Specific action, process, sequence of steps, or test performed on a patient either to establish a diagnosis or render a therapeutic service (e.g., minor or major surgery, laboratory tests, inserting an intravenous line).

Five-digit numeric codes that describe each professional service the physician renders to a patient and used to communicate medical service data to insurance companies or government programs. These codes are used on insurance claims submitted to insurance programs for payment. Also referred to as CPT codes or procedural codes.

Standardized method used to transform written descriptions of procedures and professional services into numeric designations (code numbers).

Review of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to determine appropriateness.

1. Face value of an insurance policy or annuity and any additions payable at maturity or death. 2. Under Medicare Secondary Payer guidelines, money obtained as a result of a transaction that is in the possession of the party to whom it was intended.

Goal-directed, interrelated series of actions, events, mechanisms, or steps.

Methodology used to make changes for the better to a procedure through the use of continuous quality enhancement and cost and productivity improvement standards or goals. Also referred to as process management.