Medical Examination Room Standards

Medical examination room standards are designed to make communication between a patient and doctor effective and safe. These standards evolve as technology, laws and medical specialties evolve.

Technology

• Medical examination room standards allow for the use of ever-changing technology. According to Jon Wells, Director of Marketing for Midmark Corporation, medical examination rooms are designed with a computer area that allows "the necessary eye contact with the patient." Integration of technology is important because when technology overshadows doctor-patient communication, it can have a negative impact on the patient's examination.

Americans with Disabilities Act

• The ADA requires appropriate spacing in a medical examination room for patients.

  Medical examination rooms need to comply with the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. As an example, the act requires that a medical examination room have a "clear space of 60 inches in diameter" for a patient in a wheelchair to turn 180 degrees. For compliance with this regulation other items, such as examination tables, must be placed appropriately.

Variations

• Medical examination room standards will vary based on the medical specialty. For instance, medical forensic examination rooms have food and beverages to comfort sexual assault victims, whereas, other medical specialties will ban food and beverages, except for medical purposes, in a medical examination room because of risk of exposure to illnesses and allergens.