Affirming, Whole-Person Primary Care in Chicago at Howard Brown Health
Primary care is the foundation of lifelong health and wellbeing, and at Howard Brown Health, it is high quality care built around respect, dignity, and real connection so you can live your best life. This page is for anyone in Chicago seeking inclusive, affirming primary care, especially LGBTQ+ individuals and those facing barriers to healthcare.
We provide compassionate, affirming primary care for adults of all ages, with a deep understanding of the barriers many LGBTQ+ people and marginalized communities face when accessing healthcare. Whether you are coming in for a routine checkup, managing a chronic condition, or addressing a new health concern, our providers meet you where you are and focus on your whole health with personalized care.
What Is Primary Health Care and Why It Matters
Primary care is often your first point of contact with the healthcare system. It includes preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, chronic disease management, and coordination with specialists when needed. Here’s why it matters:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults who have a regular source of primary care are more likely to receive preventive services, manage chronic conditions effectively, and experience better overall health outcomes.
- At the same time, KFF reports LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to delay or avoid medical care due to fear of discrimination or past negative experiences in healthcare settings.
Howard Brown Health exists to close that gap by providing care that is inclusive, respectful, and grounded in community. You can schedule a primary care doctor appointment at Howard Brown Health in Chicago, Illinois online or call 773.388.1600 to speak with our team and find the right clinic location for you.
Primary Care Services We Offer
Our primary care clinics in Chicago provide a full range of services designed to support your health at every stage of life. Services include annual physicals and wellness exams, preventive screenings and immunizations, diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses, and ongoing management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.
Preventive Care Services
Preventive services help you stay healthy by focusing on early detection, reducing risk, and ongoing wellness. At Howard Brown Health, preventive primary care may include:
Annual Physicals and Wellness Exams
- Routine checkups and annual wellness visits
- Health counseling focused on nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle habits
Preventive Screenings and Immunizations
- Recommended health screenings based on age, sex, and health history
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings
- Sexual and reproductive health screenings
- Immunizations and vaccines to prevent illness
Preventive care is proven to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce serious illness when concerns are identified early, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Our health care providers work with you to personalize preventive care based on your goals, risk factors, and lived experience, so your care feels relevant, respectful, and supportive. You can schedule a primary care doctor appointment at Howard Brown Health in Chicago, Illinois online or call 773.388.1600 to speak with our team and find the right clinic location for you.
Diagnosis and Management of Health Issues
Our dedicated primary care physicians play an important role in identifying health concerns early and helping people manage medical conditions over time, with a specialized focus understanding the needs of LGBTQ patients. At Howard Brown Health, diagnosis and ongoing management may include:
Acute Illness Care
- Evaluation of new or ongoing symptoms
- Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and infections
- Medication management and follow-up care
- Monitoring health changes over time through regular visits and lab work
- Referrals to specialty care resources when needed
Chronic Disease Management
- Management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and heart disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who receive consistent primary care are more likely to have chronic conditions diagnosed earlier and managed more effectively, leading to better overall health outcomes.
Our primary care physicians work with you to create care plans that are realistic, personalized, and focused on your long-term health, with support that respects your identity, experiences, and goals. You can schedule a primary care doctor appointment at Howard Brown Health in Chicago, Illinois online or call 773.388.1600 to speak with our team and find the right clinic location for you.
Primary Care Physicians
Howard Brown Health primary care providers bring deep experience in inclusive, community-based healthcare. Our clinicians are trained to address the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ people and other underserved communities, combining medical expertise with a commitment to respectful, affirming care that supports long-term health and wellbeing.
Primary Care Physician Specialty Areas at Howard Brown Health
Howard Brown Health primary care physicians and clinicians offer comprehensive, whole-person care with specialized expertise in:
- HIV prevention and treatment, including:
- PrEP (medicine taken before possible exposure to HIV)
- PEP (medicine taken after a possible exposure to HIV)
- Sexual and reproductive health services
- Gender-affirming primary care for transgender and gender-diverse patients
- Infectious disease–informed primary care
- Geriatric and aging-focused primary care
- Women’s health and men’s health services
- Pediatric and adolescent primary care
- Palliative, supportive, and end-of-life care coordination
You can schedule a primary care doctor appointment at Howard Brown Health in Chicago, Illinois online or call 773.388.1600 to speak with our team and find the right clinic location for you.
LGBTQ+ HealthCare: Inclusive and Affirming Without Barriers
Healthcare access is not equal, and at Howard Brown Health we help our Chicago community receive care. National data shows that LGBTQ+ patients are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured than non-LGBTQ+ adults, which can limit access to preventive care and chronic disease management according to KFF, Health Coverage and Access for LGBTQ Adults.
LGBTQ+ Health Disparities in Chicago
In Chicago and across Illinois, disparities in access to primary care contribute to higher rates of unmanaged chronic conditions and delayed diagnoses. Howard Brown Health is committed to reducing these barriers by offering LGBTQ+ affirming physicians and clinicians, care regardless of ability to pay, and support navigating insurance and public benefits. Our clinics are designed to be welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ patients where identities are respected, and patients feel safe asking questions and advocating for their health and the health of their family.
Gender-Affirming Primary Care at Howard Brown Health
Primary care at Howard Brown Health supports transgender and gender-diverse patients through affirming, patient-centered services, including:
- Hormone therapy initiation, management, and ongoing monitoring
- Routine lab work and health monitoring related to hormone therapy
- Preventive screenings based on anatomy, age, and individual health needs
- Treatment of common illnesses and chronic conditions within an affirming care setting
- Referrals and care coordination for additional gender-affirming services when needed
Our providers use an informed-consent approach by providing the information you need to make the choice that is right for you and respectful communication to ensure care aligns with each patient’s identity, goals, and overall health. Schedule a primary care doctor appointment online or call 773.388.1600.
Primary Care Locations in Chicago
Howard Brown Health offers primary care at multiple clinics throughout Chicago, offering extended hours and weekend appointments, making it easier to access care close to home, work, or school. Our teams work with you to find appointment options that fit your schedule and help you establish ongoing care with a provider you trust. Visit our locations page here.
Schedule a Primary Care Doctor Appointment
Consistent primary care helps you stay healthy, address concerns early, and build a long-term relationship with a provider who understands your needs.
You can schedule a primary care doctor appointment at Howard Brown Health in Chicago, Illinois online or call 773.388.1600 to speak with our team and find the right clinic location for you.
Primary Care FAQs
What is a primary care provider?
A primary care provider (PCP) is a healthcare professional who serves as your main point of contact for everyday medical care, such as preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, chronic disease management, and coordination with specialists when needed.
What does a primary care provider do?
A primary care provider helps manage your overall health by providing preventive care, annual physicals, vaccinations, treating common illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating care with specialists when needed.
Schedule a primary care doctor appointment online or call 773.388.1600.
Do I need insurance to receive primary care at Howard Brown Health?
No. Howard Brown Health provides care regardless of insurance status and offers support to help patients understand payment options and public benefits.
All medical services are offered on a sliding-fee scale to those who are eligible. Most major insurance plans are accepted.
Is primary care at Howard Brown Health LGBTQ+ affirming?
Yes. Our providers and staff are trained in LGBTQ+ inclusive care and understand the unique health needs and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ communities.
Schedule an affirming primary care doctor appointment online or call 773.388.1600.
Can primary care help manage chronic conditions?
Yes. Primary care plays an important role in managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma through regular monitoring, treatment, and support.
Schedule an adult primary care doctor appointment online or call 773.388.1600 to schedule an appointment for any age.
How do I schedule a primary care appointment?
You can schedule a primary care doctor appointment at Howard Brown Health in Chicago, Illinois online or call 773.388.1600 to speak with our team and find the right clinic location for you.