Maximum medical improvement means the condition has plateaued so that further treatment is not reasonably expected to produce material improvement. It does not mean the worker has fully recovered or requires no further care.
It marks the transition from temporary to permanent disability benefits and triggers impairment rating.
Alternative Names:
MMI, Medical End Result
Why it Matters?
MMI is the pivot point of a comp claim, ending temporary wage benefits and opening the permanent disability evaluation. Disputes are common because treating physicians and defense examiners frequently disagree about whether the condition has stabilized, and delaying MMI extends TTD exposure. Establishing it promptly through an independent examination is a standard cost-control step once treatment has plateaued.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Does MMI mean treatment stops?
Who determines MMI?
