OHSU

[JohnAlex]

I've been doing some preliminary research about surgeons who perform top surgery (double incision mastectomy) and who take Aetna or Blue Cross insurance.  I live near Portland, OR, so I'm specifically researching those who live nearby.

Now I've read a few things online that seem to imply that OHSU has surgeons that can perform top surgery.  This is from the Q center
I found this document while google searching

Both sources list two surgeons from OHSU: Hema Thakar, MD and Juliana Hansen, MD.

However I can't find any more information on these two surgeons.  I link to their website from OHSU, but even their website there doesn't specify that they can perform top surgery, just "plastic surgery" or "breast cancer reconstructive surgery."  And while the same body part, it's not the same surgery, and I just wanted to make sure they even offered it.

The link from the Q center says that both surgeons at OHSU accept "Most Major Commercial Insurance". 
The link to the google document says that both surgeons at OHSU "Will bill any insurance.  Are in SOME AETNA networks, not clear if student aetna is in coverage.  Blue Cross Preferred"



I'm just curious of anyone knows anything about the topics of OHSU, these two surgeons, and/or if they accept insurance.

Certainly going the insurance route is far more complicated, but I'm going to research, in depth, all my options before I decide anything.

[MacG]

I know this topic is ANCIENT, but I'm looking for the same info. Specifically on Dr. Hansen at OHSU. She does do FTM top surgery, but I'd like to hear of any actual experiences.

[Jadams95]

I asked them about it this year(I'm in Oregon as well) and they told me they did not preform FtM top surgery.

[MacG]

Jadams95 - curious as to who (or what department) you asked, as they actually do perform ftm top surgery. I have a consult scheduled with Dr. Hansen.
Also, I am in a position that I could get the misinformation corrected if I know who you talked to.

[Bimmer Guy]

I know this topic is ANCIENT, but I'm looking for the same info. Specifically on Dr. Hansen at OHSU. She does do FTM top surgery, but I'd like to hear of any actual experiences.

I have nothing to offer you in terms of real life information.  However, I wanted to say that even if she is a surgeon who hasn't done a lot of these surgeries, she seems to be a great choice in comparison to other surgeons with little experience.  She specializes in breasts, specifically, reconstruction, and the like.  If you're going to with someone who has not done tons of these, I think someone like her would be a good choice.  Her experience would definitely boost my confidence in her doing a good job (and also being meticulous about it).

I hope you consult goes well.

[MacG]

Thanks, Brett. I'll post back here as I learn/experience more.

[ShaneS]

I know the original post is old but OHSU services are spoken of so rarely across the boards. I'm 3.5 weeks post op with DR Hansen. Dr Hema Thaker has left OHSU recently which leaves Hansen as the only FTM surgeon.

My consults started in June, with some back and forth on insurance (I've got Medicare which just lifted ban) my surgery was scheduled. The whole process was positive from front to back office staff. DR Hansen is very approachable and great at answering questions. She has her resident well versed as well. My surgery was the 19th of August and I've been healing great! No issues after those nasty drains came out. My grafts are healing nicely, my scars seem thin but the skin glue is taking good time falling off.

I have a larger scar then most would have as I had lost over a 100 lbs and this because removal of a lot of excess skin. DR Hansen gave me a choice, less hanging skin or smaller scar. I picked skin coming off. 

I will be posting pictures when my initial healing calms down. 3 week lost op shots don't give an accurate result picture.

[captains]

Bumping this up with a request for any further information people might have about surgeons in the Portland/Southern Washington area. I do see top surgery listed on the OHSU site, and obviously people have had surgeries done there w/ Dr. Hansen, but I can't find any pics or anything.

[MacG]

My consult with Dr. Hansen went well, and I am hoping for a January surgery date. Though I'm working with insurance and it's rough going so far (clueless insurance).

[Bimmer Guy]

My consult with Dr. Hansen went well, and I am hoping for a January surgery date. Though I'm working with insurance and it's rough going so far (clueless insurance).

Good to hear, MacG! 

Regarding insurance.  Are you on testosterone?  Often insurance companies won't pay for top surgery unless you are on it.  Does yours differentiate when it comes to whether or not they will pay?  I am mostly interested as I will most likely be working with my company to include trans health coverage in our policy and I would like to be able to push for top surgery to be covered even when someone isn't on T.  I am curious to know if other companies are doing this.

[MacG]

Brett, I looked more clearly at my specific insurance policy and it does require a year of hrt for surgery. I'm still trying to get started on T, so I'll see if I can push surgery through sooner. Insurance denied my consult as well as an appointment with my PCP. They are ->-bleeped-<-s so I'm appealing. However, my employer is on my side and is helping me navigate this.

[evan114]

I am trying to get OHP (CareOregon) to cover my surgery, supposedly they will be starting next year covering trans-related surgeries. Hopefully either OHSU or a doctor I've heard of in Lake Oswego (don't know his name )will take my insurance and I will be able to move on with my life soon!

[AJarrah]

Any updates on consults or pictures? Unfortunate that there's no portfolio of her work available online. If she's good that'd save me a hell of a lot of money.

[MacG]

I'm authorized for surgery and planning a January date. I'll post when I have more info or pics, for sure.

[AJarrah]

Awesome, best of luck to you!

[MacG]

Just a minor update. I switched insurance (same insurance provider, but different policy number) so that delayed my surgery date a little. But I'm SCHEDULED for top surgery with Juliana Hansen, M.D. at OHSU for February 17.

Since whomever is looking at this thread might be in Oregon, here are a couple Oregon (OHP, others) resource links...
http://transmedicare.com/oregon-resources.html
http://oregontranshealth.com/

[ridleysw]

Thanks, MacG!  Sorry to hear your surgery date was bumped out further, but I am really excited to hear about how it goes for you!  I am contemplating Dr. Hansen because I would prefer to avoid traveling too far for someone else (I've already ruled out Dr. Nguyen, who is the only Oregon surgeon I know of). 

[Tessa James]

I spoke with an OHSU staffer on Monday and they are continuing to develop a transgender specific care program and center.  I really appreciate you guys sharing info and pushing those doors open for all of us.  I am advocating for an expanded residency there that is inclusive of endocrinology and surgery programs.  Thank You for moving the needle.

[MacG]

I'm involved in the transgender health program committee at OHSU. The coordinator for the program (a brand new position) started yesterday. As I have cohesive info, I can post in this thread. I think this program will be beneficial to so many Oregonians and others in the Pacific NW, not just OHSU patients.

[AJarrah]

I'm excited to hear more about this doctor! I would love to be able to just drive 40 minutes to my surgeon and go home afterward instead of flying to Florida.