Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Clinical Workflow and Patient IntakeMedium
A medical assistant is rooming a female patient for a pelvic examination. The physician who will perform the exam is male. What action should the medical assistant take?
- ALeave the room so the patient has privacy with the physician
- BAsk the patient to reschedule with a female physician
- CStep out but remain immediately outside the door
- DRemain in the room as a chaperone during the examination
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Remain in the room as a chaperone during the examination
Standard practice requires a chaperone to be present during sensitive examinations, such as pelvic or breast exams, especially when there is a gender difference between provider and patient. This protects the patient and provider and should be offered/documented per office policy.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; leaving removes needed patient protection and support.
- B. Incorrect; rescheduling is unnecessary if a chaperone is available.
- C. Incorrect; standing outside does not fulfill the chaperone role inside the room.
Chaperone During Sensitive Exams
A chaperone (often the medical assistant) should be present during sensitive physical examinations such as pelvic, breast, or genital exams to protect both patient and provider and to provide reassurance.
- Required especially with gender difference between provider and patient
- Chaperone remains in the room throughout exam
- Provides legal protection and patient comfort
Memory trick: Stay in the room, protect them both