Which statement describes an implied contract in the health care setting?

• A. A patient showing up for an appointment implies consent to treatment under an implied contract.
• B. A written contract must be signed before any service.
• C. Payment must be made before any notification.
• D. Consent is not required as long as the patient is present.

Answer: (A)

An implied contract in health care comes from what a patient does, not from a signed agreement. When a patient presents for care, there’s a reasonable expectation that treatment will be provided and that payment for services will be made. That behavior creates an understanding between patient and provider—that the patient consents to receiving treatment and will be responsible for charges—without a formal written contract. This is why the statement that showing up for an appointment implies consent to treatment under an implied contract best describes the concept. The other options aren’t accurate: a written contract before service isn’t typically required for routine care; payment before any notification doesn’t reflect how patient-provider agreements work; and consent isn’t simply waived by presence—explicit consent is still needed for many procedures, though emergencies may involve implied consent.