Watertown, Mass. – June 27, 2012 – Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a multi-specialty physician practice with practices across eastern Massachusetts and an affiliate of Atrius Health, is pleased to announce that its Watertown practice has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2012 report, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) organization. Harvard Vanguard earned the highest score possible in the survey for its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families who can face challenges in accessing adequate healthcare.

“Providing compassionate, patient-centered care has always been a cornerstone value of Harvard Vanguard,” said Dr. Les Schwab, Chief Medical Officer. “By understanding our patients as individuals we are better able to deliver care that respects their unique needs.”

Harvard Vanguard was one of a select group of 71 healthcare organizations nationwide to be named Leaders in Healthcare Equality. Organizations awarded this title meet all the key indicators for equitable care, including nondiscrimination policies for LGBT patients and employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff. 

Harvard Vanguard was congratulated by HRC Family Project Director Ellen Kahn. “LGBT patients deeply appreciate the welcoming environment provided by a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality. It makes a big difference to know that your local healthcare facility is fully committed to giving you the same care it gives your neighbors and co-workers.”

The Watertown practice of Harvard Vanguard is located at 485 Arsenal Street (Tel: 617-972-5100) and is currently welcoming new adult and pediatric patients.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2012, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

About Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

http://www.harvardvanguard.org
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a nonprofit multi-specialty medical group providing care to 495,000 adult and pediatric patients at more than 21 offices across eastern Massachusetts. As an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Harvard Vanguard physicians are on the staff of Boston’s academic medical centers and community hospitals. Harvard Vanguard’s 4,100 employees, including more than 600 physicians and 1,000 healthcare professionals, are committed to making it easier for patients to be and stay healthy. Harvard Vanguard practices are among the highest rated in the state for clinical quality and accept insurance from most major health plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Fallon Community Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Neighborhood Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, and Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred. Harvard Vanguard is an affiliate of Atrius Health (http://www.atriushealth.org), an alliance of six non-profit community-based medical groups in Massachusetts