Which services are included in the definition of outpatient therapy?

The definition of outpatient therapy includes services that are specifically aimed at rehabilitation and improving the functionality of individuals who require assistance in physical, occupational, or communicative abilities. Among the options provided, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services represent a core subset of outpatient therapy services typically offered in various healthcare settings.

These therapies focus on enhancing patients' everyday functions, whether it's through improving physical movement, aiding in the development of daily living skills, or facilitating communication abilities. All these services are generally provided outside the inpatient hospital setting, allowing patients to return home following treatment.

In contrast, cardiac rehab and surgical recovery usually involve broader treatment protocols that may not exclusively align with the outpatient therapy designation. Chiropractic adjustments and pain management often fall under different therapeutic or chiropractic care practices. Dietary counseling and home health aide services, while beneficial, do not fit the typical classification of therapy services aimed at rehabilitation in an outpatient context.