Health Care for the LGBTQ Community

Inclusion Health Clinic FAQ

• How will Section 1557 of the ACA impact my care?

  Will there be any changes in your clinics based on the new rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services — related to “Section 1557” of the Affordable Care Act — removing  protections for transgender and nonbinary people in health care settings? 

  In June 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule (related to “Section 1557” of the Affordable Care Act) that eliminated previous prohibitions of discrimination based on gender identity in health care institutions that receive federal funding. This rule leaves transgender and nonbinary individuals at risk of discrimination at health care institutions that may choose to discriminate. However, nondiscrimination protections for transgender individuals have long been in place at Froedtert & MCW locations. We have nondiscrimination protections related to gender identity in our patient care policies, visitor policies and employment policies. 

  The Froedtert & MCW Inclusion Health Clinics will continue to provide outstanding medical care in a welcoming and affirming environment. One of the foundation missions of the clinic is specifically to provide a safe and welcoming space where transgender and nonbinary patients can receive excellent health care. We remain dedicated to this mission and will not waiver from it, regardless of any changes made by the Department of Health and Human Services.  
   

• Why did you open the Inclusion Health Clinics?

  We recognize the importance of providing LGBTQ individuals with the highest quality of care. This includes offering an environment that affirms each of our patients and by having providers with expertise and a passion for caring for LGBTQ patients.

• What services are provided?

  We provide the following services.

  • Dermatology
  • Gastroenterology and hepatology
  • General primary care
  • Gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender patients
  • HIV treatment
  • HIV prevention (PrEP)
  • OB/Gyn care
  • Endocrinology
  • Psychiatry services
  • Psychotherapy
• Do you require a letter from a mental health provider to start gender-affirming hormone therapy?

  For adult patients, in most cases, we do not require a letter and begin gender-affirming hormone therapy using the "informed consent" model.

  Nevertheless, we encourage patients to have an ongoing relationship with a mental health provider to assist with the emotional, social and physical changes that can accompany the start of hormone therapy. In rare circumstances, your medical provider may request a letter of clearance from a mental health provider prior to initiating hormone therapy.

  For patients under 18, professional association guidelines vary regarding the requirement of a mental health evaluation prior to starting gender-affirming hormone therapy. To ensure the best overall result, we highly recommend involvement of a mental health provider prior to and during initiation of hormone therapy. Any untreated mental health conditions should be addressed prior to starting hormones.

• Does the clinic offer gender-affirming surgeries?

  There are many kinds of gender-affirming surgical procedures, such as facial feminization, tracheal shave, breast augmentation or reduction, body contouring, orchiectomy, vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty and phalloplasty.

  Our surgical specialists provide some, but not all, of these procedures. You can discuss these with an Inclusion Health Clinic provider during a visit.

• What age of patients do you see?

  We can see patients age 15 and older. If your child would like to be seen at the Inclusion Health Clinic, please make an appointment with one of our providers and bring the medications your child is taking to the appointment. We will have you sign a release of information form to get prior records if we cannot see them in your child’s medical record. We can answer any additional questions at your first visit.

• Do you offer urgent care visits?

  We are now able to offer a limited number of same-day or next-day appointments for urgent primary care concerns for established patients. If you have an urgent health concern, please call the Inclusion Health Clinic at 414-805-2018 and ask to speak to one of our nurses. Our staff will help determine if your concern is appropriate for an urgent appointment in the Inclusion Health Clinic or whether a visit to urgent care or the emergency department would be more appropriate.

• What insurance to you take?

  We accept private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. See a list of Froedtert & MCW accepted insurance plans.

• Can you see people without insurance?

  At this time the clinics can accept people with any form of insurance that allows them to come to Froedtert & MCW locations.

  People who are currently uninsured can get assistance checking their eligibility for insurance through Froedtert Health Financial Services.

• What has the Inclusion Health Clinic done to help improve LGBTQ health overall?

  Our staff and providers have delivered training sessions on LGBTQ health to groups of health care providers within Froedtert Health, as well as local and regional professional association meetings and educational events. We have spoken to community organizations and local companies to discuss the importance of excellent health care for LGBTQ people.

  We readily accept opportunities to be present on local television and radio and in newspapers to educate the public on LGBTQ health. We also enjoy connecting with our LGBTQ community at local festivals and events to share information about our services and better understand our community’s needs.