and can cause long-term effects in an individual. Back pain is a common problem which affects 4 out of 5 of us at some point. Back pain is a type of pain experienced mostly through the spine. Back pain can last for a short time, but there are...
- How to Sleep Easier with Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders that may affect one's ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. People with chronic back pain have a higher rate of disrupted sleep. Studies show that sleep disturbances increase pain sensitivity in some people. Medications are now...
- What are the Causes of Upper and Middle Back Pain?
Upper, middle, or lower back pain is one of the most common conditions that people visit the doctor for. Upper and middle refers to the region from the base of the neck to the base of rib cage at the back. The bones in this region work in association with the rib cage and protect internal organs...
- Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
Chiropractors use practical spinal manipulation and other treatment alternatives, the presumption being that correct alignment of the musculoskeletal structure of your body, especially the spine, will allow your body to get well on its own without medication or surgery. Manipulation is applied to...
Nearby Providers
- Dr. David Joseph Wardy D.C.1035 BELVIDERE ST STE 250 EL PASO TX 79912
- Dr. George Robert Cornali D.C.3021 Trawood Dr El Paso TX 79936
- Dr. Anna J Allen DC8838 Viscount Blvd El Paso TX 79925
- Dr. Jeffrey S Weislow D.C.1722 N Zaragoza Rd El Paso TX 79936
- Dr. Thomas J Georges DC2828 Lee Trevino El Paso TX 79936
- Dr. Mikel J. Anderson D.C.11601 Pellicano Dr El Paso TX 79936
Nearest Hospitals
EL PASO SPECIALTY HOSPITALl
1755 CURIE SUITE A EL PASO TX 79902