Healthgrades remains committed to providing tools and resources that help foster positive and accessible healthcare for all patients. Our LGBTQ+ Affirming Care designation helps patients identify providers dedicated to providing LGBTQ+ communities with compassionate and affirming care.
Providers may apply to display the LGBTQ+ Affirming Care designation on their profiles by undergoing our voluntary verification process, the approval of which is solely within the discretion of Healthgrades.
The voluntary verification process consists of the following:
- Whether providers have experience and/or are willing to provide care to non-heterosexual (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual) patients
- Whether providers have experience and/or are willing to provide care to transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, and/or X gender patients
- I believe all LGBTQ+ individuals deserve access to care from knowledgeable, empathetic, respectful providers who recognize their specific health needs.
- I recognize LGBTQ+ health disparities and tailor care recommendations accordingly.
- I model correct language (e.g., pronoun usage) and advocate for patient dignity.
- I commit to making my practice a welcoming environment and to completing regular training/learning so I can provide the best possible care to LGBTQ+ patients.
Providers with the LGBTQ+ Affirming designation have demonstrated their commitment to providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals. Through the voluntary verification process, providers are asked to affirm their commitment to quality healthcare access for LGBTQ+ patients. These affirmations are based upon the best practices in LGBTQ+ competent care for as many members of the community as possible.
By using the site, visitors acknowledge and understand that Healthgrades does not vet or validate providers, and therefore, cannot make any guarantees as to quality of care or LGBTQ+ resources; that Healthgrades cannot guarantee the availability of a listed provider; and that Healthgrades cannot contact providers on behalf of a patient. Providers are solely responsible for abiding by the laws of the state(s) which issued their license. Specific questions about health-related issues and care should be deferred to a specific provider.
By using the site, visitors acknowledge, understand, and accept that the LGBTQ+ Affirming designation is based upon a self-report, voluntary verification process which is subject to certain limitations (i.e. untruthful responses, inaccurate or inconsistent responses, limited insight or context) and that Healthgrades is unable to independently verify the accuracy of the responses given to Healthgrades by providers during this process, which may affect the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. While we prioritize making Healthgrades a safe, helpful experience, we cannot guarantee a positive experience or outcome. Visitors who have a negative experience with a verified LGBTQ+ Affirming provider can contact us at cs@healthgrades.com.
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