Medical Chaperones

Some exams are more sensitive than others. We strive to ensure a respectful and reassuring environment in commitment to your safety and dignity.

Our Culture of Safety ensures that a trained Medical Chaperone will be present during a Sensitive Health Exam or Procedure. This is a standard and consistent practice at the Culinary Health Center.

A Medical Chaperone is available to be present during your visit and is required during any Sensitive Health Exam or Procedure (such as a genital, rectal, or breast exam).

• Your Medical Chaperone may be your provider’s Medical Assistant.
• Please let us know if you prefer a Medical Chaperone of a specific gender.
• You may stop your Sensitive Health Exam or Procedure at any time by communicating with your provider or the Medical Chaperone.
• You may also ask a friend or family member to be present during your exam.

Standards for a Sensitive Health Exam or Procedure

• What is a Sensitive Health Exam?

  An exam or procedure involving the genitals, rectum or breasts.

• What is a Medical Chaperone and what do they do?

  A Medical Chaperone is a trained staff member who is present during the exam or procedure to assist and to serve as a witness. Your Medical Chaperone may be your provider’s Medical Assistant. Note that a Medical Chaperone may not be present if impractical, such as during a medical emergency or for standard care protocols such as an EKG.

• May I decline to have a Medical Chaperone present?

  Yes, you may decline a Medical Chaperone. However, it is a standard and consistent practice at the Culinary Health Center to have a Medical Chaperone present during all Sensitive Health Exams and procedures. Providers may decide not to perform a Sensitive Health Exam without a Medical Chaperone present. The presence or absence of a Medical Chaperone will be documented in your medical record. Declining a Medical Chaperone will not affect the quality of medical care provided to you.

• May I request a gender-specific Medical Chaperone?

  Yes, you may request a Medical Chaperone of a specific gender. We will do our best to accommodate your gender preference in accordance with applicable law. Please let us know in advance.

• What can I expect during my visit?

  Your privacy is our priority. We will protect your dignity and confidentiality during a sensitive health exam or procedure. You can expect:

  • An explanation of the exam or procedure.
  • An opportunity to ask questions before the Sensitive Health Exam or Procedure begins.
  • The ability to stop the Sensitive Health Exam or Procedure at any time by communicating with the provider or Medical Chaperone.