Medical Chaperones & Sensitive Exams
At Ferrell Hospital, we understand that certain medical exams and procedures can feel more sensitive or personal than others. Your comfort and safety are always our priority. To support you, we have trained chaperones available to you for sensitive exams and procedures. Their role is to help ensure that care is provided in a safe, respectful, and professional manner.
You can request a Medical Chaperone at anytime during your visit. Simply, let our front desk staff know when you're checking in for your appointment that you'd like a Medical Chaperone, or talk to any of our clinic staff you're seeing, we're all happy to help.
If you have questions about what will happen during your exam—or if you feel uneasy at any point—please let us know. We are here to listen and support you. You have the right to be informed and make decisions about your care.
During any sensitive exam, you can expect:
We Value Your Privacy:
As a patient at Ferrell Hospital, you should expect:
You can request a Medical Chaperone at anytime during your visit. Simply, let our front desk staff know when you're checking in for your appointment that you'd like a Medical Chaperone, or talk to any of our clinic staff you're seeing, we're all happy to help.
If you have questions about what will happen during your exam—or if you feel uneasy at any point—please let us know. We are here to listen and support you. You have the right to be informed and make decisions about your care.
During any sensitive exam, you can expect:
- A clear explanation of why the exam is needed, what it will involve, and what you may experience.
- Privacy while you undress. In emergency situations, however, staff may need to assist you with undressing at the bedside to ensure your safety and timely care.
- A gown, sheet, or drape offered for coverage if part of your body is exposed.
- Professionalism at all times—sexual remarks, jokes, or inappropriate comments from a provider are never acceptable.
- The right to decline or stop any part of the exam at any time.
We Value Your Privacy:
As a patient at Ferrell Hospital, you should expect:
- The exam room door will be closed, and only those directly involved in your care will be present.
- Providers and staff will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after your exam. Gloves will be worn whenever there is a possibility of contact with open wounds, blood, or bodily fluids.
- Your provider will explain the exam or procedure and may ask questions about your medical history that are related to your care.
- You will be asked permission before being touched, and your provider will explain what to expect throughout your visit.
- A trained medical chaperone will be available for sensitive exams and procedures if requested.
Medical Chaperone FAQs
A sensitive exam is any physical examination of the breasts, genitals, or rectum. This may include exams of the breasts, pubic or groin area (such as for a hernia check), vulva and vagina, penis and scrotum, or rectum.
The chaperone is a trained member of the Ferrell Hospital care team. Their role is to help ensure comfort, safety, privacy, security, and dignity for both the patient and the provider. The chaperone will stand in a location where they can observe the exam and assist if needed.
Requesting a chaperone is simple. You can let the front desk staff know when you check in for your appointment or you can ask any member of the clinic team caring for you.
Yes. Patients may decline a chaperone. However, in some cases, your healthcare provider may choose not to perform the exam or procedure unless a chaperone is present.
You may request a chaperone at any point during your visit—even if you change your mind after the exam has already started.
Yes. If you prefer a chaperone of a certain gender, please let us know. We will do our best to honor your request. If you have concerns or questions, our clinic staff will be glad to talk with you.
Yes. You may request a chaperone for any exam, even if it is not considered sensitive.
