Norton Healthcare is an inclusive health care provider. We believe every person has a right to the best health care experience and treatment options. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ+), it’s important to be open and honest with your medical provider so that we can work together to meet your health needs.

As you embark on your patient journey, we want you to be comfortable with coming out to your provider. Being LGBTQ+ is not uncommon, and no person should feel ashamed. Because LGBTQ+ people face unique health risks, it’s important we know this about you.

Health risks for LGBTQ+ people:

• Higher smoking rates and/or substance abuse
• Higher chances of depression, bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder
• Greater risk of suicide attempts
• Greater chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

When your health care provider knows you on a more personal level, he or she can help identify and recommend screening or treatment options and plans based on your personal needs and goals. Your provider is here to be an advocate and resource for all aspects of your mental and physical health.

What You Can Expect From Us

Norton Healthcare is taking steps to ensure our LGBTQ+ community can always expect the following when seeking medical care:

• Confidentiality: All patients want a safe, trusted environment in which to heal. Confidentiality means protection of identity, and personal and health information.
• Acceptance: Every patient is treated the same, regardless of differences. Acceptance fosters strong relationships that ensure patients feel safe and return for follow-up care. You may notice gender identity questions on your intake form. In an effort to be more inclusive, we are asking that all patients identify their preferred pronouns.
• Knowledgeable care: Health care providers understand the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ people and can recommend screenings and health advice to keep patients well.
• Network of care: We offer an inclusive network of providers who understand the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and provide a safe space to seek care.

Policies

Clinical Services

Services provided by Norton Infectious Disease Specialists include but are not limited to routine screenings of patients for HIV and viral hepatitis. Patients who are diagnosed with HIV, syphilis and/or multiple sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are provided extensive information on HIV care and treatment and/or prevention via PrEP, PEP and sustained use of condoms.

Specific care for HIV patients includes:

• Routine HIV management labs
• STI and viral hepatitis screenings (A, B, and C)
• Physical exams
• One-on-one consultations with specialty pharmacists to ensure no drug interactions
• Vaccinations
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or lung screening
• Linkage to support services such as counseling, support, housing and medical payment assistance

HIV and PrEP patients can be seen without a referral at either office location — downtown or Brownsboro — where all other infectious disease diagnoses require a provider referral. Newly diagnosed HIV patients can be seen within 72 hours, and in some cases, the same day.

For more information on services, providers and locations, visit Norton Infectious Disease Specialists.

Employee Resource Group

NPride, Norton Healthcare’s LGBTQ+ and Allies employee resource group, provides employees and patients with access to a safe and supportive community that values diversity, trust and progress.

An employee resource group is a company-sponsored and company-recognized group of employees whose charter and priorities align with those of Norton Healthcare and the Norton Healthcare Inclusion Strategy. As part of Norton Healthcare’s Inclusion Strategy, employee resource groups enable a diverse and inclusive work environment that drives increased engagement and benefits the care we provide to patients and their families.

External Resources

• Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index
• National LGBT Health Education Center
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

LGBT National Help Center

If you feel the need to talk to a caring and understanding individual about the important issues of your life, call the LGBT National Help Center at (888) 843-4564.

Internal Resources

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Norton Healthcare (Contact: inclusion@nortonhealthcare.org)

NPride Employee Resource Group (Contact: inclusion@nortonhealthcare.org)

Norton Infectious Disease Specialists

For more LGBT+ -inclusive providers and referrals in your area, visit OutCare OutList