Why not return to cloth gowns?

I saw a post about plastic v metal speculums

The doctor I have recently switched to uses fabric gowns. Though they may be more expensive initially, I prefer them.

Anyone else thinking they may be more cost efficient?

They seem to exclusively use cloth gowns here - except one facility for an MRI they had paper shorts and tee-shirts. I'd prefer a gown.

Both of the doctors I have had used cloth. Cloth gowns are not cheaper. Maybe they are for a hospital because hospitals usually have their own laundry. But for clinics, there is a contract with usually a uniform company. They charge extra due to biohazards and possible needles. Then when they came to pick up a load each week someone had to be in the back room to watch them count and sign for the number of gowns they took. So that is one employee getting paid to watch and count and then sign. Then when they are returned they have to be counted again. Another employee counting and signing. But most people prefer cloth. That cost does get passed down to the insurance and patient.

Or we could just get rid of gowns entirely. There's no reason to wear anything while you're being examined..

My doctor uses cloth, I like them a lot better.

After working in the doctor's office for years there is basically one reason the doctors will not switch to cloth gowns, “MONEY”.

Over all it is cheaper to use paper gowns and just throw them away. Besides a few other reasons others have mentioned here. Doctor's are cheap. And if paper is cheaper that is what they will use. And I did work for a GYN who wanted his patients think his practice was a little more upscale then others and he had cloth gowns but then had the employees do the laundry a few times a day.

I don't wear one at the doctor, but usually only my shirt is off. I have a cloth one for play exams though.

When I went to the dermatologist the other day I was given a cloth gown for the first time. Always before it was a paper gown.

I agree cloth gowns should make a return…I hate the paper ones.

I don’t think I’ve ever been given a paper gown. One time I went in for a postpartum rash on my breasts and was given a paper vest because I only stripped above the waist. Other than that it’s a cloth gown and cloth sheet. My current gyn gives long cotton robes which is really nice.

My PCP seems to use cloth gowns. I’ve never had to wear one there but accompanied my husband to an appointment where he had to! I have a physical coming up on the 8th, so I guess we’ll see if I get offered one. 😁

Here in the UK, I've very rarely been given a gown, but when I have it's always been cloth.

I have found that doctors whose offices are located in a hospital medical building that has access to the hospital laundry, will use cloth gowns since it is probably cheaper for them. Doctors offices in stand alone building use disposables because it's cheaper for them. Lately I've been given a large paper napkin aka a drape instead of a gown.

My current and former gynecologists use cloth gowns.

It depends on what I'm being seen for. If it's a procedure, paper due to the mess. Otherwise cloth if the facility can launder the gowns, either via hospital laundry or staff taking them home and washing them there.