Guidance on Messaging Preferred Name of Patient

Gender-marginalized individuals face significant barriers to adequate and culturally responsive health care, leading to numerous health disparities. The preferred name is the name that should be used when addressing or referencing the patient. For the purposes of this guidance, the term “preferred name” is interchangeable with “nickname,” “call me name,” or “name to use.” The preferred name enables care providers to use the name that is chosen by the person. Ultimately, this will assist with improved quality of care, reduced clinician burden, and less fragmentation of a person’s clinical record. Preferred name is also valuable for other contexts in which a patient may provide a name to be used.