Running head: PHYSICIAN KNOWLEDGE OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND PATIENT SATISFACTION

The purpose of this study is to determine whether physician knowledge of sexual orientation is associated with increased patient satisfaction in LGB males and females in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Data were collected during Milwaukee Pride Fest 2007, a festival celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. Chi-squared analyses were then computed to determine if physician knowledge of sexual orientation is associated with patient satisfaction. Results generally indicate that LGB patients whose doctors are aware of their sexual orientation believe it is important for their doctor to know their sexual orientation, perceive their doctor to be more comfortable with their sexual orientation, more comfortable discussing sexual health, and are more satisfied with their doctor than those whose doctor do not know their sexual orientation. No significant difference was found within the gay/bisexual male sub-sample in overall satisfaction with their doctor. Similarly, no significant difference was found in the bisexual male/female sub-sample with overall satisfaction with their doctors. The bisexual male/female sub-section also showed no significant difference with how comfortable they perceive their doctor to be with their sexual orientation. Since patient satisfaction is higher when a physician is aware of their patient’s sexual orientation, it is recommended that LGB individuals learn ways to tell their doctor their sexual orientation.