Certainly there should be no secrets to finding the best LGBT doctor or ally for you. So no matter where you fall on the LGBT or ally spectrum, you deserve great medical care. Period. However, if you’re a part of this community you already know how hard it is to find a great LGBT doctor or ally that truly understands you. In short, that ends today.

For example, many of the “finding the best LGBT doctor” lists are focusing on big cities. As a result, they leave out the vast majority of the country. Therefore, creating quick tips that people can use everywhere is critical to better healthcare. So before we get started finding the best LGBT doctor for you here are some things to consider:

Things to consider when finding the best LGBT Doctor

1. YOU are in charge! So get educated and empowered!
2. Ask how many LGBT patients they have.
3. Have they received cultural humility training?
4. Is there diversity and inclusion at every level?
5. Is there staff bilingual?
6. How long have they been in business? Similarly, how long has the provider been there?
7. Is their practice info the same everywhere you review? As a result, it could be a sign of disorganization.
8. How many providers do they have? For example, if you don’t “click” with a provider do they have other providers?
9. Verify they take your insurance or have other payment options.
10. WRITE REVIEWS!!!! Help your community OUT! (Literally!) In other words, patient reviews make it easier to verify that they are LGBT or ally. (And no, that scribble you left on the bathroom wall last week doesn’t count.)

12 Secrets to Finding the Best LGBT Doctor for You

1. Board Certification

Board Certification with the American Board of Medical Specialties represents the highest level of medical care. Why? Board Certified doctors must pass a stringent test. Furthermore, they continue their development with the latest medical information emphasizing patient-centric care. Click here to see if your doctor is Board Certified.

2. American Academy of HIV Medicine

American Academy of HIV Medicine is recognized as the authority on improving the standards of HIV care delivery. As a result, becoming a Specialist through the AAHIVM represents a care provider’s commitment to maintaining continuing competency through ongoing learning, experience and self-assessment. Click here to see if your care provider is an AAHIVM Specialist.

3. BEST Doctors

Best Doctors – “I don’t want a ‘gay’ doctor, I want the BEST doctor” You deserve it! And you can have both! Best Doctors is a national nonprofit that connects individuals facing tough medical decisions with experts in that field for a second opinion. As a result, it’s a rigorous process and you have to be nominated by another Best Doctor, all of which are Board Certified. In addition, doctors are vetted and each year voted on by their peers. In other words, it’s an incredible achievement. Click here to see if your doctor is among Orlando’s BEST Doctors.

4. Word of Mouth

Word of Mouth – We ask our friends where they got that cute shirt, so why not ask about a doctor? So use your entire social network: friends, coworkers, colleagues, the person that cuts your hair and your gym buddy. In other words, you could even use it to strike up a conversation with cutie you’ve had your eye on.

5. HealthGrades

HealthGrades is commonly used to review providers. Firstly, read reviews on your specific provider. Secondly, Are there other providers at the practice? So check them out to for a more comprehensive view. Furthermore, Are the reviews from the patients at their current practice? Some reviewers might even say “LGBT doctor”

6. Google

Google “LGBT or gay doctor (insert your city). Who comes up? Then Google the specific doctor(s) you’re thinking about and read the reviews. Let’s be understanding because any one can have a bad day, we just don’t get a Google review! But overall, how do people feel about them? In addition, look in the reviews for services you’re looking for. Do people mention that it’s LGBT friendly? People load pictures onto Google too…do they give you any clues? Click here to Google LGBT or gay doctor.

7. Yelp

Yelp – Its not just to rate your thick-cut whole grain toast topped with fresh smashed avocado. Doctors are on there too. But if they aren’t, it could be a red flag. Search “LGBT or gay doctor” (insert your city). Then read all the reviews, heck even read the ones not recommended. People load pictures onto Yelp as well. Do they give you any clues?

8. OutCare

utCare is a national nonprofit which connects LGBT individuals to the most appropriate, local, healthcare providers and resources. Most big national or state LGBT healthcare resource directories are pay for gay. In other words, you’ll only see providers that pay. Since providers do not have to pay to be on this site, you’re more likely to find more LGBT healthcare options here.

9. Local LGBT Newspaper

Google “LGBT or gay paper (insert city). Watermark is the number one source for LGBT news throughout Central Florida. Who’s advertising? Moreover, are they advertising the specialized primary care, primary care, HRT, HPV, or other service your looking for?

10. Local LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Local LGBT Chamber of Commerce – Google “LGBT or gay chamber of commerce (insert city). In Orlando it’s the MBA Orlando – LGBT Chamber of Commerce and they have a list of doctors that participate. Does your doctor participate?

11. Local LGBT Center

Local LGBT Center – Google “LGBT or gay center” (insert city). In Orlando it’s the LGBT Center and they have a list of providers that are LGBT friendly that provide HIV, PrEP, PEP and STI services.

12. Social Media

Social Media – Use those social media stalking skills you’ve been perfecting on that certain someone. Search “LGBT doctor” “gay doctor” or whatever you’re specifically looking for. Then, select your city. So what’s their feed look like? Are they “out and proud” or still in the closet? In today’s world, every business is on social media. But if they aren’t, that says something too. #outdated

The Secrets is Out and so Are We

It is not easy to find a great LGBT doctor. In short, the main reason there were “12 secrets” to finding the best LGBT doctor or ally for you is because we don’t talk about it.

So that ends today.

With you.

No more secrets. Share your health. Share your Pride.

Sam Graper,
Community Relations Manager,
Orlando Immunology Center
Proudly Serving the LGBT for Over 20 Years