What does “maximum medical improvement” (MMI) mean in workers' compensation cases?

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) refers to the stage in a medical recovery process where a patient's condition has stabilized, and no further significant improvement is expected with additional medical treatment. At this point, the healthcare provider assesses that the individual has regained as much functionality and health as they are likely to achieve after the injury, even if they have not returned to their pre-injury state.

This definition is crucial in workers' compensation cases because it helps determine the next steps in the claims process, including whether the employee is eligible for permanent disability benefits or if they can return to work. By establishing MMI, both the employee and employer can better understand the prognosis for recovery and potential limitations moving forward.

The other options describe conditions or stages that do not accurately reflect the concept of MMI. Complete recovery would imply a return to the previous state, which is not necessary for MMI. The idea that additional treatment guarantees recovery contradicts the very essence of MMI, which is about the stabilization of the condition. Lastly, MMI is not related to the initial stage of medical assessment; instead, it marks a definitive point in the recovery timeline after various treatments and evaluations have occurred.