March 21, 2023 – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has taken a significant step in recognizing and advocating for LGBTQ-inclusive care in the healthcare industry. Recently, the organization acknowledged five healthcare sites that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care to the LGBTQ community.

BCBSRI’s initiative is based on the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), a benchmarking instrument developed by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The HEI evaluates healthcare facilities on crucial factors such as LGBTQ-inclusive policies, employee training, and patient services. By doing so, the index provides a comprehensive assessment of the quality of care offered to LGBTQ patients.

The five healthcare sites recognized by BCBSRI include:

• Thundermist Health Center
• Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
• Lifespan Physician Group
• Coastal Medical
• Brown Medicine
  
  

These providers have demonstrated excellence in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ patients, concentrating on promoting health equity and reducing disparities.

A key factor shared among these healthcare sites is their dedication to staff training in LGBTQ-inclusive care. By educating their employees on the distinct needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, these providers ensure that their staff can deliver the highest quality care to all patients.

In addition to staff training, these healthcare sites have implemented patient-centered policies that cultivate an inclusive atmosphere. These policies encompass gender-neutral restrooms, inclusive language in patient forms, and the utilization of preferred names and pronouns.

Furthermore, the recognized providers offer a variety of LGBTQ-specific health services, such as hormone therapy for transgender patients and HIV prevention and care. By providing these specialized services, they exhibit a profound understanding of the unique health needs of the LGBTQ community.

Carolina Correa, BCBSRI’s Vice President of Network Strategy and Provider Experience, emphasized the importance of this recognition. “By acknowledging and supporting healthcare sites that prioritize LGBTQ-inclusive care, we aim to encourage other providers to follow suit and create a more inclusive healthcare system,” Correa stated.

BCBSRI’s initiative not only contributes to creating a more inclusive healthcare environment but also conveys a powerful message to the LGBTQ community regarding the importance of seeking appropriate care. By recognizing providers that excel in LGBTQ-inclusive care, BCBSRI aspires to inspire more healthcare sites to adopt similar practices, ultimately improving the overall health and well-being of the LGBTQ community.

This recognition from BCBSRI constitutes a significant advancement in promoting health equity and ensuring that LGBTQ individuals receive the quality care they deserve. As more healthcare providers prioritize inclusivity and address the unique needs of the LGBTQ community, the industry will continue to progress toward a more equitable future.