New practice specializes in meeting LGBT patient needs

We've written previously about how doctors can improve care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients and ensure a supportive environment for these patients, who are often at risk for feeling scrutinized or stigmatized when receiving healthcare. Last month, Dr. Howard Grossman, opened what he believes to be the first medical practice in New Jersey catering specifically to the needs of LGBT patients.

Grossman recognized the need in the state, according to the Star Ledger, when patients were traveling from counties all over New Jersey to see him in his Manhattan office, where he'd served the LGBT patient population for more than 20 years.

"A person's sexuality is a key piece of information a primary care doctor should have, but many doctors apparently don't see it that way," Grossman told the newspaper. "When you walk into a medical practice, you give up all power to a doctor. And when you have to teach that doctor everything about your life, it's disconcerting," he said.

In addition to providing all of the services of any other primary care office, Grossman's practice, AlphaBetterCare, also offers specialized services such as screenings for cancers and other illnesses, as well as hormone therapy for transgender patients. He also supports patients in handling gender identity and sexual or emotional difficulties.

Nonetheless, he told the newspaper that the new practice, like the old one, will probably attract heterosexual patients as well. "People want somebody they can talk to about anything," Grossman said.

To learn more:
- read the article from the Star Ledger