Work comp: Maximum medical improvement

Maximum medical improvement (MMI), as defined in Minnesota Statutes 176.011, subd. 25, is the date after which no further significant recovery from or lasting improvement to a personal injury can be reasonably anticipated, regardless of subjective complaints.

After the date MMI has been validly determined, the insurer does not need to request any further determinations of MMI unless the employee becomes medically unable to continue working (see M.S. 176.101, subd. 1(e)(2)). For purposes of commencement or recommencement of temporary total disability benefits only, a new period of maximum medical improvement begins when the employee becomes medically unable to continue working due to the injury.

MMI determinations are important because the employee's entitlement to future benefits can cease 90 days after the insurer serves a written report of MMI on the employee or as otherwise described in M.S. 176.101, subd. 1(e) to (l).