receptionist taking vs?

yep, it's already happening (back tracking). My issue is pt privacy. Not only is the receptionist not DIRECT HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL (reception is a supportive healthcare role, isn't it?), but she will also go into the room to schedule the pt follow up appointment. Not only does this tie up the exam room, but she goes in there just after a physical exam and I haven't had the opportunity to clean the room. Usually, when we finish with an exam the pt gets dressed and leaves and then I clean the room up. The way they do it now is the physician puts out the flag for the receptionist and SHE goes in and schedules the pt follow up. ??speculums, rectal probes, whatever lying out in plain site?? The receptionist response "It doesn't bother me". I AM CONCERNED FOR THE PTS WELFARE!!!! Isn't this a violation of privacy?

We had a brief meeting today with the nurses and one receptionist. In an attempt to explain why we should nnot be foing this I used the example: "It's like going to confession and having the church secretary enter the room"....that did not go over well. What I was trying to explain was that when a pt is placed in the exam room--then it should be the pt, the nurse and the doctor until the pt is dressed and checking out. Do you agree?

Thank You. Exactly my thought.

At this time we have three receptionists, in addition to the one that is escorting pts to the exam room. They greet pts "Hello, sign in "...answer phones..eventually they will all be doing this escorting. We have a 7 provider facility. If any of you have experienced this "Pod team" concept ("They" say it is widespread(?) on the East Coast), I would love to hear how it works out there.