Lgbq+ veteran care | veterans affairs

Lgbq+ veteran care | veterans affairs


Play all audios:


CARE WE PROVIDE AT VA INDIANA HEALTH CARE We promote the health, welfare, and dignity of Veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer/questioning or a related identity. We focus on


ensuring a safe, welcoming, and affirmative environment when providing you with sensitive and high-quality health care services like:  * Mental health services, including individual


therapy, psychosocial assessments, focused therapy groups * Affirming Primary Care and Specialty Services * Affirming LGBQ+ and related identities groups * Assessment and discussions around


sexual health * Family planning * Hormone therapy in limited circumstances * Testing, counseling and care for HIV and sexually transmitted infections, including PEP (post-exposure


prophylaxis) and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for Veterans at risk for HIV * Advance care planning (health care power of attorney, living will) * Other prevention, screening, wellness and


testing services POLICIES AND PRACTICES TO KNOW The care coordinator can help you get started with care or with navigating any of these issues. VISITATION: A same-sex partner, family


member, friend, or other individual can be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of the patient's stay. DEFINITION OF FAMILY: "Family" may include


individual(s) not legally related to the individual. Family members include spouses, domestic partners, different-sex and same-sex significant others. ADVANCE DIRECTIVES: Veterans may


designate any person as a decision-maker for care if they won't be able to make these decisions themselves. This includes same-sex partners. Advance directive agents are chosen by the


Veteran and do not need to be biologically related. DOCUMENTATION IN MEDICAL RECORDS: VA Indiana maintains the confidentiality of information about sexual orientation, and sexual behavior,  


just like any other private health information. CHANGING NAME OR SEX IN RECORDS: Your name in your medical record will reflect your legal name. The sex in your medical record should reflect


your sex. You have the right to request that your name is updated as appropriate. There are established procedures for changing your name with the VA Privacy Officer.