I had my annual physical the other day, and decided it was time for me to come out to my doctor. I've been seeing him for a few years now, and have read about the importance of coming out to your doctor to get health care tailored to your needs. I had tried to come out during last year's physical, but I wasn't able to do it. I'm now far more experienced in coming out. It started with the nurse asking me various lifestyle questions. One question was "Are you sexually active?", and I answered yes. I then went on to state that I was bisexual and that I was active with men. After some more questions, she left and then the doctor came in. While I was on the exam table he asked me if there was anything in particular I wanted to talk about. I then told him as well that I am bisexual and am sexually active with men. He said it's good that I mentioned that and handled it in a nonjudgemental way. He asked me if I was using protection, if I wanted to add HIV testing to my regular blood work, and suggested a few vaccinations to get (I don't want to get into this debate here, this isn't the health forum). I felt it was a good experience, now that my sexual orientation is written in my health records. I will now have care that is more suitable to my needs. I encourage you all to come out to your provider if you haven't done so already for this reason.
I was at my Dr's office yesterday, I had allergies or a cold I couldn't tell which all I know was I felt like crap. The same thought hit my head when he asked me if I was married or living with someone before he sent the rx to the pharmacy. I didn't tell him that I was gay though. My concern is if this goes on my medical file. Through a couple of job changes last year I no longer have group medical insurance and had tried to get a private insurance policy before winding up on cobra insurance. Does this go against you when you apply for medical insurance and the insurance company pulls your health records? I will see my doctor again in June and may decide to talk to him about it at that time.
