Medical Chaperones

Your safety, comfort and dignity are top priorities at UC San Diego Health.

We provide a trained medical chaperone to be present in the room with you for all sensitive exams or procedures, ensuring that your care is delivered in a considerate and compassionate manner.

What Is a Medical Chaperone?

Medical chaperones are specially trained members of our care team. Their role is to observe and support both you and your provider during sensitive exams or procedures, ensuring you receive care in a safe, respectful and professional environment.

What Is Considered a Sensitive Exam or Procedure?

A sensitive exam or procedure involves a licensed health care practitioner (LHP) touching or exposing the genital or rectal regions in all patients, and the breast in female, female-identifying and nonbinary patients.

What Should I Expect During a Sensitive Exam or Procedure?

At UC San Diego Health, we value your trust and are here to ensure your experience is safe, respectful and compassionate. Here’s what you can expect:

• Clear communication: Your licensed health care provider will explain the exam or procedure, including why it’s needed, what it involves, and what it may feel like. They may also ask questions about your medical history related to the exam.
• Permission and respect: Your provider will ask for your permission before any physical contact and will explain each step. You have the right to refuse or stop the exam or procedure at any time.
• Privacy: The door or curtain will be closed, and only those involved in your care will be present. If the exam requires undressing, you will be given a private space. You will not be asked to undress in front of anyone.
• Modesty protection: If any part of your body is exposed during the exam, you will be offered a gown, sheet or drape to cover it.
• Hand hygiene and safety: Providers and staff will wash their hands before and after delivering care, and gloves will be worn before any physical contact.
• Chaperone support: A trained medical chaperone will be provided for all sensitive exams and procedures, or upon request.

Please speak up if you feel uncomfortable or notice any odd behavior during your exam or procedure.

What Does a Medical Chaperone Do?

A trained medical chaperone will be present during your sensitive exam or procedure to support, observe, document and assist as needed.

These exams or procedures may feel personal or uncomfortable. Having a chaperone present can help you feel more at ease. Medical chaperones are trained to support your and your provider's comfort, safety, privacy and dignity throughout the exam.

Who Can Act as a Medical Chaperone?

• For patients ages 8 and under: A parent or legal guardian may serve as the chaperone. If preferred, a trained UC San Diego Health chaperone can act in their place.
• For patients ages 9 and older: The chaperone will be a trained UC San Diego Health employee. At a patient’s request, family members may also be present during an exam or procedure.

Can I Decline to Have a Chaperone Present?

Yes. If you choose to opt out, please let us know before the sensitive exam or procedure.

• If you're 12 or older and able to make your own medical decisions: You have the right to decline having a chaperone present during your exam or procedure. 
• For patients ages 11 and under: A parent or legal guardian may decline to have a chaperone present.

In some cases, your provider may decide not to perform the exam or procedure without a chaperone present.

Can I Request a Gender-Specific Chaperone?

Yes. Before the sensitive exam or procedure, please let us know if you prefer a chaperone of a particular gender. We will do our best to accommodate your request based on availability.