Tips on Finding an LGBTQ Sensitive Healthcare Provider
There are many important things to consider when choosing a healthcare provider. Finding a provider that matches your style is one of the most important aspects of finding a healthcare provider. Possibly the most important aspect of finding a healthcare provider is finding one with whom you are comfortable. To aid you in this process, the following is a list of questions you may want to ask yourself and your healthcare provider when choosing a new practitioner:
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What type of provider are you looking for: a medical doctor, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, a nurse practitioner, or a practitioner of alternative medicine?
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Do you have a gender preference for your practitioner?
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Do you want a large practice where you see many different providers, or do you want a small practice where you would one see one or two?
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Do you want a practice with hospital affiliation?
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Does your provider have experience with the health concerns of LGBT populations?
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Does your provider have experience with the health concerns of people of color?
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Does your provider know about non-medical services such as mental-health or social services?
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Is your provider responsive to your questions?
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Do you want a provider who asks you a lot of questions?
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Are there any LGBT or people of color working in your provider's office?
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Are there any people who are bilingual working in your provider's office?
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What insurance programs does your provider accept, and do they have a flexible payment plan?
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How does your provider maintain patient confidentiality?
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Is your provider willing to work with your other health care providers? (This is important, if you choose to see alternative healthcare providers such as an acupuncturist or a massage therapist.)
The SafeGuards Project
http://www.safeguards.org/
http://www.safeguards.org/
