Transgender and Non-Binary Primary Care

Your primary care provider is the point person for your health journey. They’ll handle preventive care like check-ups and routine screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol. And they’re the ones you’ll call when you have a cold, upset stomach, sore throat or something else that worries you. They’ll also connect you with a specialist, if you ever need one.

When you visit Cleveland Clinic for primary care, you’re greeted with respect and compassion from the minute you walk in the door or log into a virtual visit. You’re more than just a patient — you’re a person, and we want to get to know you.

That’s why we’ll begin your visit by talking with you (and listening carefully) about what kind of healthcare you want and why you scheduled this visit.

Maybe your previous healthcare experiences have made you a little leery about finding a new primary care provider. Maybe it just wasn’t a good fit. Or maybe you’ve decided to detransition (go back to living as the gender you were assigned at birth). We’re here to listen, answer your questions and ease your fears.

Physical exam and screenings

During your visit, we’ll ask about your health history and any family history of disease. We’ll talk with you about your anatomy and the steps you can take to stay healthy. You’ll have a physical exam, and we’ll likely recommend certain screenings or tests to give us a better picture of your overall health.

We’ll explain how these screenings and tests will work. And we’ll give you time to think about it and ask questions so you’re comfortable with the tests. We often screen for heart disease, high blood pressure, blood sugar and health issues related to smoking.

We may ask if you’re comfortable having recommended physical screenings to check to see if different organs are healthy. Depending on your anatomy, we may recommend screening for breast, cervical and ovarian cancers or prostate and testicular cancers. Any referrals we make will be to providers who are familiar with and sensitive to the healthcare concerns of transgender and non-binary people.

It’s okay if you feel a bit hesitant. You’re guiding this process and will move at your own pace.

As your primary care partner, we want to help you understand your health. We’re always ready to answer any questions or talk about any concerns you might have. We’ll also let you know if you’re at risk for any health problems, including sexually transmitted infections (STDs and STIs). Our first priority is to help you feel comfortable, safe and supported. If there’s something on your mind that you want to share, we’re ready to listen.

Mental health

Our primary care providers care about your emotional and physical well-being. Your appointments are a safe place to talk about things that cause you stress or affect your overall health. We’re here to earn your trust and respect your emotional needs and concerns, from your very first visit.

We’re here to talk about anything that worries you — from anxiety and depression to substance abuse, eating disorders or gender dysphoria — among others. Our counselors are experts in LGBTQIA+ concerns. They can talk with you about any of these things and give you the care you need. And they won’t make assumptions about you or your experiences.

Gender-affirming surgeries

If you’ve been thinking about exploring gender-affirming surgeries, our primary care providers can talk with you about your options and next steps. They’ll connect you with other Cleveland Clinic experts in LBGTQIA+ health so you can begin to explore a personalized treatment plan.

Taking the Next Step

No one should make you feel uncomfortable in your own skin, particularly your primary care provider. That’s why finding a provider who’s respectful and who wants to take the time to get to know you is so important. At Cleveland Clinic, we want you to feel seen, heard and safe at every appointment. We’re here to help you be your best, healthiest self.