We are dedicated to creating a safe, secure and supportive environment. For these reasons, we are an “Opt Out” chaperone facility regarding sensitive examination, meaning a chaperone will automatically be provided unless a patient declines to have a chaperone present.
What is a Medical Chaperone?
A Medical Chaperone will be provided during a sensitive exam and upon a patient’s request. A Medical Chaperone is a licensed medical professional or an employee of the clinic who is trained to work in clinical care. The chaperone may observe the exam or assist with the procedure, provide comfort and reassurance to the patient, and ensure continuing consent to the exam or procedure. The Medical Chaperone shall adhere to all privacy and confidentiality expectations. A Medical Chaperone does not need to be present throughout an entire patient visit (such as when health history is being gathered or when the patient wants to have a private conversation with their provider).
A sensitive exam or procedure includes, but is not limited to, an exam of:
- Genitalia
- Rectum
- Breast
In addition to sensitive exams, a patient or their caregiver may request a Medical Chaperone for any exam.
We will make every effort to ensure the Medical Chaperone is the gender the patient is most comfortable with. Please notify a staff member if you would like to have a Medical Chaperone present during your exam. Unless declined by a patient, a Medical Chaperone should always be present during sensitive exams, treatments and procedures.
Patients have the right to immediately terminate the exam at any time. If you become uncomfortable for any reason during an exam, tell the provider immediately. If you have questions or concerns about any part of an exam, do not hesitate to ask these questions right away.
Declining a Medical Chaperone
If a patient or their caregiver declines the presence of a Medical Chaperone and the provider is uncomfortable proceeding, a conversation between the patient and provider regarding the purpose of a Medical Chaperone will occur. The provider may ask the patient to schedule with a different provider if they are uncomfortable proceeding.
Concerns
Non-compliance with the Chaperone (consent) policy should be reported to CWRU’s Integrity Hotline 1.866.483.9367 or by visiting caseintegrityhotline.com.