For patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ), you can find supportive care at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN).
Your Partnership with Your Doctor
Holding open discussions with your health care provider about any health or other concerns you have is important. It is equally important for your health care provider to understand your sexual orientation and gender identity so they can provide the most comprehensive care for you.
LVHN’s doctors include those who provide gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, those who provide care for youth who are exploring their gender identity and sexual orientation as well as care for adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or questioning. LVHN’s health care providers will work with you to make sure you receive comprehensive care and support, including:
- Preventive care screenings
- Adoption of good health practices
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Family planning
- Gender affirming medical care
- Gender affirming surgical care
“Even though discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with your doctor is not always easy, sharing this information is vital to your health,” says family medicine physician Beth Careyva, MD, with LVPG Family Medicine–Easton Avenue. “It’s important to open up about sexual orientation and gender identity. By providing this information, we can make sure to offer preventative care screenings, as well as provide counseling on sexual health, lifestyle changes and same sex family planning.”
If you are ready to come out to your doctor, Careyva offers these tips:
Be Proactive
Careyva encourages LGBTQ patients to start the conversation with their physician, instead of waiting for the subject to present itself. If it helps, consider bringing a partner, friend or family member to the visit. “At the appointment, simply say, ‘I think it’s important that you know this about me, to provide me with the best health care,’” Careyva says.
Choose a Provider with LGBTQ Health Care Experience
Some clinicians have more expertise in LGBTQ health care than others. To schedule an appointment with a specially-trained LGBTQ-knowledgeable provider, call 888-402-LVHN (5846) or visit LVHN.org/find-a-doctor and search “LGBTQ.” You’ll notice that LVHN’s LGBTQ-knowledgeable providers will have any of the following terms listed under their Areas of Focus:
- LGBTQ Patient Support
- LGBTQ Patients and Families
- Transgender Health
Discuss Confidentiality
When patients and doctors discuss sexual orientation or gender identity, confidentiality should be part of that conversation. It is ultimately the patient’s choice whether or not to formally add that information to their medical chart. However, Careyva reminds LGBTQ patients that making personal information accessible to other members of the health care team allows for the best possible care.
“At the end of the day, every patient has a choice about what they want to communicate and with whom,” Careyva says. “Our goal is simply to provide the best care for each and every patient.”
LVHN Comprehensive Health Services
LVHN’s Comprehensive Health Services program offers preventive care, screenings and outreach to the community, including:
- Care and treatment for HIV, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections (STI)
- HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Free, confidential testing services
- HIV and sexual health education classes
- Risk assessment and risk reduction counseling
- Gender affirming specialty care
Proud Partners
LVHN is proud to be recognized as a Top Performer on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2019.
Four Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) hospital campuses received national recognition for demonstrating commitment to advancing health equity for individuals in the LGBTQ community, and creating an inclusive work environment for all colleagues.
Lehigh Valley Health Network | lvhn.org
This post is a sponsored collaboration between Lehigh Valley Health Network and Lehigh Valley Style.
