Clinician Resource
Before, During & After the Visit
Use this checklist as a starting point for building an accessible practice. Disability access is not a one-time fix. It is an ongoing process of asking, listening, and adapting.
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Before the Visit: Scheduling
- Ask whether the patient needs accommodations at the time of scheduling
- Document preferred communication method in the chart
- Arrange interpreter, captioning, accessible forms, or other aids when needed, before the appointment
- Ask whether mobility equipment, transfer assistance, or extra room space is needed
- Ask whether the patient prefers instructions in large print, plain text, accessible PDF, or another format
Why this matters: ADA effective communication guidance emphasizes that the obligation to provide access arises when a need is identified, not after the appointment has already begun.
Rooming the Patient
- Confirm communication preferences when the patient arrives
- Face the patient when speaking, not the chart or the companion
- Speak to the patient directly, not only to a companion or caregiver
- Confirm whether the patient wants a caregiver or support person present during the exam
- Ask before moving mobility devices, canes, walkers, service animals, or personal items
- Explain gowning and draping options, and offer alternatives where possible
The Skin Exam
- Explain the exam sequence before starting
- Ask permission before touching the patient
- Offer pauses throughout the exam
- Adapt positioning when possible; avoid requiring positions that are unsafe or painful
- Verbally describe findings when helpful, using plain-language body location descriptions
- Clearly communicate what could not be examined and why, and document this
Procedures
- Confirm that communication access is in place for consent discussions
- Explain what the patient may feel, how long the procedure may take, and what aftercare involves
- Provide aftercare instructions in the patient's preferred accessible format
- Ensure follow-up instructions are accessible and confirmed understood
After the Visit
- Provide accessible medication instructions in the patient's preferred format
- Confirm how test results will be communicated and in what format
- Confirm the patient's preferred contact method for follow-up
- Document accommodations that worked well so they can be repeated at future visits
Documenting successful accommodations is as important as documenting the clinical encounter. It builds continuity of accessible care across providers and visits.
Dermatology Disability Access Checklist (PDF)
A condensed, one-page PDF version of this checklist for use at the clinic level.