How do courts generally describe the relationship between a health care provider and a patient?

• A. Contract
• B. Tort
• C. Criminal Law
• D. Fiduciary Duty

Answer: (A)

Courts describe the patient-healthcare provider relationship as contractual in nature because it is formed by the patient’s consent to treatment and the provider’s promise to deliver care in exchange for payment. This creates mutual obligations: the provider must perform competently and in line with the standard of care, and the patient agrees to follow the treatment plan and pay for services. When these terms aren’t met, a breach of contract can occur, and malpractice theories may also apply if negligence is involved. While fiduciary duties or tort theories can arise in some contexts, the contract framing best captures the fundamental relationship and remedies created by the arrangement.