FAQ: Medical chaperones for sensitive exams and procedures

Sensitive exams and procedures are ones that involve the:

• Genitalia
• Rectum
• Breasts

All medical chaperones are specially trained members of our clinical staff who are there to observe the sensitive exam and provide support and security during your exam or procedure. While friends and family can be invited to stay in the room during the exam or treatment at the patient’s request, they will not be considered chaperones for patients who are ages 11 and older. 

All vulnerable patients (defined as any patient under the age of 18, or a patient who the clinician concludes lacks the capacity to give informed consent or is unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation) must have a medical chaperone present during a sensitive examination. 

For patients who are under 11 years old, a parent or guardian may act as the chaperone unless the examination involves the insertion of fingers, swabs or instruments into the vagina or rectum. In those situations, a medical chaperone will be present during the examination.

Medical chaperones are considered a best practice by the American Medical Association, the American College Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical societies. Most healthcare centers locally and across the nation utilize medical chaperones for sensitive exams, regardless of the gender of the patient or clinician. The chaperone is there to ensure your safety, privacy, and security during exams or procedures. The medical chaperone also serves as a witness for both the patient and the examining clinician.

Yes. MIT Health will make every attempt to provide you with a chaperone whose gender you feel comfortable with.  If we are not able to meet your request, you may choose to continue your visit with a chaperone who is not of the requested gender, or you can reschedule your appointment to a time when we can provide one.

Yes. Speak with a member of your care team, and we will provide a chaperone. 

When a medical chaperone is required, we cannot proceed with the exam or procedure unless one is present. The presence of medical chaperones in the examination room provides comfort and protection to both patients and clinicians during the course of sensitive examinations, and our policy promotes respect for patient dignity and the professional nature of these interactions. If you feel uncomfortable about having a chaperone in the exam room, or you need more information about what will happen during your exam, please ask a member of your care team. We are here to answer all of your questions.