First Endo Appointment in Two Weeks -- What to Expect

[JaneNicole2013]

My first appointment with the endocrinologist is two weeks from today. What can I expect? Would it be reasonable to receive the script that day? I am 48, overweight, but otherwise in good health.

Also, how much do these meds cost if they're not covered by insurance? I have a good health plan and I imagine anything with a doctor's note would be covered but still, I want to make sure I budget enough money.

Anything else I can do to prepare?

Thanks!
Jane

[mrs izzy]

They might want to do a blood work up before you start any HRT just so there is a base line. That way they know if things are working.

I found if you have trouble with your script insurance to have the doctor say it is for hormonal imbalance. Yes it happens to both M or F.

Lots of luck, Most Endos are very much up to date on HRT for GID so you should be in good hands

Izzy

[Harlow]

When I saw the doctor she put me on spiro right away, she asked for a letter from my therapist stating I was of sound mind and as soon as she got that I got the prescription for estradiol. I have my one month check up coming soon, so I don't know if doses or what will be changed, I was pleasantly surprised to not have to go through a waiting period.

My situation is a little bit different as I was on HRT in my early 20's. It seemed though that the doctor was okay to prescribe right away because I'm over 25 and sane

[JaneNicole2013]

I have one final appointment with the therapist tomorrow and she's told me that I'm "of sound mind and body" enough to start hormone therapy. I'm hoping to start in two weeks, but like I've told friends, I've waiting this long, I can wait for a blood test to come back.

By the way, where does everyone get those tickets at the bottom of their sig line? Is that through this site? I've poked around for it but couldn't find it. Maybe I'll have to look harder.

[JaneNicole2013]

On another note, like "mind is quiet now," I've adopted the butterfly as my symbol and have already planned that as my first tattoo (male or female).

[KabitTarah]

They might want to do a blood work up before you start any HRT just so there is a base line. That way they know if things are working.

I found if you have trouble with your script insurance to have the doctor say it is for hormonal imbalance. Yes it happens to both M or F.

Lots of luck, Most Endos are very much up to date on HRT for GID so you should be in good hands

Izzy

Is it possible to get the Rx covered that way? I thought the MDs would be very wary of fraud?

I'm in USA if it makes a difference...

[mrs izzy]

Is it possible to get the Rx covered that way? I thought the MDs would be very wary of fraud?

I'm in USA if it makes a difference...

It comes down to your doctor. It is a acceptable protocol for real Men or Females to regulate there levels of either T or E.
I had my first year of therapy covered under depression and panic attacks. After i went on a HSA savings plan insurance and i then used that money as i seen fit. And i was from the states.
I found most secondary RX plans do not care when it is a co pay. But you might have trouble if the Rx is under your primary health insurance and they have a transgender exclusion rider.

Back to the OPs question, you should do good, might take a extra month to get the rx but remember transition is not a race. Everyting takes it own time to move forward.
Izzy

[JaneNicole2013]

"I found most secondary RX plans do not care when it is a co pay. But you might have trouble if the Rx is under your primary health insurance and they have a transgender exclusion rider."

I just started with a new company a few months back and couldn't find such a rider--much to my surprise. I am covered under BCBS Illinois.

[mrs izzy]

Thats a real good start for sure.
I found this: What carriers are administering plans with coverage of sex reassignment
surgeries and procedures? BCBS Illinois is on the list.

this is from the Human Rights Campaign.
http://www.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/Transgender_Healthcare_White_Paper_4.pdf

Izzy

[KabitTarah]

Thats a real good start for sure.
I found this: What carriers are administering plans with coverage of sex reassignment
surgeries and procedures? BCBS Illinois is on the list.

this is from the Human Rights Campaign.
http://www.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/Transgender_Healthcare_White_Paper_4.pdf

Izzy

If only my health care wasn't controlled by Congress... PLEASE HELP PASS ENDA!! I have no doubt that will directly affect my health care's transgender exclusions.

http://www.hrc.org/campaigns/employment-non-discrimination-act

[Jamie D]

My first appointment with the endocrinologist is two weeks from today. What can I expect? Would it be reasonable to receive the script that day? I am 48, overweight, but otherwise in good health.

Also, how much do these meds cost if they're not covered by insurance? I have a good health plan and I imagine anything with a doctor's note would be covered but still, I want to make sure I budget enough money.

Anything else I can do to prepare?

Thanks!
Jane

Many of the bigbox and chain pharmacies have discounted HRT meds through their own club memberships.  Check out Walmart Prescription Program, for example.