Services for LBGT Patients
At Strong Memorial Hospital, we believe that all patients deserve respectful and compassionate health care, regardless of your 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. Strong Memorial 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 Strong Memorial Hospital’s commitment to patient- and family-centered care. Our healthcare professionals listen to and honor patients’ and families’ perspectives and needs. We offer ongoing education and training to our staff members to ensure that our services are inclusive, and that our staff members are culturally sensitive to the needs of upstate New York’s diverse patient population. This is why the Human Rights Campaign Foundation named Strong Memorial Hospital a 2018 Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality.
Our Services
- Surgery
- Hormone Treatment
- Counseling
Your Medical Record
All patient information, including your sexual orientation, gender identity and HIV-related information, is kept strictly confidential. Your medical records are accessible only to you, your healthcare proxy, and your care team.
You may request that your name and sex be updated on your medical records to reflect your legal name and self-identified gender by contacting the Health Information Management – Data Integrity Office.
Health Information Management – Data Integrity Office
601 Elmwood Avenue
Box 616
Rochester, NY 14642
(585) 273-1902
MyChart
We offer patients the opportunity to view their medical records electronically via MyChart, our free online too that makes your personal health care information available to you anytime, anywhere using a computer, smartphone or tablet.
MyChart gives you the ability to view portions of your URMC outpatient health information including your medications, immunizations, allergies and most lab results. MyChart also provides you with a confidential way to send messages to your doctors and nurses, request prescription renewals and even see your past and upcoming appointments.
You can also sign up for MyChart by calling (585) 275-URMC (8762) 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, or by visiting mychart.urmc.rochester.edu and clicking on "Sign up (I don't have a code)" link under "New User?"
Our Definition of Family
Strong Memorial 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.
Patient Privacy
Respecting your private health information is something we take very seriously here at Strong Memorial Hospital. We will work with you to protect your privacy while making sure there is appropriate sharing of protected health information to provide consistent, high quality care. It is your choice as to how much of your private health information and history you want to share with your family. Upon your approval, we want to maintain the ability to openly and easily communicate appropriate information with your loved ones.
Strong Memorial Hospital and its affiliates are committed to policies of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for people of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
Learn more about patient privacy.
Assigning a Healthcare Proxy
A completed health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to name a trusted family member, partner, or friend as your agent to make medical decisions in the event that you are unable to do so.
We recommend that all patients fill out a New York Health Care Proxy form.
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.
Learn more about Assigning a Health Care Proxy and download the New York Health Care Proxy form.
Community Involvement
LGBTQ @ Rochester
Trans @ U of R
Pride Network FB Page
Rochester Victory Alliance
Additional Resources
CDC LGBT Health
Inclusion and Culture Development
New York State LGBT Health
American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts
World Professional Association for Transgender Health
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 PatientRelationsSMH@URMC.Rochester.edu.