Medical Chaperones

Your safety, comfort and dignity are our priority at UC San Diego Health.

For sensitive exams or procedures, we provide a trained medical chaperone to be present in the room with you. Chaperones are here to support your well-being and are part of our commitment to providing compassionate, respectful care.

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 Does a Medical Chaperone Do?

The chaperone will stand in a location where they can observe the sensitive exam or procedure 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.

What Is Considered a Sensitive Exam or Procedure?

A sensitive exam or procedure is one where a licensed health care practitioner (LHP) touches or examines the breasts (female), genitals or rectum — or one where those areas must be exposed as part of the exam.

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 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 touching you and will explain each step. You have the right to refuse or stop the exam or procedure at any time.
• Privacy: The exam room door 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 staff.
• 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 or use hand sanitizer before and after delivering care. Gloves will be worn when there is a chance of contact with open wounds, blood or bodily fluids. Gloves are not required for touching intact skin.
• Chaperone support: A trained medical chaperone will be provided for all sensitive exams and procedures, or if you request one.

Who Can Act as a Medical Chaperone?

• For patients ages 8 and under: A parent or legal guardian may act as the chaperone and decide on the chaperone preference. If the parent or legal guardian is unable to be present, interferes with the examination, or there's a history of suspected abuse, a trained UC San Diego Health medical chaperone must be present.
• For patients ages 9 to 11 years: If a chaperone is needed, it must be a trained UC San Diego Health medical chaperone. However, the child’s parent or legal guardian may decline the presence of the chaperone. Family members may also be present at your request.
• For patients ages 12 and over: If a chaperone is needed, it must be a trained UC San Diego Health medical chaperone. However, you may decline the chaperone's presence. Family members may also be present at your request.

Can I Decline to Have a Chaperone Present?

Yes. If you can make your own medical decisions, you have the right to decline having a chaperone present during your exam or procedure. Just let us know before the sensitive exam or procedure.

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 tell us whether you prefer a male or female chaperone. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request based on availability.