If you’ve been injured on the job and filed a workers compensation case in Creek County, one of the most important milestones in your workers’ compensation case is reaching what’s known as Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This term refers to the point at which your doctor determines that your condition has healed as much as it reasonably can, and no further significant improvement is expected—whether or not you’ve fully recovered.

What Does MMI Mean Under Oklahoma Law?

Under Oklahoma workers’ compensation law, MMI marks the stage when an injured worker’s medical treatment has reached a plateau. Your treating physician—usually approved by your employer or their insurance carrier—will decide when you’ve reached this point. Once MMI is declared, it means:

• Your condition is not expected to get better with additional medical treatment.
• Temporary benefits (such as wage replacement) may end.
• The doctor can now assign a permanent impairment rating, which helps determine what compensation you may receive for any lasting effects of your injury.

After MMI, your case often moves toward final evaluation, settlement, or a hearing to determine long-term disability or permanent partial impairment.

Why MMI Matters in Workers’ Compensation Cases

Reaching MMI has several major effects on your workers’ compensation claim:

• Temporary benefits may end. Once MMI is determined, temporary total disability (TTD) payments can stop. You may then become eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits instead.
• Your impairment rating is set. The treating doctor (or an independent medical examiner, if there’s a dispute) will assign a percentage rating that reflects the lasting limitations from your injury. This number helps calculate how much compensation you may receive.
• Medical care may change. While you may still receive maintenance care—such as medications, physical therapy, or medical devices—your ongoing treatment must usually be approved by the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission after MMI is reached.
• Settlement discussions often begin. Many claims are resolved after MMI, since both sides now know the extent of the injury and future medical needs.

What If You Disagree with an MMI Decision?

Sometimes, injured workers believe they were declared at MMI too soon. If you disagree with the doctor’s opinion, you have the right to request an Independent Medical Examination (IME) through the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission. The IME provides a neutral evaluation that can confirm or challenge the treating physician’s decision.

If the IME or Commission finds that you have not yet reached MMI, you may continue receiving medical care and temporary benefits until your condition stabilizes.

What To Do When You Reach MMI

If your doctor says you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement, it’s important to:

1. Ask for a copy of your medical report and impairment rating.
2. Review your benefit payments and ensure they match what you’re owed.
3. Discuss your next steps—including possible settlement or appeal options—with your attorney.
4. Confirm whether you qualify for future medical maintenance, such as prescription renewals or device replacements.

Creek County Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

In Creek County and throughout Oklahoma, Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) marks a turning point in a workers’ compensation claim. It signals the end of active medical treatment and the beginning of determining permanent benefits. Once you reach MMI, your doctor’s evaluation will play a major role in the final outcome of your case. Our Creek County Attorneys have years of Workers Compensation experience and are ready to help. Call our team today at 918-209-3709 or use our online Ask A Lawyer feature for a free consultation to discuss your options. For other legal topics, check out our Creek County law blog.