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Workers Compensation

Information regarding your workers compensation care and process.

What Is MMI?

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What is MMI?

What IS MMI?

MMI is a designation for reaching your maximum physical improvement after medical treatment for your injury. MMI means that your current physical ability is your “new normal”.

Who Declares MMI?

Your primary care provider determines MMI after receiving consults, notes, and evaluations from your treating therapists and physicians. MMI usually lets the employer and payor (insurance) know that the goals for your care have been reached even if that means you did not return to 100%.

When is MMI declared?

MMI is usually declared once the majority/all treatment has been completed and no further progress or improvement is expected. It does not mean you will no longer receive medical care. It means you are at your “new normal” physically. You may or may not be able to return to your job based on this progress.

What happens once MMI has been reached?

You may be returned to your regular job without restrictions.

You may return be returned to your job with permanent restrictions (see “What is an FCE?).

You may need to find a new job.

What else should I know about MMI?

MMI is a simple designation. It can be adjusted if circumstances have changed.

You may be determined to be at MMI by a specialist, surgeon, or by your primary care doctor.

MMI usually means you will be discussing the next steps in your claim, so bring your provider questions you may have.

What is an FCE?

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What is and FCE?

What IS an FCE?

An FCE is a comprehensive exam used to evaluate your physical capabilities after you have received medical care for your workers comp or other injury.

Who Performs an FCE?

A Physical Therapist performs an FCE. A PT facility that performs an FCE must follow national guidelines for performing the test and have equipment appropriate for the evaluation.

When is an FCE ordered?

An FCE is a usually ordered when your provider feels you have received the medical care needed in your claim. Regardless of what you will still receive in care, it is not expected that you will improve beyond your ability today. It does NOT mean your care stops. It simply measures your “new normal” or your ability to return to your job.

How long does an FCE take?

An FCE can take as little as 2 hours and up to 2 days, depending on the extent of your injury.

How often is an FCE performed/ordered?

An FCE is a usually performed once near the end of a claim. Sometimes a 2nd evaluation is done if further surgery is needed and the circumstances for the claimant have changed.

What else should I know about an FCE?

A couple of things:

  1. There are two types of FCE’s. A job specific FCE which measures your capabilities against your job requirements, and a General FCE which measures your capabilities in general (ie… you can walk for 20 minutes without stopping).
  2. An FCE determines permanent restrictions for return to work, meaning, your employer will evaluate if they are able to accommodate restrictions if they arise.
FCE stock photo 1