If you are transgender, you may have specific medical needs that require a doctor who is LGBTQ-friendly. In this article, you’ll learn about the pains of waiting room paperwork and how to select an LGBTQ-friendly practice. You’ll also discover what you should look for in a physician, from a welcoming office to an open and accepting one. And if you’re an ally, you may want to consider seeking out a physician who is LGBTQ-friendly.
Transgender-specific medical necessities
Almost half of transgender patients say that they have to explain their transgender-specific medical needs to medical professionals. This lack of knowledge is incredibly disconcerting and can even cost lives. The fact is that transgender people are more likely to postpone medical care than anyone else, especially those of color. In some cases, medical professionals can even misunderstand their patient’s needs and cause harm.
Health care for transgender patients involves both preventative and primary care. It is vital that these individuals get the care they need, as their gender can have significant implications for health. Unfortunately, transgender patients often face discrimination and lack access to health care providers who are trained in transgender medicine. Without access to preventive health services, many routine health problems go untreated. To remedy this situation, health care providers can offer payment plans and financial assistance to transgender patients.
Painful waiting room paperwork
Hospitals should remove the painstakingly long forms that require LGBTQ patients to complete in order to get the care they need. While this might seem unnecessary, the information a hospital asks patients to provide about their sexual orientation or gender identity is crucial for a patient’s health. Hospitals should also be sensitive to the fact that patients will disclose personal information about themselves in the waiting room. The human touch will go a long way in making sure a patient has a positive experience with their care.
Choosing gender-neutral language for the questions asking patients’ gender identity is important, as it allows them to expand on pertinent details. When asking patients about their gender identity, patients should keep in mind that coming out experiences can vary widely. To ensure confidentiality, questions about sexual orientation should be asked in gender-neutral language. Alternatively, patients may feel uncomfortable sharing this information with others because they are unsure of how they should be treated.
Lack of lgbt-friendly doctors
Finding a new doctor can be stressful for any patient. However, the lack of LGBTQ-friendly doctors can be particularly troublesome. Health professionals are becoming increasingly culturally aware, and resources are now available to help boomers find care that is welcoming to all. The National Institute on Aging reminds patients that a doctor-patient relationship is a collaboration. In many cases, patients are reluctant to seek care until an emergency situation arises.
The problem is compounded by a lack of training for LGBTQ-friendly physicians. As a result, the number of doctors who identify as LGBTQ is low. Studies show that doctors with these backgrounds are less likely to engage in anti-LGBT discrimination activities, and their patients may not feel comfortable seeking their care. As a result, patients may not feel comfortable coming to the doctor and may have a negative experience.
Choosing an LGBTQ-friendly practice
While finding an LGBTQ-friendly practice might feel like a challenge, it’s actually no different than choosing any other type of doctor. After all, we all want to find a provider who is knowledgeable and respectful of our culture. There are many ways to identify an LGBTQ-friendly practice. Here are some tips to help you choose a qualified physician who cares for LGBTQ+ patients. Also, remember that you don’t have to choose a doctor with LGBTQ+ experience – you can always switch to someone else’s.
First of all, be sure to check the Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index. This free, public listing of LGBTQ-friendly practices can help you find a provider who shares your values. While there are plenty of practices in the United States that don’t belong to the GLMA’s index, you can use this resource to identify an LGBTQ-friendly practice in your area. Listed below are a few examples of such facilities.
Finding a doctor who specializes in lgbt patients
Trying to find a doctor who treats LGBTQ patients can be daunting, but there are some things you can do to make your search as easy as possible. First of all, you should look for a doctor who is knowledgeable, tolerant, and respectful of your lifestyle. You can use a smartphone app to search for a doctor in your area. You can filter results by specialty, location, and user-created profiles.
Your physician may be aware of your sexual orientation or gender identity. While it may seem like the last thing you need, your doctor may have resources that will help you stay healthy. For example, you can find resources on safe and responsible sexuality and how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, your provider can provide you with health information that will help you avoid some common health problems and lead a healthier and safer life.