tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post8619450972002095527..comments2022-12-12T10:49:47.419-05:00Comments on Patient Modesty & Privacy <center>Concerns</center>: Chaperones Do They Reassure or Disturb Patients?Joel Sherman MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15302609163683972129noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-75523160668751615832017-12-30T02:03:15.258-05:002017-12-30T02:03:15.258-05:00I’m not the type to complain about someone who was...I’m not the type to complain about someone who was just doing her job. The young woman clearly was surprised at the state of my undress when she walked into the exam room. She apologized for having been sent in to get a payment. She apologized at seeing me fully exposed (needless to say, I apologized as well). But I got the distinct impression that was a normal procedure at that office. I presume this is because of payment issues with patients.<br /><br />(Naturally, the pain shot that would last for “several days” wasn’t covered by insurance while the one that would last for only “several hours” was. So much for Obamacare.)<br /><br />I was far more upset later at how unprepared the doctor had me for the eventual surgery than that a young woman had a smirk on her face because she saw me fully exposed for several minutes. But I wasn't upset with her. Just red-faced and quite embarrassed.<br /><br />After she left the room, the doctor returned I guess five or ten minutes later and I got the pain shot and got dressed. There was also far more talk with the doctor and mostly with his office staff about my health insurance, co-pays in advance, etc., than there was about post-op recovery and what to expect from the surgery. I found out later the practice has a financial stake in the surgical center I was sent to. (Nothing necessarily wrong with that, but I was only informed of that on the morning of the surgery.)<br /><br />I’m sure I needed the surgery, but he made it seem like I’d be back to work in a couple days. Instead, a day later I was in so much pain I had to go to the ER (at a hospital; unaffiliated with the surgical center or that surgeon).<br /><br />I also had been unable to urinate for nearly a day and a half after the surgery. After they got my pain under control in the ER, the nurse who had attended to me when I first arrived (along with another young woman, a nursing assistant who cleaned me up as I had soiled myself on the way there) gave me a urinary catheter and said my inability to urinate was likely the result of the anesthesia I was given prior to the surgery. She said the surgical center was wrong to have let me leave without making sure I could urinate.<br /><br />I was still in intense pain several days later and had to go back to ER. I was treated again by the same female doctor and the same nurse. The doctor admitted me overnight to make sure my pain was under control and I was discharged the next day.<br /><br />I was disappointed with the literally couple minute follow-up visits with the surgeon over the next several months. I think I spent more time waiting for an elevator in his building. I don’t doubt the surgeon’s capabilities and he is well regarded.<br /><br />But when the time came for an annual follow-up I switched to the female surgeon who I have now. Wished I had found her to begin with. She has spent more time with me on each visit than the first surgeon probably did in five visits combined.PV1966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-14298117711974043042017-12-28T15:09:12.516-05:002017-12-28T15:09:12.516-05:00The female who came into the exam office was compl...The female who came into the exam office was completely wrong and should have been reported to your state medical board,or hipaa.And they would have asked the doctor about the situation.And doctors don't like that.realhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08234157310852825984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-51623579832954393462017-12-28T02:17:12.466-05:002017-12-28T02:17:12.466-05:00My initial comment was too long to include this.
...My initial comment was too long to include this.<br /><br />In the area of virtual examinations (something that we're all likely to be pushed towards in the name of cost-saving), why on earth is there any need for a chaperone whatsoever?<br /><br />http://www.journalnow.com/business/business_news/local/local-healthcare-providers-offer-video-doctor-visits/article_b64176f1-f67f-5849-a546-832149a39080.html<br />PV1966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-14470640709242938402017-12-28T02:15:36.483-05:002017-12-28T02:15:36.483-05:00Intimate exams can be embarrassing ... period.
Bu...Intimate exams can be embarrassing ... period.<br /><br />But I think it's wrong to presume that just because a male prefers being treated by female doctors and or doesn't object to a female chaperone watching his intimate exams that it somehow denotes exhibitionism. One can feel embarrassed at being exposed in front of multiple females yet still feel more comfortable than having a male standing there watching him get a DRE from his female doctor. I doubt male nurses and techs are any less likely to be cracking jokes later than female nurses and techs.<br /><br />Nurses and nurse practitioner are taking over more duties that in the past were done by doctors. It's of course about time and money, but that's just the way it is.<br /><br />I both have (and prefer) a female doctor. She's is compassionate, detailed, never rushes when answering my questions, makes me feel comfortable and eases my embarrassment when I'm exposed. Her nurses and office staff, all women, are all great, too. Even though it's still embarrassing, I find it much less awkward being examined by a female medical provider. I'd rather feel a little embarrassed than feel quite awkward, uneasy and uncomfortable.<br /><br />My colorectal surgeon is also female. On some visits, the female nurse practitioner has reviewed my symptoms and general health (vitals, etc.) before the doctor came in. On two occasions once I was undressed the nurse practitioner returned into the exam room with the doctor and stayed there observing and taking notes as I was examined. I wasn't exactly told that would happen. It's an embarrassing exam anyway no matter who is in the room. But I didn't mind the n.p. being there by necessity. It's not like she called in the female receptionist for a show and tell.<br /><br />On the flip side, a prior surgeon (male) on my first visit sent one of his female office clerks into my exam room (after he stepped out to go treat other patients) to process my credit card payment for an expensive pain shot that he said wasn’t covered by my insurance plan. She wasn't in a nurse's uniform and worked at the front desk. I was laying there in bad pain, fully undressed, my pants and underwear briefs at my ankles and only partly covered at waist level by a small paper sheet. Needless to say, the sheet introduced itself to the floor when I struggled to reach my pants in a failed attempt to pull them up to knee level in order to reach my wallet. The young woman eventually had to reach into my pants pocket to get it. She clearly felt embarrassed for me and kept apologizing, as she had a difficult time processing my payment. She handed me my cell phone so I could call my credit card company. It turned out my available balance wasn't enough and she had to split my payment between two cards. She then retrieved the paper sheet from the other side of the exam table and laid it back across my genital area. I don't blame her for having a smirk on her face that day or later on subsequent visits when she assisted me at the front desk. I'm badly overweight and my small penis in a flaccid state nearly buried in pubic area fat no doubt made for a quite pathetic sight. But was my embarrassment the young woman's fault? Of course not. And I would have probably felt even more humiliated had the doctor sent in a male staffer.<br /><br />There are a lot of men out there who feel embarrassed or awkward about women medical professionals treating them.<br /><br />But by the same token, don't force us men who prefer and feel more comfortable with a female doctor or a female tech perform procedures that involve us being exposed to have to accept male nurses or male chaperones in the room. <br /><br />Nor should it be assumed that a male patient should feel more comfortable with a male tech or male chaperone in the room than a female just because the doctor is female.<br /><br />The best scenario would have the patient (male or female) be told what options are available and then be asked to specify their preference (one that would be accommodated).PV1966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-72901210710575414642017-11-30T18:46:36.349-05:002017-11-30T18:46:36.349-05:00A nice article, worth reading:
Chaperones, Who Get...A nice article, worth reading:<br /><a href="https://www.athenahealth.com/insight/chaperones-exam-room-%E2%80%94-who-gets-decide" rel="nofollow">Chaperones, Who Gets to Decide</a>Joel Sherman MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302609163683972129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-65750979138748943392017-11-17T22:40:23.366-05:002017-11-17T22:40:23.366-05:00Real
If you’re on Medicare, file a complaint ...Real<br /> If you’re on Medicare, file a complaint with them. Remind them about the first item on their Patient’s Rights and Responsibility document. It deals with respect. If they say you were treated with respect, ask that they provide a definition of respect that applies ot all patients. Anyone else reading this who is on Medicare — if you run into a situation like this, remind the doctor or nurse about that Medicare document. Otherwise, if your doctor belongs to a FQHC, a Federal Qualifed Health Center, complain to the administrative agency in Washington, D.C. that governs those clinics. If it’s a hospital or other type of clinic, find out the names of the Board of Directors and send a complaint letter copied to each one. If it’s a private clinic, find out who the owners are and write to them. Don’t give up.Doug Caprahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15722777627862939708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-42151656905997423192017-11-17T10:51:11.957-05:002017-11-17T10:51:11.957-05:00You can certainly complain though I don't know...You can certainly complain though I don't know if they'll take any action. I don't know enough about your situation to assess it.<br />If you're male and the chaperone was female you should request a male chaperone. And if you have any special problems such as prior relevant abuse, you should mention it as a reason.<br />In any event, no doctor is please to have any complaint filed and will certainly notice it.Joel Sherman MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302609163683972129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-38689099268918667752017-11-17T05:30:45.002-05:002017-11-17T05:30:45.002-05:00Doctor wanted the nurse to be in the room for a re...Doctor wanted the nurse to be in the room for a rectal exam,I said no I feel it's intrusive,He said if I refuse there will be no exam.Can I ask help from the Nj state medical board.Please respond. realhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08234157310852825984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-68810212527331093632017-11-16T20:04:45.765-05:002017-11-16T20:04:45.765-05:00I was abused by women. One was a doctor. I don'...I was abused by women. One was a doctor. I don't see women doctors anymore, for any reason. Not since I was 8. Chaperones still aren't a thing I like. Especially as a transmale. Let's at least make it even across the board. Women abuse just as often, they just get my with it. Males deserve better. Ezekielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13724557689118732256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-45570869761138827902017-02-15T16:58:33.688-05:002017-02-15T16:58:33.688-05:00The Golden Rule is to treat people the way you wan...The Golden Rule is to treat people the way you want to be treated. Unfortunately many female doctors don't abide by this rule. That is to say, most female doctors would never allow themselves to have a male doctor give them a pelvic/breast exam with a male chaperone observing, but these same female doctors will have a female chaperone present when they are giving a male patient an intimate exam. This results in imposing an immoral double on their male patients, usually in the name of profit, that is, they can save money just hiring female nurses because societies norms say that it is okay to use a female chaperone a male patient. In other words, a male's modesty isn't as important as a female's. In the name of profit, too many female doctors will compromise the modesty/privacy of a male patient. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-84012209652082518652015-02-12T20:12:42.878-05:002015-02-12T20:12:42.878-05:00I believe that as the post states that having a ch...I believe that as the post states that having a chaperone present should always be voluntary and up to the patient. Today I went in for my first pelvic exam with a female gyno and wanting my privacy I ask that the other nurse/ chaperone not be in there. First off the gyno tried to lie to me by telling me it's the law for her to be in there then when I called her on her bluff she insisted it was her preference. Aren't you supposed to try and make the patient as comfortable as possible?! I wanted my privacy and she tried to bully me into doing it her way. I politely stayed once again stated that I would be much more comfortable if the nurse left. She then snapped at me that I should just cancel the appointment right then and there. I said ok and she stormed out. Most unprofessional physician I have ever dealt withAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-83625485689719779982014-07-19T09:20:36.948-04:002014-07-19T09:20:36.948-04:00Dr. Sherman, I am not a Physician but an Ultrasoun...Dr. Sherman, I am not a Physician but an Ultrasound Tech. I am a male who has been scanning over 20 yrs. <br />I was recently offered a job here in south central- east Pa.(Berks county) with the stipulation that I do transvaginal exams WITHOUT a chaperone unless the Pt. specifically requests it. I was told that that I was NOT to ask because if I did then every pt. would want one. I did not feel comfortable and reluctantly turned down the position.. As a medical professional, I would greatly appreciate if you can inform me of any rights I may have if any.<br />Thanks for insight and knowledge....<br />Freddy Freddynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-83913942315589177982014-04-15T18:32:36.047-04:002014-04-15T18:32:36.047-04:00I absolutely agree with you, Jason. I don't k...I absolutely agree with you, Jason. I don't know of any guy who would find comfort in having an audience to such proceedings, be that audience male or female. Most guys don't want a chaperone. Period. The person's gender makes no difference.<br /><br />For that matter, the person's qualifications don't much matter, either. What matters is that their presence has a purpose, and is acceptable to the patient. <br /><br />I don't want anyone to be there only to watch, and, let's be honest, to guard against my "bad behavior". Especially if I have no choice in the matter. I don't care if that person is a receptionist, or the Dean of the Medical School. <br /><br />I have let students attend some examinations, because I was asked first, I was given a right to refuse, and I understood their purpose. In such cases, I felt good about helping to train someone, but I understand that not everyone would feel comfortable with this.<br /><br />My greatest issue with the use of ancillary personnel as chaperones is the disrespect that this shows to the patient. Such people have not demonstrated the temperament to be present during such examinations, and do not have any training that would give their presence any medical purpose. As others have stated, such people are little more than strangers pulled off of the street to attend my examination. I doubt that any doctor would happily allow such a person to witness their examination, and it is disrespectful to either force such a person to attend mine. <br /><br />Or, worse, to misrepresent that person as an "assistant", when they are incapable of providing any medical assistance, and when their true purpose is not stated.<br />StayingFitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-24088043764691580552014-04-12T06:19:33.285-04:002014-04-12T06:19:33.285-04:00about the "forced" exams (for work, spor...about the "forced" exams (for work, sports or army) mentioned in the comments...<br /><br />"The obvious solution here is to simply avoid coercing anyone into accepting an opposite gender intimate exam by providing patients a choice regarding their practitioner’s gender.<br />If for some reason this is impossible, the presence of a same gender chaperone could serve the dual purpose of providing the female physician with protection against sexual harassment while at the same time minimizing the embarrassment and discomfort of the patient."<br /><br /><br />what?<br /><br />"We're going to force you to let some strange lady you've never met fondle your genitals... maybe even shove a finger up your butt... but we'll also bring in some dude you've never met to stand there and watch her do it. THAT will minimize any embarrassment issues you might have, and help alleviate any discomfort you have with the whole process."<br /><br />Really?<br /><br />Jason KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-35423263397107107602014-03-30T18:55:51.558-04:002014-03-30T18:55:51.558-04:00Ed,
You are wrong about my having a preference fo...Ed,<br /><br />You are wrong about my having a preference for female doctors. <br /><br />Look at my post again. I'll quote:<br /><br />"I may have appeared to "rationalize" this because a) I have never had this happen so it never occurred to me and b) I had to think through the ethics of such a practice."<br /><br />I have never had female medical providers, Ed. This is why the whole issue and the potential consequences of same are so new to me. What I was dealing with was how I would react in these situations. That's all. I explored different angles for my benefit--not yours...sorry. <br /><br />And I thank Dr Sherman for the repartee which allowed me to discuss and address these issues from a male point of view. And with a medical professional.<br /><br />As to modesty, ethics, privacy, dignity, etc., Ed, I hear what you are saying. Loud and clear. And I agree with most of what you say in this regard. I do think that an extra pair of eyes is a violation when that pair belongs to an attendant who is contributing zero to your medical needs. All I was saying was that there may be a time when those extra set of eyes are, indeed, a participant in your health care and are necessary.<br /><br />I am as modest as they come...but, I am also realistic to the point that if I need more than one female medical provider, then so be it. If that is what is necessary. <br /><br />Your experience at the urology office, while real, doesn't reflect every male's experience. <br /><br />My father goes to a urology practice where the whole staff is composed of female nurses. They do catheters and cystoscopy procedures on male patients. And they do it with care and professionalism. He has never complained. However, he was in charge of EMS in Baltimore County, Md, and trained paramedics, so this never bothered him at all.<br /><br />Ed, as to medical care, you do what you think is best and I will do what I think is best when it comes time for me to "deal with it." <br /><br />I think we've covered enough ground for me to deal with future medical situations. And I would like to thank Dr Sherman once again for his comments and insight into this subject.<br /><br />Have a great day...GaryMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-58281964983263526452014-03-29T10:37:03.822-04:002014-03-29T10:37:03.822-04:00GaryM, the comments you saw elsewhere are mine; I ...GaryM, the comments you saw elsewhere are mine; I simply cut and paste because they are relevant to this discussion.<br /><br />With respect to coming to grips with the issue and looking at it from different angles, you guessed wrong.<br /><br />For any gender specific health care, I've made sure my appointments were with male physicians to preclude this specific issue. My negative experiences, while not specifically chaperone related, occurred during appointments in a urologists private practice and a brief hospitalization. <br /><br />The only possible scenario I see this occurring is with a female physician in the ER in which case we're no longer discussing chaperones but professional staff administering emergency medicine. If I'm that sick, I welcome whatever care they deem necessary.<br /><br />While I may be wrong, your comments lead me to believe that you prefer female physicians. If so, you're likely to be confronted with this exact issue, in which case your options in dealing with it are limited. <br /><br />When confronted with situations where their modesty, dignity, and privacy is threatened, male patients have nothing to lose and everything to gain by respectfully insisting their healthcare is administered in a acceptable manner. In my case, if the physician refuses, I'm simply walking out but only after informing the physician that I will file formal and informal complaints with my insurance, state medical boards, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights, Yelp, Angies List, etc. Been there, done that!<br /><br />If expediency is more important to you, than by all means submit and deal with it. My point about growing a pair is that the system will never change unless males are willing to stand up for their rights; nothing to lose and everything to gain.<br /><br />There will never be a case where I have no choice!<br /><br />Ed Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-57252156110002514992014-03-29T09:43:19.643-04:002014-03-29T09:43:19.643-04:00GaryM said: there is always that one time where yo...GaryM said: <i>there is always that one time where you may be hit with something that is "policy" and that is required by the doctor's insurance company</i><br /><br />I agree with both of you in general. It is not always practical to take all of Ed's suggestions. The more urgent or serious your medical problems, the less most people would be willing to interject these issues into vital care. Avoiding or complaining about unwanted observers is most applicable to routine outpatient care. That doesn't mean that preferences can't be stated for urgent care, just that for most of us it then becomes a secondary issue.<br /><br />But to clear up a common mistaken belief. I have never heard of insurance companies requiring physicians to use chaperones except when there has been a prior accusation or suit against a provider. If a provider tells you that their insurance requires the use of chaperones, it likely means that they have been previously sued for abuse, so maybe you want to go elsewhere anyway.Joel Sherman MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302609163683972129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-85170666216973900632014-03-28T22:31:56.617-04:002014-03-28T22:31:56.617-04:00Ed,
I saw the same content in your post in anothe...Ed,<br /><br />I saw the same content in your post in another thread somewhere... interesting. No matter, I will answer it.<br /><br />I agree with the gist of what you have written as I have already shared my thoughts about it.<br /><br />But, this isn't about "growing a pair" as you have stated. It is about being consistent. Asking questions. Getting answers. Making decisions.<br /><br />I have no problem speaking up if I feel the need to. I am the paying customer and deserve the right to be treated with the same courtesy as other patients including the females.<br /><br />I may have appeared to "rationalize" this because a) I have never had this happen so it never occurred to me and b) I had to think through the ethics of such a practice. <br /><br />My posts simply showed that I was coming to grips with the issue and looking at it from several different angles. I'm guessing you've never done that. <br /><br />One point of order is that there just may be a procedure in your future where you will interpret the situation as only needing one female when, in fact, there does need to be two for procedural/medical reasons. Then what would you do? <br /><br />Do I think there is a double standard? You bet. Do I think a chaperone is for my benefit in these types of exams? Not at all. It only benefits the doctor.<br /><br />But, with all this said, and though I have some issues about the practice, the methods that we use to deal with it may not always be practical. Calling ahead at every opportunity, always asking the why of a situation, constantly questioning, seems to be a great idea, but there is always that one time where you may be hit with something that is "policy" and that is required by the doctor's insurance company.<br /><br />You either drive a long way home or consent, get the exam, and deal with it. It isn't the best thing to do but may be the most expedient.<br /><br />On one hand, I agree with all of the things you have said about the use of chaperones, but on the other, if a situation arises where you have no choice, or declining one makes for greater problems, then you do what your conscience allows you to do.<br /><br />GaryMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-56088253676152056772014-03-27T21:19:05.040-04:002014-03-27T21:19:05.040-04:00Let's see if I've got this straight. We...Let's see if I've got this straight. We're expected to walk into an exam room with a total stranger, demonstrate the ultimate in trust and faith by barring our body and soul, and providers' repay that trust and faith by requiring a chaperon because they obviously don't trust the patient. Am I the only one that see's the problem with this? <br /><br />Chaperon's are there solely for the provider's protection. Regardless of what actually happens in the exam room, what male patient would accuse a female provider of impropriety? The press would crucify him and the case would likely never end up in court. Moreover, if it did, what court is going to rule for a male patient against a female medical "professional"? Assuming that the female provider did act inappropriately with a male patient and a chaperon was present, what chaperon would ever testify against her employer? None! The concept is simultaneously ludicrous and depressing that male patients routinely suffer these indignities' while female patients are routinely afforded same gender care. <br /><br />If not and they object, the medical system goes out of its way to comply with their request. We're not even asked; just expected to deal with it. Additionally, I've had a number of experiences with female providers who thought my healthcare was a spectator sport. Male nurses would likely have been fired for treating female patients in the same manner. You'll never see a female patient, male provider, and male chaperon in the same exam room. If you agree with that statement, why are we expected to submit to two females administering our exams?<br /><br />Frankly, I could care less what they've seen, the procedures they've performed, or their claimed "professional" status. Comments like these are intended to shut down patient objections. I'm the patient and paying customer and how I feel and my personal comfort level are the only thing that matters. It is after all all about the patient isn't it! This double standard must change. We're all entitled to the same standard of care but in reality don't receive it.<br /><br />Patients have the ethical and legal right to choose who and to what degree a provider (physician, PA, NP, nurse, medical assistant, student, CHAPERONE, and now a SCRIBE) participates in his or her healthcare! Most people are reluctant to question or object because they're sick and uncomfortable and/or in an unfamiliar environment where providers act and expect patients to be compliant, like inmates in the county jail! Be respectful but speak up and be insistent. To mitigate the situation in the first place, when making the appointment, insist on the gender you're comfortable with. Realistically in a female dominated profession, this is somewhat problematic for male patients. In that case, go somewhere else. If that's not an option, just say no. You're not refusing the exam, you're refusing an exam that that is illegal and unethical. This practice of always granting a female patient's preference while ignoring those of male patients is unethical, unprofessional, and illegal. The system will only change if patients insist on the same standard of care regardless of gender. <br /><br />GaryM, you can rationalize this all you want but the bottom-line is it's your body, your healthcare, and your decision. Acquiescing to a chaperone, despite being clearly uncomfortable, perpetuates this despicable practice where males are treated as some lower life form. <br /><br />Guys just need to grow a pair!<br /><br />EdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-39125933627574032332014-03-26T01:04:38.205-04:002014-03-26T01:04:38.205-04:00Dr Sherman,
If Susan's post is to be believed...Dr Sherman,<br /><br />If Susan's post is to be believed, the female doctors are as much to blame as she is. They seemed to foster the environment for this type of behavior to flourish in.<br /><br />According to "Susan" the female doctors liked to exam the young boys, and men, and knew that the receptionists liked to watch as well. Susan stated in her post, "Afterwards the female doc winked at me and said "see, there are extra benefits to this job".<br /><br />To your point, how would a patient know if a person dressed up in scrubs is a professional or a young person just waiting for the show to begin?<br /><br />Obviously, a woman's age can be discerned from appearance to a certain extent; however, in a clinical setting, scrubs don't communicate what position someone holds all that well. We either grill them as to their qualifications or assume they are able to handle it.<br /><br />An extra set of eyes may be awkward, but if the chaperone is a person of integrity and treats the exam with the same seriousness as the doctor does, then at least there is professional distance between the provider, chaperone and the patient.<br /><br />If a chaperone must be used, this is the least we should be able to expect.<br /><br />Dr Sherman. you said, "That's why I find it inappropriate for providers to use non professional personnel as chaperones."<br /><br />I tend to agree. But...<br /><br />We know that a RN's salary requirements usually means that clinics rely heavily on medical assistants and receptionists for staffing. They are all that's available. <br /><br />But what kind of training would be necessary to get an assistant up to at least a level where they can handle the exam in a clinical--not sexual--context?<br /><br />A nurse has spent hours in training, clinical practice, and has a certification which allows her to deal with these types of things in a professional manner.<br /><br />With tight budgets, and time limits, somehow, I do not think they would be used as a resource for chaperoning... which leaves us with medical assistants and receptionists, etc.<br /><br /><br /><br /> GaryMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-83121062714252438752014-03-25T22:40:58.867-04:002014-03-25T22:40:58.867-04:00GaryM, I looked at 'Susan's post. It'...GaryM, I looked at <a href="http://www.topix.com/forum/news/sex/TA662SVU4BQDNC6V6" rel="nofollow">'Susan's post</a>. It's always hard to evaluate comments on forums like that as they attract so many trolls. But I have no doubt that similar situations occur.<br />When young non professional people are put in clinical settings like that they are bound to have difficulty dealing with it and some will find it sexually exciting. That's why I find it inappropriate for providers to use non professional personnel as chaperones. I would object in that situation but it's a personal decision.Joel Sherman MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302609163683972129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-91340792679938032592014-03-25T22:09:26.651-04:002014-03-25T22:09:26.651-04:00Thank you, Dr Sherman for your replies as they hav...Thank you, Dr Sherman for your replies as they have been quite helpful.<br /><br />In my job in sales, I get to talk to many different people in many different professions.<br /><br />Tonight, I had a nurse stop in and I asked her her opinion about chaperones. I told her a little about what I had seen on the internet and she was appalled.<br /><br />She said a few bad apples always spoil it for their profession. <br /><br />Further, she felt that the poster (Susan) will get caught eventually and will be ousted. She said that chaperones such as Susan are rare. And that most are ethical and do not view their job in any other way except as professional--adding that they are used to what they see and are somewhat desensitized to it.<br /><br />Needless to say, she endorsed the idea of chaperones and felt that even if a receptionist were used, they would be a trained observer and not a person looking for a "peep show."GaryMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-87162274886747908702014-03-25T13:15:15.320-04:002014-03-25T13:15:15.320-04:00GaryM, a few institutions have policies requiring ...GaryM, a few institutions have policies requiring chaperones but by no means all. But as my article makes clear, women physicians, unlike men, are under no significant legal threat of suits if they don't use chaperones. Cases of sexual assault or harassment against women providers are very rare. Even if valid, most men are reluctant to make an incident public. In other words, if a woman provider insists on a chaperone, it is because she doesn't trust male patients or is uncomfortable with them. In either case, I'd rather go elsewhere. Even institutions that want chaperones for all exams will rarely insist upon it if the patient refuses.<br />So yes, you have a real choice to object.Joel Sherman MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302609163683972129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-77251247367999511432014-03-24T21:44:55.981-04:002014-03-24T21:44:55.981-04:00Dr Sherman,
I know that the patient always has th...Dr Sherman,<br /><br />I know that the patient always has the right to make a request... but doesn't it depend on what a health facility's policy is as to whether or not it is honored?<br /><br />If that doctor is determined to protect her license, she is going to have a chaperone/assistant/scribe present regardless of what your wishes are OR she will give you the option of discontinuing the exam and returning at a later date.<br /><br />Unless there are laws which I am unaware of, this whole discussion revolves around balancing the need of the doctor to protect their license withrs the privacy of the patient. And from what we are seeing, many doctors would rather you suffer a little embarrassment then for them to take a chance and forego the chaperone.<br /><br />By the way, what did you think of Susan's posts in that thread?<br />GaryMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752793986869193186.post-22010118399898304962014-03-24T21:11:53.775-04:002014-03-24T21:11:53.775-04:00Once again, thanks for your comments. If you are u...Once again, thanks for your comments. If you are uncomfortable with a scribe or a non professional person present at your exam, you can always request that they leave. Most physicians should honor the request especially for intimate exams or sensitive history.<br />But scribes are a relatively new and still evolving phenomenon. I may do an article about them as their use certainly has consequences for medical privacy.Joel Sherman MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302609163683972129noreply@blogger.com