What does "maximum medical improvement" (MMI) mean?

"Maximum medical improvement" (MMI) refers to the point at which a worker's medical condition has stabilized, and no further significant recovery or improvement is expected from medical treatment. Understanding MMI is crucial in the context of workers' compensation claims, as it marks a transition point in the treatment process.

Once an individual reaches MMI, it typically indicates that their condition has plateaued, and they may be assessed for their level of disability, which in turn impacts their eligibility for continued benefits or the ability to return to work. This is a key benchmark in determining future medical needs, work capacity, and potential permanent disability ratings.

While the point at which an employee can return to work is certainly important, MMI focuses more on the stabilization of the medical condition itself rather than just work readiness. Additionally, MMI does not pertain to the maximum recovery level or limits on treatment benefits; rather, it exclusively concerns the state of recovery relative to the medical condition.