The safety of your medical records is critical—especially in today’s climate of increasing political hostility toward trans and gender diverse (TGD) communities. At QueerDoc, we are committed to safeguarding your privacy and standing up against any attempts to violate it. This blog outlines how we protect your records, what we recommend to our patients, and actionable steps all trans individuals can take to safeguard their protected health information (PHI).
???? How QueerDoc Protects Your Records
- Independent and Secure: Our clinic operates independently, meaning our records are not electronically accessible by other healthcare systems.
- Shield Law Protections: QueerDoc and our records systems are located in states with robust shield laws that add legal protections against government intrusion.
- Legal Advocacy: We work with attorneys ready to challenge any attempts to access our records unlawfully.
- Firm Commitment: Let’s be clear: I will go to prison before I allow your private information to be weaponized against you.
???? Recommendations for QueerDoc Patients
- Avoid Records Transfers: Whenever possible, keep your medical records within QueerDoc. Sharing them with external providers can jeopardize your privacy.
- Use Discreet Language: When discussing your care with outside providers, avoid naming QueerDoc or your provider. Instead, state that you are seeing a transgender medicine specialist.
- Communicate Through Our Patient Portal: For sensitive questions or records access, use QueerDoc’s secure patient portal to ensure your information stays private.
???? Recommendations for All Trans and Gender Diverse Folks
Even if you aren’t a QueerDoc patient, there are steps you can take to safeguard your protected health information:
1. Choose Secure Providers
Seek care from independent providers who can offer privacy protections that large healthcare systems often cannot.
2. Be Cautious with Disclosure
- When sharing medical details with providers outside your primary care team, only disclose the minimum necessary information.
- Avoid naming clinics or providers linked to trans-specific care unless absolutely necessary.
3. Request Records Storage Policies
Ask your providers how your medical records are stored, who has access to them, and whether they are shared with state systems or third parties.
4. Know Your Rights
- Familiarize yourself with federal and state laws protecting patient privacy, such as HIPAA.
- Check if your state has enacted shield laws that provide additional protections for gender affirming care.
5. Watch Out for Overcompliance
Healthcare institutions sometimes overcomply with state demands for records, even when not legally required. Examples like the Texas Attorney General’s attempt to access trans records or Vanderbilt’s compliance with requests highlight these dangers. Stay vigilant and advocate for your rights.
6. Adopt the Beyond Do No Harm Principles
Organizations like Interrupting Criminalization and Beyond Do No Harm emphasize resisting harmful laws and practices. Advocate for transparency, challenge overreach, and demand patient-centered care.
???? Why This Matters
The current wave of political attacks on trans healthcare has led to breaches in patient confidentiality. Large healthcare systems often share data with state systems under the guise of compliance, creating risks for TGD individuals. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize these risks and protect your privacy.
???? We’re in This Together
QueerDoc is more than a clinic—it’s a safe haven in an increasingly hostile landscape. We stand with you, providing expert, secure, and gender affirming care while actively resisting oppressive systems. Together, we are raising the bar in queer and gender affirming healthcare.
Do you have additional questions about protecting your privacy? Contact us through the Patient Portal.
???? Resources for Further Learning:
- Interrupting Criminalization
- Beyond Do No Harm Principles
- Texas Attorney General’s Overreach
- Vanderbilt’s Records Controversy
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