Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Maximum medical improvement in Minnesota is defined as “the date after which no further significant recovery from or significant lasting improvement to a personal injury can reasonably be anticipated, based upon reasonable medical probability.” https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/176.011#stat.176.011.13a
In most cases, this designation of being at maximum medical improvement occurs after an independent medical examination. However, in some cases, your treating doctor will submit a report stating that you have reached maximum medical improvement.
There are specific requirements that must be adhered to by the doctor and insurance company to place you at maximum medical improvement, such as:
there must be a medical opinion indicating the employee has reached it,
It must be served on the employee and attorney, and
It must contain specific identifying information such as name, SSN, date of service, and other statutory requirements.
After An Employee Receives The Report
After an employee receives the report indicating she/he has reached maximum medical improvement, the next issue is to determine how this will effect your benefits.
If you are receiving temporary total disability benefits, You are entitled to these benefits for an additional 90 days.
Maximum medical improvement is only a reason to stop temporary total disability benefits. If the work comp insurance company denies any other work comp benefits because you have reached MMI, consult with an attorney immediately.
Frayne Injury Law is a law firm that represents injured employees in work comp cases. A free, no obligation, consultation is available to anyone looking for legal advice.
