What is defined as a face-to-face contact between a patient and a health care provider?

The term that best describes a face-to-face contact between a patient and a health care provider is "encounter." In healthcare, an encounter specifically refers to any interaction between a patient and a provider, where services are rendered or assessed. This can involve a variety of activities, such as assessments, evaluations, and procedures, and it emphasizes the direct interaction aspect, which is critical in coding and billing processes.

The other terms, while related, do not capture the essence of a face-to-face meeting as precisely. An appointment generally refers to the scheduled time for the encounter but does not imply the actual interaction took place. Consultation relates to the provision of expert advice within a healthcare encounter and usually implies a more specific purpose, often involving a referral. Treatment denotes the management and care provided to a patient but is broader and may or may not involve a direct face-to-face interaction. Thus, "encounter" is the most accurate term in this context.