Finding an LGBTQ+ Friendly Doctor
These steps can help you find a doctor you feel both comfortable with and confident in.
Most SCAN plans offer our Included LGBTQ+ benefit. With this benefit you’ll have a dedicated care coordinator from Included Health who will work with you one-on-one to help with all your LGBTQ+ related care needs. Click here to find out more about this benefit.
Plus, doctors who are vetted through a specialized process in partnership with Included Health are identified as LGBTQ+ Affirming on SCAN’s Find a Doctor search tool.
In addition, the following resources can also help you find a LGBTQ+ friendly doctor. Remember, as a SCAN member you need to choose a primary care doctor who is part of our provider network—check with the doctor’s office or check for yourself with our online Find a Doctor search tool.
- Friends and family
Asking the people you know and trust is often one of the best places to start when looking for a doctor—both those they recommend from their personal experiences, and those they don’t.
- LGBTQ+ allied sources in your community
Some LGBTQ community centers provide health services on-site or can refer you to an inclusive provider in your neighborhood. In Orange County, for example, when you fill out an online request form on the OC LGBTQ Center’s website, you can find the local LGB or trans-affirming physicians in your network. Most LGBTQ centers offer support groups, which can be a valuable resource for recommendations. To find a center in your area, search for “LGBTQ center near me” in your internet browser or check CenterLink’s directory of centers nationwide.
PFLAG local chapters across the country provide support, information and resources for LGBTQ+ people and allies. Find the PFLAG chapter near you.
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce certifies businesses as being owned by LGBT individuals. It has seven affiliate chapters in California. Most list member businesses on their websites, or call and ask if there are healthcare providers they recommend.
Some hospitals and medical centers keep lists of physicians who identify as LGBTQ+ allies or have gone through special training to address the needs of LGBTQ+ patients. Check your local hospitals’ websites or call to find out if they have something similar for your area.
- National LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations
In GLMA’s Provider Directory, search for providers in your area who have affirmed their commitment to LGBT health.
Through the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists’ (AGLP) online referral system, find their member psychiatrists in your city.
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) online provider directory can help you find transgender-affirming doctors and other healthcare providers by city, state, country and specialty.
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging has a list of national, state and local information, services and other resources across a variety of LGBT aging topics.
Before scheduling an appointment with a new doctor
Before you go any further, you’ll want to do the following:
- Find out if the doctor is part of SCAN’s provider network. The doctor’s office will be able to answer this question, or you can check for yourself with our online Find a Doctor search tool.
- Call the doctor’s office—talking with someone can give you a sense of how inclusive the environment is. Some questions you might ask: Do they have gender-neutral bathrooms? Does the doctor regularly work with LGBTQ+ patients? Listen for gendered language, assumed pronouns and other insights.
- Consider scheduling a “meet and greet” appointment for your first visit to see if you’re comfortable with the doctor, office staff and environment.
