Why “We Ask Because We Care”
At Southcoast Health, our care team understands the importance of giving our patients equal access to high quality care. Asking patients about their backgrounds allows our staff to identify individual health needs, address disparities, and deliver exceptional care from people who care.
What is REaL?
Race, ethnicity, and language (REaL)
At Southcoast Health, it is our goal to provide each patient with the best care possible.
Asking patients about their race and ethnicity allows our staff to identify individual health needs, address disparities, and deliver exceptional care. Asking about preferred written and spoken language helps us ensure that we communicate with patients clearly and effectively. Providing additional information can help improve our level of care.
What is SOGI?
Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)
Knowing a patient’s sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) helps clinicians identify individual health needs, address disparities, and deliver appropriate care. It also helps patients feel welcomed, recognized, understood, and supported.
Learn More: LGBTQIA+ Welcoming & Knowledgeable Resource Center
What does this mean for my healthcare?
As part of our efforts to align the collection of REaL & SOGI information with best practices, Southcoast Health patients may be asked new questions about REaL & SOGI through MyChart or at their next appointment. This information will help your care team to connect patients with appropriate community resources and to carry out programs that meet the needs of our patient population.
Please remember that all of these questions are optional, and you are not required to answer. Your information is kept private between your provider and you and helps us better serve your needs.
REaL and SOGI information from our patient community helps Southcoast Health’s care teams identify individual health needs, address disparities, and deliver appropriate care. As part of our efforts to align the collection of REaL and SOGI information with best practices, Southcoast Health patients may be asked new questions about REaL and SOGI through MyChart or at their next appointment.