Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Patients

At Highland Hospital, we believe that all patients deserve respectful and compassionate health care, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We recognize that while the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community has the same basic health needs as all of our patients, you also have specific health care needs and concerns. Highland Hospital is committed to providing affirmative, sensitive and informed health care to the LGBT community.

Respect and dignity are two of the core concepts in Highland Hospital’s commitment to patient- and family-centered care. Our health care professionals listen to and honor patients’ and families’ perspectives and needs. Our staff members are culturally sensitive to the needs of upstate New York’s diverse patient population. 

Patient Rights, Visitation and Non-Discrimination Policies

Highland Hospital is committed to policies of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for people of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

Definition of Family

Highland Hospital defines family as two or more people who are related biologically, legally, or emotionally. Same-sex partners are recognized as the patient’s family, even if the partners are not legally married. In institutions embracing patient- and family-centered care, it is up to the patient to determine who is family and to what degree they will be involved.

Health Care Proxy

New York State residents have the right to appoint a health care agent of their choice—including a same-sex partner—with a Health Care Proxy document. You have the right to state your desires concerning life-sustaining treatment with advance directives, and to determine who will make the final decision on your behalf.

Medical Records

Helping you make important decisions regarding your health is key to our partnership with you. One way to do this is to actively participate in managing your health information. All patient information, including your sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV-related information, is kept strictly confidential. We encourage you to share your sexual orientation/gender identity with us so that we may provide appropriate care.

Changing Your Name and/or Sex in Your Medical Record

You may request that your name and sex be updated to reflect your legal name and self-identified gender. Contact Health Information Management – Data Integrity Office, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 616, Rochester, NY, 14642. (585) 273-1902. They will advise you of the procedure and documentation required for making such changes.

If Concerns Arise

If you feel that you are not being treated with respect and dignity or if your needs are not being met at any point in your care, please tell us immediately so that we can correct the situation and improve our services to you. Contact Patient and Family Relations at (585) 341-9673 or by email: Patient and Family Relations

Helpful Links for LGBT Patients

Top Ten Issues to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider

CDC LGBT Health

HealthyPeople2030 LGBT Health

New York State LGBT Health

American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Gay and Bisexual Men

American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Lesbian and Bisexual Women

World Professional Association for Transgender Health