The American College of Physicians published its first guidelines on caring for transgender patients July 1, according to STAT.
The guidelines are aimed at primary care and family physicians, which marks a shift from the traditional practice of sending transgender patients to endocrinologists.
While an estimated 1.4 million U.S. adults identify as transgender, over half report needing to educate providers about their own healthcare, according to Gillian Branstetter, spokesperson for the National Center for Transgender Equality. The guidelines emphasize the importance of educating primary care providers on transgender healthcare.
The guidelines also include information on terminology, evaluation, medical management, societal issues and other topics. They suggest improving clinical environments by providing inclusive bathrooms, training staff members to use proper pronouns and creating a gender-affirming atmosphere.