Designated Medical Provider (DMP)

Role of the DMP	Things to keep in mind	Find and interview a DMP
Role of the Employer	Employer information	Worker information
Worker does not want to seek treatment from employer's DMP

All employers in North Dakota have the option of selecting a Designated Medical Provider (DMP) or group of physicians to provide medical treatment to workers who sustain work-related injuries.

If you have a question or concern regarding the Designated Medical Provider program, contact our Employer Services Department via email at WSIDMP@nd.gov

Find and Interview a DMP

How to find a DMP:

The specialties most commonly used to treat injured workers are:

Family practice
Internal medicine
Neurosurgery or neurology
Occupational medicine
Physical medicine
Chiropractic
Orthopedic

Interviewing Candidates:

Your designated medical provider is an important member of the claims management team. Take advantage of their expertise and availability. Once you’ve identified potential candidates, ask them the following questions so you can sense which candidate is more familiar with WSI and your business. During the course of your discussion, other issues may be raised as a result of responses received. Don’t be intimidated. Ask them any follow-up question you feel is necessary.

What are your credentials?

Board certification is the most important credential. The board certification most appropriate for providers dealing with work-related illnesses and injures includes internal medicine, orthopedics, family practice, occupational medicine, physical medicine, chiropractic, and orthopedic.

How many years of experience have you had in work-related medicine?

If experience is two years or less, be sure mentoring is available and ask how they will work with their mentors.

How willing are you to communicate with other members of the claims management team about work-related injury or illness?

Providers should be willing to give you detailed information, (i.e., diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan) during the initial visit and after each follow up visit in a timely manner.

What quality assurance activities exist within the clinic?

Inquire whether the clinic has protocols for the management of low back pain, arm pain, or other common injuries. It’s hard to assure quality if a provider recommends one type of treatment for a given injury one day and a different type for the same injury the next day. Inquire whether the clinic will allow an external audit. Any reluctance should raise a red flag.

Are you willing to work with chiropractors?

The answer should be yes. Injured workers should have access to these providers.

What is the provider's philosophy with on-the-job recovery?

Research indicates the cornerstone of disability prevention is allowing workers to recover on the job. On the job recovery may require a change in job tasks (transitional work) or work schedule. The expectation is to return to work in their preinjury job with or without permanent restrictions.

Is the provider willing to come to your place of business to better understand your operations?

Does the provider instill a positive attitude of cooperation and progression toward recovery?

Does the provider know and understand Occupational Disability and Treatment Guidelines (ODG)?

WSI chose WorkLoss Data Institute's Official Disability Guidelines - Treatment in Workers Comp (ODG) as a resource to manage the treatment and disability duration for workers compensation claims. ODG will enable WSI to use the latest available medical evidence in making treatment decisions to improve outcomes for workers injured on the job.

How does the provider measure functional capabilities?