Table of Contents
Are chaperones required for pelvic exams?
Yes. Adults and patients who are 12 years and older and can make their own medical decisions can decline a chaperone. Patients can opt out when they arrive at their appointment. The health care provider may also decide not to perform an exam or procedure unless a chaperone is present.
Why are chaperones necessary in physical examination?
A chaperone may be provided to help protect and enhance the patient’s comfort, safety, privacy, security, and/or dignity during sensitive examinations or procedures. The chaperone is frequently also present to provide assistance to the health professional with the examination, procedure or care.
Can I refuse a chaperone?
If the patient refuses a chaperone Patients have a right to refuse a chaperone. If you are unwilling to conduct an intimate examination without a chaperone, you should explain to the patient why you would prefer to have one present.
What type of examinations require a chaperone?
Every patient who needs an intimate exam defined as a genital, pelvic, rectal or breast examination, regardless of their or the clinician’s gender, will be offered a medical chaperone. Clinicians will explain to patients the rationale for the exam, what to expect during the exam, and the role of the medical chaperone.
When is it appropriate to use a chaperone during an examination?
In general, use a chaperone even when a patient’s trusted companion is present. Provide opportunity for private conversation with the patient without the chaperone present. Physicians should minimize inquiries or history taking of a sensitive nature during a chaperoned examination.
Do you need a chaperone for a breast ultrasound?
Breast radiology procedures including mammography, ultrasound, interventional, and MRI will be considered OPT-IN and do not require a chaperone unless requested by the patient. A breast physical exam during mammography is OPT-OUT, meaning a chaperone will be present unless declined by the patient.
Should all providers have a medical chaperone policy?
Ideally, each practice, department, or institution would implement a medical chaperone policy for all providers to follow. However, standard approaches may not be pragmatic or sustainable. Explicitly requiring a chaperone for every visit would place a greater burden on staff and increase already ballooning health care costs.
How do you ask for a chaperone at check in?
Document in every patient’s chart his or her preference regarding chaperones; front-desk staff could ask about this during check-in to make the process more standardized. If your practice consensus is to require a chaperone for certain types of examination, apply this requirement to both male and female physicians.