What does ‘maximum medical improvement’ (MMI) indicate?

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is a critical concept in the context of workers' compensation and medical treatment. It indicates the point at which a patient's condition has stabilized, meaning that no further significant improvement is expected with medical treatment.

Once a patient reaches MMI, their injury or condition is considered to have reached a plateau in recovery, and treatment may no longer be necessary, or any further treatment will not substantially change the condition. This is particularly important for determining the extent of a person’s disability, the need for ongoing care, and potential compensation outcomes.

While other options mention aspects of treatment or injury recurrence, they do not encapsulate the essence of MMI as accurately as the correct choice. The focus of MMI is on stabilization and the likelihood of further improvement, making it a pivotal moment in the management of a workers' compensation claim.