What does 'Maximum Medical Improvement' (MMI) refer to in workers' compensation?

'Maximum Medical Improvement' (MMI) refers to the best possible recovery state of an injured worker after they have received all necessary medical treatment. This concept signifies that the individual's condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further, regardless of additional medical procedures or therapies. In the context of workers' compensation, determining MMI is crucial as it helps in assessing the extent of recovery and plays a significant role in evaluating compensation benefits, including disability ratings and settlement amounts.

Understanding MMI allows adjusters and medical professionals to recognize when a worker has achieved their maximum potential recovery. At this point, ongoing treatment may no longer contribute to significant improvements, which is an essential consideration for the evaluation of the claim and any subsequent benefits the injured worker may receive.