Access to healthcare should be a right for all. For the LGBTQIA+ community, barriers exist that may prevent patients from receiving equal care. Discrimination and unfair treatment can occur. It may be difficult to find doctors who make LGBT patients feel accepted. Inclusive healthcare means creating an understanding and judgment-free environment for all patients.
What is Inclusive Healthcare?
Inclusive healthcare means providing accessible and equitable healthcare for all. This type of care should not discriminate based on background, preferences, abilities or more. This means judgment-free care. Individuals should feel accepted and included. Patient-centered care, good bedside manner, and a safe, affirming environment can help make patients more comfortable. Understanding common LGBT health-related issues can help providers to better treat patients.
For example, LGBT youth are 2-3 times more likely to attempt suicide. Transgender individuals experience higher rates of HIV, STIs, suicide, assault and other hate crimes. Treating patients with sensitivity and individualized care encourages LGBT people to get the care they need.
Understanding Inclusion in Healthcare
There can be roadblocks to inclusive healthcare. Health insurance coverage can be limited. This makes access to basic care difficult. Even with health insurance, some of the services may not be covered under all plans. Some insurance plans may have discriminatory exclusions. Transgender individuals can be denied coverage for gender-affirming surgeries. These surgeries can be very costly without insurance coverage.
Prejudice and discrimination can discourage LGBT patients from seeking care. Using a legal name over a preferred one, misgendering a patient or using improper pronouns are examples of discrimination. The Center for American Progress reports 23% of transgender individuals said a doctor intentionally misgendered them or used the wrong name. Unconscious biases can exist, making it difficult to receive fair care.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts
After experiencing unjust care, many transgender patients choose LGBTQ community centers for care. These centers are focused on accessible, equal care and improving patient outcomes. Find healthcare services that practices inclusion efforts. Ask others in the trans community for referrals on doctors they would recommend. The LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory is a free database that allows individuals to search for LGBTQIA+ friendly providers.
Your LGBTQ Healthcare Provider
Inclusive healthcare should be a right for all. Everyone deserves equitable access to care free of judgment. At ART Surgical, we’re proud to serve the transgender community. From initial consultation through post op, we strive to improve our patient’s health outcomes, while making them feel comfortable and empowered. Contact ART Surgical today to get started.