Finding a doctor is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. You want someone who listens and understands who you are, and that's even harder to find for people in the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone deserves that when they go to the clinic. After all, it's the bare minimum a doctor can give you. A good doctor helps you stay healthy. They should make you feel like you can be your real self without having to disguise anything. We will talk about how to look for a clinic and give you questions to ask. Being healthy is more than just not being sick. It is about feeling good in your heart and your head too.

Where to Start Looking for a New PCP

Use the internet to help you. There are special websites that list doctors who like working with LGBTQ+ people.

  • Ask your friends. Friends are great for advice. If a friend likes their doctor, you might like them too.
  • Check the paperwork. When you look at a clinic's website, see if they ask for your pronouns. Pronouns are words like "he," "she," or "they." If they ask, it means they care about who you are.
  • Ask the internet. This might sound crazy, but places like Reddit curate lists by state of doctors who are allies and won't judge you when you walk into the room.

It's a lot of work to find a good primary care physician, but it'll be worth it in the long run. A good doctor can make or break any health condition, especially for those who may be chronically ill. Unfortunately, this isn't even where the work stops. Let's move on to what else you can do to find a good PCP.

Before the Appointment

At this point, finding a doctor is a bit like being a detective. You have to look for clues. Here are some clues to help you find a great one:

  1. Read the reviews. People write about their doctors online. What procedures or medical conditions did the reviewer need? How did the doctor respond?
  2. Call them first. You can call the office and ask, "Is this doctor LGBTQ+ friendly?" You can hear in their voice if they are telling the truth, especially if there is an awkward pause.
  3. Look at their "About" page. See if the doctor has any extra training. Some doctors take classes to learn how to help trans people or gay people better.

After you've done your investigating, rule out the doctors who you feel aren't right for you. Trust your gut intuition here.

Questions to Ask the Doctor

When you finally meet the doctor, you can interview them. Remember, you are the boss of your body. You can ask them questions to see if they are a good fit.

Try asking these questions:

  • "Do you have other patients who are LGBTQ+?"
  • "Will you use my correct name and pronouns even if they aren't on my old papers?"
  • "Do you know about the specific health things that LGBTQ+ people need to know?"
  • "If I tell you something private, will you keep it safe?"
  • "Are you comfortable talking about my partner?"

Judge their responses. Were there any awkward pauses? When they asked you questions, did they walk the walk? Doctors who are passionate about helping a patient will take your lifestyle into account. After all, everyone's lifestyle is different, and that can have a major impact on the care they receive from their PCP.

Trusting Your Gut

We mentioned earlier about trusting your gut, but what does that even mean? Essentially, it’s that little voice inside you that tells you if something is right or wrong. If you are sitting in the doctor's office and you feel something negative, but you can't quite put your finger on it, listen to that feeling. You should feel relaxed and comfortable even with a new doctor in the room. You should be treated with respect and listened to. You may find in the future that the gut feeling saved you from a miserable experience.

Changing Your Mind

It is okay to change doctors. People change their minds all the time. If you go to a doctor once and decide you don't like them, you can find a new one.

The most important thing is that you keep going to the doctor. Don't skip your check-ups just because it is hard to find a good one. Keep looking because ignoring your health could cost much more later, and sometimes, it can cost years off your life. Always remember that you are your best health advocate. There are thousands of doctors out there. Many of them are kind and want to help the LGBTQ+ community.

Stay Strong and Spreading the Word

It takes a lot to stand up for yourself. If you find a doctor or clinic that gives you a negative experience, spread the word. Let others know that the doctor isn't right. Alternatively, if you find someone who's perfect, also spread the word. Finding a doctor who respects you for your life choices is a community effort.