Finding a good health care provider can be tough. Searching for a clinician who accepts your insurance, is in a suitable location and with whom you feel comfortable can be stressful, and for members of the LGBTQ+ community, intimidating. The thought of facing discrimination at their doctor’s office is enough to make anyone permanently postpone an annual checkup or worse, put off seeking care for what might be a serious health condition.

Statistically, members of the LGBTQ+ community have less access to health care because of a lack of insurance and difficulty in finding doctors who are knowledgeable about providing care for their specific health needs. For example, someone who is transgender may take gender-affirming hormones, which may affect their cardiovascular health. Another example is the great amount of stress LGBTQ+ individuals can experience because of discrimination, alienation and even bullying. That’s why it’s so important to develop a trusting relationship with a primary care physician.

Here are some suggestions for finding a health care provider who is a good fit:

• Seek out personal referrals. Family and friends can be valuable resources. There’s nothing like a recommendation from someone who has experience with a good health care provider, so ask around.
• Check the clinic or clinician’s website. Sometimes a website will indicate that the clinic and providers are inclusive.
• Call the prospective health care provider’s office and ask a few questions. Front desk staff should not have a problem answering questions such as if the clinic offer gender-affirming care or has experience caring for patients from the LGBTQ+ community.
• Visit GLMA — Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality website at GLMA.org. GLMA, formerly the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, provides a database of providers across the health care spectrum who have listed their services as being LGBTQ+ welcoming. Patients can search for PCPs, specialists, dentists, therapists and every other type of care provider by zip code or city and state.

Clinics should also take steps to help all patients feel comfortable, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. I believe that everything starts from the moment a patient walks in the door. Language is one of the most important aspects when making a good impression. It’s important to use correct pronouns and pay attention to how questions are worded on intake forms. Displaying a statement of the clinic’s dedication to welcoming patients of all genders, sexual orientation, abilities, race and religion online and in the clinic lets every patient or potential patient know that our clinics support diversity, inclusion and equal treatment for all.

Using the right language, including vocabulary that applies to each patient’s gender and sexual orientation, is important. Make sure patient forms include questions about preferred pronouns, sexual orientation and gender. For example, don’t assume a patient’s significant other is a wife or husband; use the words “partner” or “spouse.”

I also think it would be beneficial to hold training for everyone in every clinic to help educate them about pronouns, basic terms and sensitivity to LGBTQ+ health concerns.

Why is this important? Because everyone deserves and should receive good, respectful health care.