Recent research shows that great healthcare disparities exist for members of the LGBTQ+ community. A study produced by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination and stigma from family and community members. Also, they are more likely to be discriminated against in the workplace, receive substandard healthcare, and be denied healthcare as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBTQ+ Healthcare Disparities
People who identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community often deal with great disparities in the access and quality of their health care, even though they typically have similar health concerns as their heterosexual or cisgender counterparts. This shows that there are significant healthcare disparities that exist in LGBTQ+ medical care. Specifically, different members of the LGBTQ+ community have a greater chance of developing a chronic health condition or disability. Also, research has shown that health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, mental illnesses, addiction, and sexual violence are more common in LGBTQ+ individuals.
In addition to these health problems, there is often discrimination and stigma that LGBTQ+ individuals face when trying to receive health care. These include gaps in insurance coverage, increased costs due to inequality, and less quality care given by providers.
Changing Healthcare Disparities for the Better
The University of Kentucky has developed a team to focus on improving healthcare services for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Kelly Hill, a psychiatrist at the University of Kentucky HealthCare, has noticed more transgender or gender nonconforming (TGNC) students seeking behavioral health counseling. She says that this group of people “are at a significantly greater risk for depression, self-injurious behaviors and substance use compared to cisgender peers.” This is very concerning, as TGNC populations typically have a hard time finding safe and accessible mental health and medical services due to discrimination.
Ronnie Proctor, a Lexington resident, has had personal experience with the healthcare challenges LGBTQ+ members face. He describes being apprehensive about revealing his sexual orientation to healthcare providers due to fear of discrimination. In states that are a part of the Bible Belt, such as Kentucky, there is a greater cultural stigma placed on LGBTQ+ individuals that can make finding accepting doctors difficult.
University of Kentucky Research
The healthcare team at the University of Kentucky has started a research project that includes focus groups consisting of TGNC students. In these focus groups, youth can share their personal experiences with the healthcare system, including the challenges that they have faced. Also, they can come up with ideas on how to improve medical services for LGBTQ+ members. This research will hopefully lead to better changes in healthcare so that all populations feel safe and secure when receiving medical or mental health services.
Get Certified
American Medical Compliance (AMC) is a leader in the industry for compliance, Billing, and HR solutions. Learn how to provide above and beyond care to LGBTQ+ patients by taking AMC’s “Caring for LGBTQ+ Patients in Healthcare Settings 2022” course. Visit www.americanmedicalcompliance.com for more information.
References
Spectrum News 1 (2022, July 21). Advocates say hurdles exist between LGBTQ community, healthcare. Retrieved from: https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2022/07/21/study-aims-to-identify-barriers
