Current Procedural Terminology (also known as CPT Codes, Code, CPT): Descriptive terms and identifying codes for reporting medical services and procedures performed by PHYSICIANS. It is produced by the AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION and used in insurance claim reporting for MEDICARE; MEDICAID; and private health insuranc

NIH MeSH · D039702Information Science

Current Procedural Terminology

Also known asCPT Codes · Code, CPT · Codes, CPT · Current Procedural Terminology Codes · Current Procedural Terminology Code · CPT Code

Definition

Descriptive terms and identifying codes for reporting medical services and procedures performed by PHYSICIANS. It is produced by the AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION and used in insurance claim reporting for MEDICARE; MEDICAID; and private health insurance programs (From CPT 2002).

MeSH classification

  • L01.462.750.245.945.160

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Common questions about Current Procedural Terminology

What does Current Procedural Terminology mean in medicine?
Descriptive terms and identifying codes for reporting medical services and procedures performed by PHYSICIANS. It is produced by the AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION and used in insurance claim reporting for MEDICARE; MEDICAID; and private health insurance programs (From CPT 2002). This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Current Procedural Terminology known by any other names?
Yes. Current Procedural Terminology is also referred to as CPT Codes, Code, CPT, Codes, CPT, Current Procedural Terminology Codes in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Current Procedural Terminology sit in the medical classification?
Current Procedural Terminology falls under the broader medical category "Information Science" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: L01.462.750.245.945.160). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Current Procedural Terminology?
For a plain-language explanation of Current Procedural Terminology - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Current Procedural Terminology" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D039702) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗