What You Should Know:
– Today, Grand Rounds Health and Doctor On Demand announced they acquired Included Health, the first comprehensive healthcare navigation platform for the LGBTQ+ community. Together, they will address LGBTQ+ health challenges and improve outcomes.
– The LGBTQ+ community disproportionately experiences discrimination and health-related stigmas. In a national study with over 1,500 LGBTQ+ employees from Fortune 100 companies, nearly half reported a negative experience or discrimination in a healthcare setting. As a result, they are avoiding care at a rate 2-3x greater than the broader U.S. population—putting their health at risk.
– Thanks to their recent merger, Grand Rounds Health and Doctor On Demand have expanded their clinical breadth and depth with a combined multidisciplinary team across virtual care, navigation, and expert medical opinions. Their diverse clinical team boasts 43% people of color and 20% LGBTQ+. This industry-leading team serves nearly 100 million covered lives, with demonstrated success delivering positive health outcomes for diverse member populations across employers and health plans.
Why It Matters
The LGBTQ+ community disproportionately experiences discrimination and health-related stigmas which result in deferred or delayed care. Denials of care, misgendering, and rude or uninformed comments about identity and sexual orientation are too common. In a national study conducted by Included Health with over 1,000 LGBTQ+ employees from Fortune 100 companies, nearly half of respondents reported a negative healthcare experience or discrimination in a healthcare setting. As a result, many are postponing or avoiding care at a rate that is 2-3x greater than the broader U.S. population—putting their physical and mental health at risk.
“The past year has been a time of cultural awakening across the U.S., with employers, healthcare providers, and others stepping up to create more inclusive environments. But for many in the LGBTQ+ community, there is still much progress to be made,” said Colin Quinn, co-founder and CEO of Included Health. “We are proud to join forces with Grand Rounds Health and Doctor On Demand to deliver on our shared vision of improving healthcare equity for underserved communities. Our combined team of care providers and care navigators mirrors the diverse population of our members, and together we can make affirmative, culturally competent healthcare a reality.
