Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Emerson Health asks all patients for information related to their sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI). Your clinical team will use this information to provide the best care possible. During the registration process, Emerson’s patient access staff will ask you several questions to gather this information.

Why are we asking questions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and preferred pronouns?

Emerson Health is committed to providing safe and equitable healthcare to all patients. Collecting SO/GI information is a best practice required by the state and federal government and helps us better understand our patient population. This information is also essential to assess gender-specific risks influencing your care. By fully understanding you as a patient, we can provide the best, most informed care.

What will I be asked?

You will be asked about your pronouns, chosen name, birth name, sex assigned at birth, current gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Where will this information be kept, and who will see it?

Your SO/GI information will be stored in your medical record, which is kept private and secure in accordance with your rights as a patient and federal and state regulations. Our staff will only access this information when necessary. This page explains Emerson’s commitment to patient privacy.

Am I required to answer these questions?

No, you are not required to answer these questions. You may choose not to disclose some or all of this information. Like other demographic questions, sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) questions will be asked at each visit.

If you have questions or prefer to speak with someone other than your provider, we encourage you to contact our quality and patient safety department at 978-287-3385.