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Health Information | 09/18/2024

Is My Provider LGBTQIA+ Friendly?

By  Bhavana Khanna
doctor with lesbian couple
If you have been looking for a primary care provider who is accepting new patients, you may see that some provider profiles mention that they are “LGBTQIA+ friendly.” But what exactly does it mean to be an LGBTQIA+ friendly provider?

There isn’t a singular correct answer for this question. A lot of it depends on how safe and comfortable you feel when you are communicating with, visiting, and interacting with the provider and their staff. But here are some things to look for, say, do, and think about to help you decide if your clinician and their team can provide you the care and the experience that you are seeking. 

What are some signs that a provider is LGBTQIA+ friendly?

One of the first things you will encounter at a provider’s office is the physical space. It should include symbolism that is welcoming and accepting, such as a flag or other signs. The staff you interact with as you make your way to the provider’s office should also make you feel comfortable and welcomed.

When you meet your new provider for the first time, there are certain questions and pointers to keep in mind to better understand their comfort and experience when it comes to working with LGBTQIA+ patients:
  1. Do they introduce themselves with their pronouns, and ask you for yours?
  2. Ask your provider about their experience working with LGBTQIA+ patients. Do they have specific care experience with the health issues most important to you?
  3. Ask them to describe or articulate what being LGBTQIA+ friendly means to them.

As the visit goes on, consider:

  1. If they use incorrect pronouns or terminology, are they open to correction? Note that the burden of correction should not solely be on the patient.
  2. When your provider asks you health related questions, do they give the rationale behind asking the questions? Providers should not be asking questions that make you feel uncomfortable without explaining the medical reason for their question. It is always okay to ask how the answer will impact your care. If a provider asks a question that feels inappropriate and unrelated to the medical care you are seeking, it is okay not to answer it.
  3. Does your provider listen to your experience and what you have to say?
  4. Do they ask for consent or your comfort level when appropriate during the visit?

Once your visit is over, here are some things to reflect on:

  1. Was your visit documented in a way that affirms your identity, using your name and pronouns?
  2. Would you feel comfortable visiting this provider again?
  3. Were there any experiences that could be improved? If so, would you feel comfortable communicating that with the provider/staff? Do you feel they would be open to your feedback?
  4. Are you happy with the quality of care they offered? Is it what you need?
  5. Do you feel that your input was considered? Does your treatment plan reflect that?
While this is not an exhaustive list for questions, it is great to have for reference when meeting a new provider. As an LGBTQIA+ patient, you deserve to have a provider who understands your needs, and appropriately works with you to provide the best care possible. The connection between a patient and provider is crucial for receiving quality healthcare, which in turn can improve your overall well-being.
 

Book an appointment with a provider who specializes in caring for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community

Meet our Pride+ Care Team
Bhavana Khanna

About The Author

Bhavana Khanna

Bhavana Khanna (she/her/hers) completed her Master’s in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Health Education and Health Communication. As the care facilitator in our Pride+ Care program, she is passionate about ensuring quality and informative care for LGBTQ+ patients by enhancing patient-provider communication. Bhavana brings combined experience in HIV prevention, sexual health education, and interpersonal communication from her work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Maryland Department of Health.

“I am excited to start my role as the Pride+ Care Facilitator and work together with an incredible team to provide compassionate and inclusive care to patients who need it the most. My role involves providing insurance, financial, housing, and other resources and information to patients in the Pride+ Care program, while also working with clinicians to coordinate quality care and health service. This program has great potential to improve how Atrius health approaches LGBTQ+ care, as well as to pave the way for other programs."

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