What is an intervention, according to the Current Procedural Terminology?

An intervention, as defined by the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), refers to a therapeutic procedure that is intended to improve a patient's condition or to manage their symptoms. This encompasses a broad category of actions taken by healthcare providers to restore function, reduce pain, or aid in rehabilitation. In the context of physical therapy, interventions are specific therapeutic techniques or modalities used to treat a patient's condition and could include exercises, manual therapy, or modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

This definition aligns with the goal of physical therapy, which is to facilitate recovery and optimize functional abilities in patients. By categorizing interventions specifically as therapeutic procedures, the CPT provides clarity on the role of these actions within patient care. Thus, the choice of intervention as a therapeutic procedure highlights its essential function in the healthcare system, differentiating it from diagnostic procedures, assessments, or evaluations that do not directly aim to treat a condition.