TIRSAT Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the TIRSAT test?
2. Where is the TIRSAT test given?
3. Who must take the TIRSAT test?
4. Tell me about the TIRSAT test
5. What if I fail the TIRSAT test?
6. How often must I take the test?
7. When do I need to apply for, and to take the TIRSAT test?
8. What is the cost of the TIRSAT test?

What is the TIRSAT test?

The Texas State Legislature passed a new Workers Compensation law in 2001. The law is HB 2600; there are new requirements for doctors who want to treat injured patients, perform Impairment Ratings or be on the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Designated Doctor list.

With the passage of HB7, the TIRSAT testing will continue. HB7 addressed the need for employee directed care through qualified physician networks. It does not effect the testing that is presently required by law.

If a doctor wants to certify MMI when there is a permanent impairment and assign an IR on his/her injured patients, they must also be certified. Certification is achieved by taking a TDI/WC Approved Impairment Rating Skills Test.

TIRSAT is the the name of a TDI/WC Approved test. AAEME has been selected by the TDI/WC as an approved Tester for Impairment Rating Skills, and will be administering the TIRSAT. Once a doctor has passed the TIRSAT, AAEME will provide the appropriate certification to the TDI/WC.

Where is the TIRSAT test given?

TIRSAT is currently available online only. There will be no testing at the seminars. As you know if there is any evidence of cheating or having someone take the test for you, it is a crime and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Who must take an impairment rating test?

In addition to completing the TDI/WC Approved IR training, any doctor, MD, DC, DO, DMP and others, who want to certify MMI when there is a permanent IR, and assign Impairment Ratings in the State of Texas is required to pass TIRSAT.

Tell me about the TIRSAT test

The TIRSAT is an open book test and you must bring and use your on copy of the 4^th Edition of the AMA Guides. You will not be able to take or pass the test without the AMA Guides. If you do not have your own AMA Guides book, you will automatically be disqualified from taking the test. You may bring any other material that you to do your calculations, such as a calculator, shortcut or review sheets. There will be multiple choice, True or False as well as case studies that will need IR calculations.

What if I fail the TIRSAT test?

Remember that this is an open book test and ALL of the answers can be found in the AMA Guides. If you fail the TIRSAT, you will be notified by mail; you may take the TIRSAT again within six (6) months of the initial test date, without taking another TDI/WC approved course. If you fail a second time then you must take another TDI/WC approved course before you can reapply to take the TIRSAT again. There are NO trick questions. Our goal is to test your impairment rating calculations and skills.

How often must I take the test?

According to Commission rules, it is required that you take the TIRSAT every four years. Prior to the TIRSAT, the TDI/WC required that you take an Approved course every two years. Your anniversary date is the date that you passed the TIRSAT. This will now be your anniversary date for renewal. You will be notified 2 months in advance by AAEME and the TDI/WC when you need to re-test.

When do I need to apply for, and to take the TIRSAT test?

All TIRSAT registrations, with complete documentation, must be submitted two weeks prior to a TIRSAT test date. You can go to the Registration page and download an application or register online. In order to maintain the integrity of the TIRSAT, and comply with testing requirements, strict security will be maintained at the test sites.

What is the cost of the TIRSAT test?

The cost of the test is $495.00. You can pay online through a secure web site. You will receive verification. Be sure when you fill in all of the information that you do it correctly. Look at the spaces etc.  If you have any problems please feel free to call (800) 639-1233. The cost of TIRSAT is totally independent of the TDI/WC approved courses that you must attend.