2. Connects LGBTQIA+ patients to competent and affirming care providers and lowers risk of discriminatory healthcare interactions
Many LGBTQIA+ people have difficulty finding providers who are trained and experienced in providing competent care for LGBTQIA+ populations. There are health conditions that disproportionately impact the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly around sensitive healthcare issues like mental health, substance use disorders, reproductive health care, and sexual health. Telehealth can connect affirming clinicians with patients instantly, regardless of geography. Telehealth services can mitigate the risk of LGBTQIA+ patients coming in contact with staff or other personnel at a healthcare setting who may be harmful to or unaware of the needs of these patients, or even overtly discriminatory.
3. Makes healthcare more accessible for younger LGBTQIA+ Americans.
The COVID-19 pandemic and public health crisis has exacerbated existing healthcare disparities for LGBTQIA+ Americans. Simultaneously, telehealth expanded the range of healthcare concerns that could be handled by a provider via phone or video at much lower cost. For lower-income LGBTQIA+ Americans and the 17% of LGBTQIA+ Americans without medical insurance, cost savings can make the difference in accessing life-saving medical care. The TEC champions the need to scale up telehealth systems in all areas of medicine and for all patients, but it can be even more urgent for LGBTQIA+ Americans who experience a greater burden of poor health and existing disparities in access to healthcare.
Authors
Moira Kyweluk, PhD, MPH (she/her)
Dr. Kyweluk (she/her) is the founder of Third Space Research, a research consultancy focused on public & private sector LGBTQIA+ health. She holds a PhD in Medical Anthropology from Northwestern University, a Master of Public Health from Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology (Honors) from Brown University. Her work is featured in the academic and popular press including Everyday Health, Technology Today, and Consumer Affairs.
Funke Sangodeyi, PhD (she/her)
Dr. Sangodeyi (she/her) is the founder of Episteme Research & Strategy, LLC, a boutique research, insights and strategy consultancy with special expertise in healthcare for underserved communities. She holds a PhD in History of Science & Medicine from Harvard University, an MPhil in History and Philosophy of Science from University of Cambridge, and a Bachelor’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Harvard University.