In a medical office, what describes implied consent?

• A. Implied consent for routine examinations; explicit consent needed for specific procedures
• B. Consent not required
• C. Consent must always be written for routine visits
• D. Consent is only for release of information

Answer: (A)

Implied consent is when a patient’s actions show they agree to routine care without a formal written document. When someone comes in for a standard check-up, answers questions, sits for a basic exam, and allows the clinician to proceed with routine measurements, the care you provide is understood as consent through participation. For procedures that carry more risk or are invasive, you must obtain explicit consent—usually verbal or written and documented—before proceeding. Separate consent governs the release of health information, too. So, describing implied consent for routine examinations and explicit consent for specific procedures captures how consent works in a medical office.