Unlocking Gender-Affirming Care
Navigating Healthcare: Insights from Dr. Ramya Punati on Gender-Affirming Care
Healthcare access can be a daunting journey for many, but for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, the path is often fraught with unique challenges. HNL Lab Medicine is dedicated to advancing healthcare by ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care, irrespective of their background or identity.
Our commitment to inclusivity and excellence drives us to address these challenges head-on. In partnership with our Lehigh Valley Health Network colleagues, we aim to shed light on the importance of providing all patients with accessible, high-quality medical care close to home. Dr. Ramya Punati, a specialist in gender-affirming care at LVHN, discusses these barriers and offers valuable guidance for patients seeking supportive and affirming medical treatment.
Overcoming Barriers to Healthcare
Transgender and gender nonconforming patients frequently face significant obstacles in healthcare settings. Dr. Punati highlights several common issues, such as patients feeling unwelcome and/or disrespected by their clinicians. “Real or perceived past experiences in healthcare can damage a patient’s trust. Many transgender and gender nonconforming patients have these types of experiences, such as where they were not greeted properly or well, like being called the wrong name, misgendered, or having preferred pronouns disrespected.”
Such encounters can deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and avoidance. Moreover, inappropriate handling of sensitive topics further complicates these interactions.
“Experiences where their hormone therapy or other treatment is brought up in inappropriate settings or when irrelevant to treatment, such as when seeking emergency care or during appointments for other conditions, is another reason that might prevent these patients from accessing care,” Dr. Punati explains. At LVHN, efforts are made to mitigate these issues.
“We have clinicians specializing in gender-affirming care, our medical records have preferred name and identity, and the network prioritizes an environment that is both affirming and welcoming,” says Dr. Punati, emphasizing the network’s commitment to inclusivity.
Additionally, when working with patients who are seeking hormone therapy or any aspect of their treatment that they want kept confidential, engaging in collaborative discussions to identify when they might want or not want to discuss elements of their treatment can help maintain respect and rapport between the patient and clinician.
Patient Awareness and Preparation
Understanding what to expect can reduce anxiety and empower patients as they navigate their healthcare journeys. Dr. Punati advises that patients should come prepared with their goals, whether physical or emotional. “Goals such as wanting to ‘pass’ or look a certain way or wanting to feel better about certain aspects of their identity, can guide treatment decisions.”
These objectives can be refined and developed throughout the treatment process or might even be collaboratively discovered along the way. Patients will be asked their history including personal, identity, and medical, so that a comprehensive treatment plan can be formed. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, often involving hormone therapy or surgical options to attain treatment goals in a safe manner.
“For example, a gender nonconforming person may seek treatment based on individual goals, for physical changes or to treat their dysphoria,” Dr. Punati explains. This personalized approach ensures that care is both safe and effective, incorporating regular lab tests to monitor progress and adjust treatments as necessary.
To further check treatment progress and safety, such as bone health, regular laboratory testing is conducted to check both baseline lab results and treatment progress. Baseline labs and clinical markers are utilized to evaluate the risks and benefits of treatments. Some commonly ordered labs are hormone levels, cholesterol, and blood counts. LVHN chooses HNL Lab Medicine as its preferred laboratory partner, which has many convenient locations and options for patients to get lab work completed in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
Experiences and Reflections in the Field
Dr. Punati’s dedication to her patients is evident in her reflections on her work. “I love taking care of this patient population because it makes a big impact on their lives, including their physical and mental wellbeing, in a way that matters,” she shares.
Despite the relative novelty of the field and the lack of extensive research, the positive outcomes and patient satisfaction are deeply rewarding. “Patients are often happy with their progress and results. There is a lot to learn in the field and I find myself learning a lot from my patients,” Dr. Punati adds. The supportive team at LVHN plays a crucial role in delivering comprehensive care. “Our nurse is fantastic.
She guides patients through the intake process and provides education, such as how to perform their injections. Our medical assistant and front desk staff are all warm and affirming,” says Dr. Punati. The integrated approach, which includes pharmacy services, behavioral health support, and surgical referrals, ensures that patients receive holistic and coordinated care.
Patient Centered Care
Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. However, with dedicated professionals like Dr. Ramya Punati and affirming networks like LVHN, patients can find the support and respect they deserve.
These healthcare clinicians are making a profound impact on the lives and well-being of their patients by addressing barriers, empowering their patients, and providing comprehensive care.
HNL Lab Medicine is proud and fortunate to be affiliated with partners that put patients first. For more information, visit Comprehensive Health Services.