Does your pediatrician leave kids fully clothed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

drmom wrote:Hello all-

Im Jenn mother of 2 teens and I work in the medical field ( physician assistant). I have mixed feelings over the question of making kids/teens/adults undress for physical exams.

I have completed many physical exams/ check ups/sports exams- or whatever you call them, on both males and female patients.

I understand why a doctor would want a patient undressed with a gown, but i see NO need for it. I do NOT let my kids undress at the doctors unless their is a problem.

In my opinion, we have given doctors too much trust and too much of a way for them to take advantage of patients.

Most of my experience is with kids/teens.

Best,

Jenn

First, you're not a physician. Second, it is absolutely irresponsible of you NOT to fully undress a pediatric patient. You will miss child abuse, self-mutilation, and scores of other illnesses, such as the skin cancer mentioned above. You should ALWAYS have a chaperone (parent or nurse) for all breast or genital exams or any exam which may make the patient uncomfortable. Signed, a pediatric ER doctor.

Amen.

[drmom]

Dear Signed Pediatric ER Doctor- You work in the ER, I am talking about yearly exams, maybe you missed that when you fired back.

Yes, I am not a physician, you are correct, what is the difference? I can write ALL scripts you can.

I do understand where your coming from by possibly missing those items during an exam, you can still completely examine a person with their cloths on. Its MUCH easier to have them undress for the exam, but its not about the person doing the exam. I would rather make the patient feel comfortable. Just because you dont undress doesnt mean its not a good exam.

[drmom]

Dear Signed Pediatric ER Doctor-

Why dont you post your real name? What do you have to hide?

[Anonymous]

drmom wrote:Dear Signed Pediatric ER Doctor-

Why dont you post your real name? What do you have to hide?

this ain't the er doc but...what about you dr. mom? i don't see you signing with your real name. what do you have to hide?

[Anonymous]

drmom wrote:Dear Signed Pediatric ER Doctor- You work in the ER, I am talking about yearly exams, maybe you missed that when you fired back.

Yes, I am not a physician, you are correct, what is the difference? I can write ALL scripts you can.

I do understand where your coming from by possibly missing those items during an exam, you can still completely examine a person with their cloths on. Its MUCH easier to have them undress for the exam, but its not about the person doing the exam. I would rather make the patient feel comfortable. Just because you dont undress doesnt mean its not a good exam.

I'm curious how you can identify child abuse/self-injury as the doctor mentioned above with all the patient's clothes on. I think those are pretty important issues when it comes to a teen's yearly exam - especially the self-mutilation which if they're wearing long sleeves/pants etc. you won't be able to see. I work as a standardized patient, and while it is not "real life" all medical students and residents at the University where I work are trained to do exams with gowns and appropriate draping including in the peds. training - seems to be a standard of care issue. I'm a new poster to this topic, btw.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So far with my four year old, exams have been done dressed. They lift his shirt when they check the heart and lungs, though.

The doctor also checks the genitalia, and does the whole "Only your parents and your doctor should should touch this part of you" (paraphrased) speech.

I don't think I would be freaked out by the gown thing, though.

Same for my six year old who just had his annual exam.