Introduction
Maximum Medical Improvement is a term used to describe an individual’s recovery process point. It is considered a crucial milestone in the recovery process as it is used to ascertain when an individual can return to work and resume normal activities. mmi abbreviation medical is not a static measure and can fluctuate over time as treatment progresses; the individual’s condition changes.
It is a prime factor in determining when a patient is at his highest level of health. It is calculated in terms of physical – mental condition and within the scope of his injury or illness.
Its Determination
Generally, MMI abbreviation medical is the point at which an insurance company will no longer pay for medical treatment related to an injury or illness. Some companies determine MMI to be when the patient has reached their maximum recovery potential. While others determine it as the point at which further treatment will not improve the patient’s condition.
Events After MMI
- If one’s injury worsens after reaching Maximum Medical Improvement, one may not be able to return to work. It could mean that one would need to file for disability benefits to receive compensation for lost wages.
- When an injured worker reaches maximum medical improvement, it can invoke fear in them. It is because his workers’ compensation claim will soon be closed, and he will no longer receive benefits. Injured workers may fear reaching MMI because they believe that they will no longer be able to get the help they need.
Personal Injury
Like, if a person experiences a car accident that leads to a fractured leg and undergoes physical therapy, the point at which no further progress is made and the leg is healed and fully capable of normal function is considered MMI. In medical cases, MMI is also important when determining the severity of an injury and whether it is a permanent and/or disabling condition.
By reaching MMI, the patient’s injury and prognosis are established, and a medical damage award can be calculated. When filing a personal injury claim, it is important to reach MMI before any damages can be determined.
Conclusion
As this article has shown, MMI (maximum medical improvement) results in a closed workers’ compensation claim. However, it does not mean that the worker cannot improve, nor does it mean that the injured worker will not be able to return to their previous line of work.
It only means that the worker has improved as much as is medically possible. For many people, MMI can provide an opportunity to move forward while still getting care and treatment.
