Before getting started, I have looked around at various resources, including here, for this information but have come up fairly empty-handed.
I've been going to therapy to get my HRT referral letter for about a month now. My therapist said she thinks I'm ready to start, but I've yet to actually get the letter. I think she's waiting until I've found a doctor, which has been a nightmare and the source of a lot of my anxiety and depression lately.
I live in north central San Antonio and have tried finding any kind of doctor (general practitioner, endocrinologist, etc) that may offer transgender HRT. The only thing I've come up with in my city is the Nurse Practitioner Associates (NPA). I've read some mixed reviews about that place and my attempts to contact them have gone unanswered, so I'm not so sure about going to them. I've found a few places in Austin, which is about 1.5 hour drive but it would be kind of a headache to have to go back and forth.
Another issue is that I don't have insurance and I'm currently an unemployed student due to medical reasons (nothing that should affect getting HRT though). I worry about the cost unless I can find a doctor willing to work with me on paying. The NPA's site says they offer no insurance medical care but I haven't heard back to find out what that all entails.
If push comes to shove, I will make the journey to Austin in order to get T because this is something I want more than anything and I know it will help with my mental health. I just wanted to find out if anyone else is located in San Antonio and who they might recommend, or if Austin is my only choice, who would be recommended there, and what kind of expenses I could expect.
Thanks!
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Brotinn:
Though I do not reside at Texas, allow me to share these options:
- I recently read that Planned Parenthood is providing trans services, counselling, meds.
- If Texas has some form of county medical system, then try them for counselling, primary care, endocrinologist, hormones.
- If it has not been destroyed, is there any student health program or state MedicAid available?
- Are there any LGBT groups or trans affiliates at San Antonio?
Maybe pressing upon your counsellor to identify a doctor is another step. She should certainly know a list from her practise in the trans field.
Best of luck in these coming steps along your journey.
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Quote from: Sharon Anne McC on February 23, 2016, 07:52:52 PM
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Brotinn:
Though I do not reside at Texas, allow me to share these options:
- I recently read that Planned Parenthood is providing trans services, counselling, meds.
- If Texas has some form of county medical system, then try them for counselling, primary care, endocrinologist, hormones.
- If it has not been destroyed, is there any student health program or state MedicAid available?
- Are there any LGBT groups or trans affiliates at San Antonio?
Maybe pressing upon your counsellor to identify a doctor is another step. She should certainly know a list from her practise in the trans field.
Best of luck in these coming steps along your journey.
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Thank you for your response. Unfortunately, Texas is kind of a nightmare when it comes to anything medical if you're someone in my situation. Because the former and current Governor refused to expand Medicaid, I'm out of luck there. It also means I'm unable to get any kind of financial assistance to actually get real insurance. The only thing I can think of is something called CareLink, which is a kind of "substitute" for insurance and offers supposedly "low cost" medical care, but I have absolutely no idea if they include trans care specifically regarding HRT.
I was excited to read that some have found help with Planned Parenthood in the form of Informed Consent, but unfortunately that isn't offered here.
I've tried looking at trans groups, and so far have only found one major one, and the only HRT doctor listed is the Nurse Practitioner Associates I mentioned previously.
During my last few therapy sessions, I mentioned the difficulty in finding a doctor but she didn't offer up any suggestions. I'm not sure if that means she's waiting for me to ask directly or if she just isn't familiar with any.
I still haven't heard back from the NPA, which is really aggravating. I think not even getting a response is worse than being told no.
I have family in Austin, so if I have to make the trip there to see a doctor I can at least hang out with them afterward. I wish I lived in a more progressive state.
You could have a look here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=107467.0
and here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,162120.msg1711093.html#msg1711093
hugs
I'm in the same boat as you are. I live in San Antonio, however I do have a job that has insurance. We actually live in a similar area, as I live right outside of North Central SA. I have a therapist as well and he's working on getting me my letter but I cannot find anywhere that prescribes hormones for transgender patients.
I've been using my insurance plan to get an idea of providers but I've only found a few that are transgender friendly.
One doctor, her name is Akright, does have several patients that she prescribes HRT to and she's the only one I found close by. However, I was told she isn't taking new patients at this time.
I also called nearby planned parenthoods. Their website says "LGBT services" so I thought that was a good sign. When I asked them what that included, they said it was just STD testing for the LGBT community. As if we are a special breed and require our own category.
I don't see my therapist until the 15th, but he told me he has a list of providers that'll do HRT so I would be happy to share that information with you once I do receive it if you haven't found a provider yet. When you do find a provider, please share with me. I can't afford to drive out of the city except on weekends when everywhere is closed.
Quote from: LJfusion on April 02, 2016, 03:55:32 PM
One doctor, her name is Akright, does have several patients that she prescribes HRT to and she's the only one I found close by. However, I was told she isn't taking new patients at this time.
Just want to chip in on this bit. A doctor in my area will say the same thing when you call them but if you specifically say you are trans and want to see them for HRT then you can get in no problem. Worth a try.
It's not in San Antonio, but I go to a doctor in McAllen.
There's about 2 or 3 doctors down here that start HRT treatment. It might be a bit of a drive though. There are also doctors in Houston.
I suppose it depends on what type of school you are at. most colleges have student health centers staffed by actual doctors. Is there any kind of student support group that might have information? or perhaps visit a LBGTQ even there in San Antonio and ask around?
I was thinking about either going to Austin or Houston. However, I found no doctors/clinics in Austin that will be affordable or covered on my insurance. The two places in Austin I found will cost almost a grand and three visits before I can start hormones.
I found the clinics in Houston online but they are never open. I called yesterday during their hours and today during their hours and got a message saying they are closed both times. But the place I will go to has to be on the weekends if it isn't in SA because my work won't allow me to miss anymore.
It seems to me I'm SOL for a while, which brings out my depression. I don't know where to look anymore because I don't have 100's of dollars right now to spend upfront at a doctors office. It'll be a year before I could afford to start hormones at the only places I've found and I cannot wait that long.
Elee I'm looking for a doctor any information will help
It's been awhile since this thread was updated, but I wanted to see if anyone has made any progress in San Antonio? I've been going to NPA, but wonder if there are other options.
I've been in San Antonio for a few weeks and suggest the San Antonio FTM facebook page, if you feel safe joining. I haven't started hormones yet but have seen a bunch of people ask about hormone providers in the area here, and get many names and reviews of the doctors.
Quote from: silliemunkie on January 11, 2018, 11:16:11 AM
It's been awhile since this thread was updated, but I wanted to see if anyone has made any progress in San Antonio? I've been going to NPA, but wonder if there are other options.
I just started T at Planned Parenthood here in SATX on 4/20. They do informed consent, and they're actually very VERY nice about everything. I was so nervous, but I ended up walking out with my Rx on my very first appointment!
Sorry for continuing the chain of posts on this old thread, but I hope it helps someone. :)
The PP Location (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/texas/san-antonio/78217/planned-parenthood-northeast-2962-91710/lgbt)
If anyone is still looking for Doctors prescribing HRT in San Antonio, I recommend Dr. Dennis Oliver.