What is a Sensitive Exam?
A sensitive examination or procedure may involve a physical or visual examination of breasts, genitalia, or rectum.
Additionally, patients may find certain exams or procedures stressful or distressing due to mental health needs, neurodevelopment issues, or cultural or religious reasons — chaperones may be requested or provided for these situations.
Sensitive Exams and Procedures
- Pelvic Exam
- Rectal Exam
- Clinical Breast Exam
- Urogenital Exams
(sensitive exams of the penis and scrotum or vagina)
Chaperones for Titus Patients
Titus values the safety and dignity of our patients. As part of our commitment to creating a respectful, comfortable environment, we provide chaperones during Sensitive Exams or Procedures, as well as upon request.
What is a Chaperone?
A chaperone acts as a witness during sensitive medical exams and procedures or upon request. Chaperones protect both patients and providers by helping create a neutral, safe, respectful environment.
Who can Serve as a Chaperone?
The chaperone may be a trained health professional or staff member. Whenever possible, the chaperone should be the gender that the patient feels most comfortable with. Family members and friends of adult patients should not serve as chaperones, but may be present during chaperoned procedures if the patient requests.
Can a patient decline to have a chaperone present during an exam or procedure?
Adult patients who are able make their own medical decisions have the right to decline the presence of a chaperone (this will be noted in the patient record). However, providers may decide not to perform a particular exam or procedure without a chaperone present.
For adult patients lacking the capacity to give informed consent or considered to be vulnerable in another capacity, and for all adolescent patients, the presence of a chaperone is mandatory during sensitive exams or procedures.
