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Educational article

When Seeking Care Doesn’t Feel Safe: How to Reduce Barriers and Ask for Support

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 6 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

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An adult checks contact information for a health care service on their phone while holding an appointment card.
Finding a support channel can be a practical step after an experience of disrespectful care.

A Bad Experience Can Make It Harder to Return

Being treated disrespectfully, anticipating judgment, or not knowing whether a service will respect the name and pronouns you use can make it harder to schedule an appointment or return. That response is understandable: the barrier lies in the treatment and access, not in your gender identity. This guide brings together options for preparing for an appointment and seeking support. It does not replace a professional evaluation.

Before Scheduling an Appointment: Decide What You Need

Write down the main reason for your appointment and what you hope to address, whether it is a physical health need, mental health support, or another concern. If you have several topics, you can choose which one to address first and mention that there are others to discuss. You do not have to explain aspects of your identity that are not relevant to the care you are seeking.

Prepare Questions and Information You Want to Share

Bring a short list of questions so you do not have to rely on remembering everything during the appointment. You can note what concerns you, what the care team needs to know, and what questions you have about next steps. Share the clinical information relevant to that care; if anything is unclear, ask them to explain it in plain language.

Communicate the Name and Pronouns You Use

When requesting or beginning care, you can say: “I use the name ___ and the pronouns ___; please use them when addressing me.” If you feel more comfortable, you can communicate this in advance through an institutional contact channel. The way this information is recorded may vary; ask how to make it available to the team that will care for you.

Decide Whether You Want to Bring Someone You Trust

If it would help, you can invite someone you trust to accompany you, help you remember your questions, or be with you on the way there. This is an option, not a requirement. If you want them to accompany you during the appointment, ask beforehand whether the service allows it and what conditions apply.

If You Receive Disrespectful Treatment, Consider Your Options

If you feel able to do so, you can correct the name or pronouns, briefly explain what you need in order to continue, or ask to speak with someone else on the team. You can also ask whether it is possible to request another professional or use an alternative channel. You do not have to resolve the situation in the moment if doing so feels unsafe or overwhelming.

Ask About Patient Services Channels

You can ask what mechanisms the institution has for reporting an experience of care and how they are handled. In Colombia, ask about the patient services channels at the service where you received care. Processes vary; filing a complaint does not guarantee a specific outcome or replace seeking the care you need.

If You Need Urgent Care, Seek Help Without Delay

If you have a health problem that requires urgent care or there is an immediate risk, seek emergency care. Fear of difficult treatment should not force you to delay necessary care. If you can, ask someone you trust to accompany you or help communicate your needs.

Finish With a Realistic Follow-Up Plan

Before the appointment ends, ask what the next step is and how to contact the service if questions come up. If a barrier makes it difficult to return, consider what alternative might be more accessible: another professional, another channel, or support from someone you trust. You can take things step by step and seek support if you need it.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to explain my gender identity to receive care?

You do not have to share information that is not relevant to the care you are seeking. You can communicate the name and pronouns you use and ask why a particular piece of information is needed before answering.

What can I do if I do not feel comfortable with the professional assigned to me?

You can ask whether it is possible to request another professional or a different channel. Options depend on the institution and availability; you can also ask about its patient services mechanisms.

What should I do if I need urgent care and fear disrespectful treatment?

If you have a health problem that requires urgent care or there is an immediate risk, seek emergency care without delaying it because you fear a difficult routine appointment. If possible, ask someone you trust to accompany you.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

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