How is a procedure defined in the context of clinical skills?

In the context of clinical skills, a procedure is fundamentally understood as a manner of effecting change to improve function. This definition encompasses a wide range of medical interventions that aim to restore, enhance, or maintain the functionality of a patient's body and overall health. Procedures can include anything from surgical operations to therapeutic exercises, highlighting the active role healthcare professionals play in directly influencing patient outcomes through skilled actions.

This focus on enhancing patient function is crucial because procedures are not merely tasks; they are intentional actions taken to address specific medical issues or health conditions. While procedures may involve administrative elements or billing considerations, those aspects do not capture the essence of what constitutes a procedure in a clinical setting. Instead, the emphasis is placed on the therapeutic change achieved through these actions, which is central to the practice of medicine and therapeutic interventions. This understanding is critical for auditors as they assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of the clinical services provided.