Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in the context of workers’ compensation signifies the point at which an injured employee’s medical condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further with additional medical treatment. This determination is typically made by a treating physician. For example, an individual who sustained a back injury may undergo surgery and physical therapy. If, after a period, the physician determines that no further treatment will result in significant improvement in the individual’s condition, the individual has reached MMI.
Reaching this stage is a crucial juncture in a workers’ compensation claim, serving as a foundation for several key decisions. It marks the end of temporary disability benefits and allows for the assessment of any permanent impairment. This assessment helps determine the extent of any permanent disability benefits the injured worker may be entitled to. Historically, this concept ensures a fair and consistent framework for compensating individuals for long-term effects of workplace injuries, providing closure and facilitating a return to work, where possible.