LGBTQ+ Health

At Summa Health, we provide high-quality, compassionate care for all patients regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We understand that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) community has unique health needs and deserves equal, respectful and knowledgeable care.

LGBTQ+ Healthcare

At Summa Health, we provide high-quality, compassionate care for all patients regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We understand that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) community has unique health needs and deserves equal, respectful and knowledgeable care.

LGBTQ+ Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Learn more about the rights and responsibilities of Summa Health patients at http://www.summahealth.org/patientvisitor/Patients/patientrights.

LGBTQ+  Visitation

Summa Health respects the rights of patients to designate visitors, regardless of whether the visitors are legally related to the patients. Reference to family refers to family as defined by the patient. Visitation privileges will not be denied on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability.

Tips for Healthcare Providers

• Educate yourself. Learn about the specific health issues facing LGBTQ+ people.
• Be sensitive. Make sure you and your staff use patient and visitors preferred pronouns. 
• Present visual cues. Displaying an HRC equal sign or other LGBTQ-friendly emblem will demonstrate that your office is a safe space for all.
• Revise client forms. Allow options for male/female/transgender and use neutral terms like “partner” or “spouse” rather than “single,” “married” or “divorced.” Use “parent 1” and “parent 2” to include same-sex couples raising children.
• Don’t assume. Avoid making assumptions about a patient based on their appearance.
• When taking a sexual history, ask, “Are your current or past sexual partners men, women or both?”
• Listen attentively. Be sensitive to the fact that this disclosure may be difficult for your patients.

*Tips borrowed from the National LGBTQ+ Health Education Center: https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out-to-your-doctor