Informed Consent

[Jasper93]

Hello everyone,

I recently learned about informed consent, which, to my knowledge, is where a healthcare provider informs you of the risks, etc. associated with HRT and allows to sign a waiver so that you can proceed with hormone replacement therapy.

Does anyone have experience with this mode of transitioning?  The closest clinic to me that offers this type of care is in Chicago, which is only three hours away.  Would I just be allowed to travel to Chicago and attend the necessary appointments to initiate HRT, even though I reside in Indiana?  I'm pretty clueless as to how informed consent works.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Jasper

[Blue Senpai]

That's something you'd have to inquire directly, I'm sure they have a phone number you can call and ask that question. I can't answer that specifically. As for informed consent, there's a center in NYC that does informed consent which is great since I don't want to go through a bunch of unnecessary hurdles to get testosterone. However, I would only recommend informed consent for those that are about 90% sure they want to do it and just don't want to waste more time and money than is necessary.

Informed consent clinics also have quite a waiting list due to the shortcuts so I'd start planning your appointments for bloodwork and physicals in advance. To give you an idea, I made my appointment for July 11th at the end of June to get bloodwork done. My next appointment to see a doctor (physical, bloodwork results and possible HRT prescription) is not until October 8th.

[Kassie]

 in Oregon there are several informed consent physicians and clinic's if you don't have insurance

[Kassie]

I went to a informed consent doctor however I liv with family and they are having issues with me starting so I have not started yet unfortunately hopefully will this week as I talk with family and a possible therapist appointment

[Emily1996]

How do you look into that? I want to know if there is an informed consent clinic in buffalo, ny

[Jasper93]

Emily29,

Here's the URL to a list that I found: https://www.susans.org/wiki/Informed_consent

It appears that there's an informed consent clinic in New York at least.

Hope that helps.

[Jasper93]

Also, Kassie, in regards to the clinics you've mentioned in Oregon, do you know if people ever commute to them from out-of-state?  I wouldn't likely go to Oregon for this per se, but I would go out-of-state if possible.  In all, I just want to start HRT without the excessive costs and hassle of therapy since I have the same, unchanging feelings I've had since I was 6-years-old.  Also, seeing as how I'm a college student, I probably won't find a more suitable time in my life to pursue such a goal.

[traci_k]

Jasper,

I've attended a support group at the Clinic.  And Yes, they do offer Informed Consent HRT. Look up Howard Brown Health Center website for more information.
I don't know all the details but their contact information is on their site.

Hugs,

[Kassie]

You have to go in for blood work and checkups every three months here in Oregon so it probably would not work for you but if you need more hell shoot me a private message

[Blue Senpai]

Emily29,

Here's the URL to a list that I found: https://www.susans.org/wiki/Informed_consent

It appears that there's an informed consent clinic in New York at least.

Hope that helps.

Yeah, Callen-Lorde. You better sign up in advance if you're considering since there's quite a waitlist to see a doctor to start HRT after getting bloodwork done. I had my blood taken this month and won't be able to see a doctor until October just to give you an idea.

[jesselampel]

I went the route of informed consent. I went to The Mazzonni Center in Philadelphia, PA. I just had to do an intake appointment with one of their trans care specialists, which was kind of just looking at my support system and mental health. As long as they sign off on it then the doctor goes through the risks and side effects and then has you sign paperwork. I did both of my appointments in one day and then did bloodwork. My doctor told me to make an appointment for two weeks later and gave me my script to bring my T and supplies to my next appointment. He walked me through self injecting my first shot and now I only go back for check ups and blood work.

It's a really easy, fast process as long as you're someone who is sure of who you are and what you want. Informed consent isn't for everyone. If you think you need to see a gender therapist, then see one and get your "T Letter" from them. You want to ensure your own satisfaction at the end of this transition.

[Emily1996]

Yeah, Callen-Lorde. You better sign up in advance if you're considering since there's quite a waitlist to see a doctor to start HRT after getting bloodwork done. I had my blood taken this month and won't be able to see a doctor until October just to give you an idea.

I don't live in NYC (I want to move there but not this year), so I really can't....

[Jasper93]

Thanks for the replies so far, everyone.  I myself only live three hours away from Chicago, where there's an informed consent clinic, but I'm an Indiana resident.  I'm not sure how it would work since I'm from out-of-state -- especially in regards to insurance. 

[Kassie]

Call and ask the clinic about your insurance and being out-of-state would be my best suggestion

[traci_k]

Jasper,

If you're thinking HBHC insurance probably isn't an issue. I've been to the T-support group. If you want ore info privately, please PM me and I can fill you in.

Hugs,

[GenTechJ]

I wasn't aware of Informed Consent until just now. I might consider it an option at some point myself depending on counseling. Thank you all for the links and info on this, will be keeping it in mind.

[Jasper93]

Hey everyone,

Sorry for the delayed response.  I didn't realize I received responses to my last post!

Anyway, Kassie, I do intend to call in the coming days (I have to wait to get my cellphone activated) to inquire about how out-of-state insurance works.  My hunch is that I will be covered or at least partially covered, but even if not, I still want to pursue HRT through informed consent.  I think my only concern at this point is figuring my way around Chicago and whether or not my mother would find out since I'm on her employer's insurance. 

Traci-k, I am indeed referring to HBHC.  I'm glad to have encountered someone who is involved there.  I will PM you!

GenTechJ, yes informed consent is something I just recently learned about as well.  For me, it's a huge relief because I might be liberated from having to go through months of potentially agonizing therapy with a potentially not-so-open therapist.  Glad that the decision to transition will be left up to me.

[Jasper93]

Traci_k,

I think I'm barred from PM'ing you since I'm a new member.  :/

[traci_k]

Jasper - Make a couple more posts and you'll be able to PM. I forget if it's 10 or 15 posts.

[Blue Senpai]

Jasper - Make a couple more posts and you'll be able to PM. I forget if it's 10 or 15 posts.

15 posts.