Proudly treating injured workers in Texas
If you were hurt at work for a private company or a Texas public employer, your claim falls under Texas workers’ compensation, overseen by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). We take workers’ comp at both of our clinics. Our medical director, Peter Ruiz, MD, serves as your treating doctor, and our team evaluates your injury, builds a treatment plan and provides physical therapy and rehab under one roof, so you can get back to work safely.
What we treat
- Back, neck and shoulder strains from lifting and repetitive work
- Knee, ankle and wrist injuries from slips, trips and falls
- Overuse injuries from repetitive tasks
- Injuries from vehicle accidents on the job
- Recovery and strengthening after a work injury
How Texas workers’ comp works for you
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, and within 30 days.
- Choose your treating doctor. In most non-network claims you choose your own. If your employer uses a certified network, your treating doctor generally must be in it, so call us with your claim details first.
- Treatment and therapy. Dr. Ruiz directs your care as your treating doctor, and our physical therapy team provides the rehab.
- Work status. Your treating doctor documents what you can and can’t do, so your employer and the insurance carrier know when you can return and with what restrictions.
Rules worth knowing
Texas law limits treating doctors to physicians (MD or DO) and a few other doctor types such as chiropractors. That’s why your treating doctor at Alivio is our physician, Dr. Ruiz. Our physical therapists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are part of your care team under his direction. If your claim is disputed, the DWC and the Office of Injured Employee Counsel offer free help.
Federal employee, or hurt in a car crash?
Federal employees are covered by a different system. See our federal workers’ compensation doctors. Hurt in a crash off the clock? Our personal injury doctors can help. For everyday health needs without insurance, ask about direct primary care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own doctor for Texas workers' comp?
In most claims outside a certified workers' comp network, you choose your own treating doctor. If your employer uses a certified health care network, your treating doctor generally must be in that network. Call us with your claim details and we'll tell you whether we can be your clinic.
Who can be my treating doctor in Texas workers' comp?
Texas law limits treating doctors to physicians (MD or DO) and certain other doctors such as chiropractors. Physical therapists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can treat you as part of your care, but they can't be your treating doctor.
What should I do right after a work injury in Texas?
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, and within 30 days. Get medical care, and keep copies of everything. If your claim is disputed, the Texas Division of Workers' Compensation and its Office of Injured Employee Counsel offer free help.
I'm a federal employee. Is this the right page?
No. Federal employees are covered by FECA, not Texas workers' comp. See our federal workers' compensation doctors page.
Medically reviewed by Peter Ruiz, MD, Medical Director. MD · Family Medicine · Texas Medical Board license N2270
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