Health
Care
Finding a Health Care Provider
Choosing the right health care provider for
you is a very important decision. There is evidence that the
quality of the provider-patient relationship has a direct
effect on the quality of care a person receives, and on health
outcomes.
For LGBTIQ persons, the ability to have a candid
relationship with a health care provider who is comfortable
and experienced addressing health issues of concern to sexual
minorities can be extremely valuable.
If you are happy with your current health care
provider, by all means stay with him or her. Good health care
providers are valuable assets. If you don't have a health care
provider right now, or if you aren't satisfied with your
current provider, we offer some tips on finding one who is
right for you.
Ultimately, you will want to find a provider
who is knowledgeable about any medical problems you may have
and, most importantly, one with whom you feel comfortable and
respected.
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How to find a
health care provider
Ask others. Friends and colleagues are a great
resource when you are looking for a health care provider. Ask
people you know who their providers are and what they are
like. Ask friends what they like and value about their
providers. It can be especially helpful to ask other LGBTIQ
people for referrals.
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Interviewing a
potential provider
Once you have a
list of potential providers (make sure that your insurance is
accepted, if you have it), you may chose to set up visits with
several of them in their offices. Let them know you are
looking for a health care provider and would like to briefly
meet and talk with them. Ask if this interview can be free
and how much time you will have with the provider.
The following questions can help you choose
the right provider:
-
What is your experience working with LGBTIQ
patients?
-
What training has your staff had on LGBTIQ
issues?
-
Who takes backup calls when you are on
vacation? Are they experienced with LGBTIQ patients?
-
Do you maintain a list of LGBTIQ-friendly
providers to whom you refer? (A terrific primary provider still
might refer you to a homophobic cardiologist or
endocrinologist.)
-
How will you maintain patient confidentiality?
(This may be especially important if you are a minor and you
aren't "out" to your parent/guardian.)
-
Are you willing to work with my other providers? (This
is important if you decide to work with alternative health care
providers such as naturopaths or acupuncturists.)
-
What do you think your patients appreciate most about
you?
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