HOSA Medical Assisting Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The correct term that describes the legal relationship between a physician and a patient is contractual. This relationship is fundamentally based on a contract, either expressed or implied, where the patient agrees to pay for medical services, and the physician agrees to provide those services in accordance with medical standards.

In this context, the contractual relationship not only establishes mutual obligations but also outlines the rights of both the physician and the patient. This can include expected standards of care, confidentiality, and informed consent. The contract ensures that both parties are aware of their responsibilities and the services being provided.

The other terms presented serve different contexts. A consultative relationship might refer to a situation where a physician provides advice but does not engage in a full contractual obligation with the patient. Verbal relates to spoken agreements rather than formal contracts, and non-disclosure pertains to confidentiality agreements rather than the overarching legal relationship between a patient and physician. Thus, the term contractual is the most accurate descriptor of the legal ties formed during medical treatment.