University of Iowa Hospital to open new LGBT clinic

[SandraJane]

KWWL.COM



University of Iowa Hospital to open new LGBT clinic


Written by Jason Epner, Multimedia Journalist | Posted: Oct 03, 2012 6:18 PM CDT


http://www.kwwl.com/story/19729908/u


In May we heard from Shay O'Reilly, a transgender patient who needed an appointment with an endocrinologist, but was turned away multiple times before finally being seen.

O'Reilly told us then he was concerned others in a similar situation wouldn't pursue the medical attention needed.

"Something like that, while it's unintentional, contributes to a systemic problem for transgender patients," O'Reilly told us back in May.

University of Iowa providers say O'Reilly's situation isn't necessarily unique.

They are hearing many transgender patients are facing similar barriers to care such as lack of insurance, previous negative experiences, and running into a lack of proper training among staff.