Anyone been to APICHA in NYC?

[ImagineKate]

I have an appt at Callen Lorde for HRT and they are very nice but they have a long waiting list for intake. I was told that APICHA does informed consent in NYC as well. Anyone ever been to them? To clarify - I am not being impatient, just making sure I review all the options available. My appt isn't really that far anyway.

[Marcellow]

When is that appointment? I agree, their waiting lists are long and I had to wait 3 months to even start HRT after getting my bloodwork done. I never heard of that place and a quick check on the website says nothing about HRT or transgender health services but you can use the contact form: https://apicha.org/contact-apicha-community-health-center/

[ImagineKate]

Mid December. It was about a month, which was surprising as some have said 2-3 months.

APICHA was recommended by my therapist. She also recommended Callen-Lorde and Beth Israel LGBT center.

I actually do have a primary care appt at Beth Israel beginning of December where I will ask about HRT as well. If I can get it all in one place then great.

[ImagineKate]

The info about trans care is here:
https://apicha.org/medical-care-in-new-york-city/

Click on Trans* Health

They say Asian and Pacific Islander (which would include me I guess since I am of south asian ethnicity) but I believe they take anyone. It's on Canal Street in Chinatown.

[Marcellow]

The info about trans care is here:
https://apicha.org/medical-care-in-new-york-city/

Click on Trans* Health

They say Asian and Pacific Islander (which would include me I guess since I am of south asian ethnicity) but I believe they take anyone. It's on Canal Street in Chinatown.

Should be able to take anyone but they want to emphasize the target demographic. Give it a shot and see if they'll take you a bit earlier but waiting a few more weeks isn't that bad for Callen-Lorde.

[ImagineKate]

Just a follow up. They got back to me and said that they do group orientations for intake twice per month. That's how they do it, I don't think you can just get an appointment. That said I kept my appointment today with Beth Israel and they treated me really well, taking over my primary care too. But if you're looking for a place to get trans care, APICHA is an option that doesn't seem as busy as Callen-Lorde. Of course, Beth Israel is pretty good too especially if you have good insurance. I'm not sure what happens if you're uninsured though.

[KarynMcD]

Kate,

It's only been a few months but how is Beth Israel working out?

[ImagineKate]

Karin,

Overall they are pretty good. Zil is caring and sympathetic and she is a trans woman herself. I haven't seen dr gottlock but I really don't have to. Zil takes care of everything very well.

The only bad experiences I've had were where they sent my scripts to the wrong pharmacy but it was not that big of a deal.

Insurance wise my insurance covers visits fully and covers nearly all my drugs. They're supposed to cover the estradiol as well but I may have to jump through hoops so I haven't bothered. I just get it from Walmart and pay cash ($10/90 pills). So HRT is costing me very little at this point which is great.

The staff is caring but they don't only see trans patients so if you aren't dressed in your affirmed gender you will probably be misgendered. they do call you by your preferred name and gender if you let them know (I haven't legally changed it yet).

The waiting room is nice and spacious.

Facilities and equipment are modern.

The lab is in house so that works out better for billing purposes and they may get the results faster, plus you don't have to go to another location like labcorp or quest for a blood draw.

They have a patient portal online too which is convenient. You can request refills, see your chart and schedule appointments. Labs aren't posted until after you see the doctor or nurse practitioner.

All in all very good.

Are you planning on going there?

[KarynMcD]

Are you planning on going there?

I am now. Callen-Lorde seems to busy and would just stress me out.

I just noticed my insurance now covers transgender surgery, but is vague on hormones and care.
Though I'm in NY, the place I work isn't subject to US and NY law, so the NY state ruling on requiring transgender care doesn't apply to them.
Well, the point is, it's time to go legit on my care. It would also be cheaper and safer.

[ImagineKate]

NY plans are supposed to cover hormones and doctor visits.

It probably won't cover things like FFS though.

Beth Israel is running about a month for an intake, which is about the same as Callen-Lorde.

They will want to do your primary care as well, which I think is the best approach.

[KarynMcD]

I made an appointment with Zil on March 9th.
Woo hoo!
Let's see how it goes.

[ImagineKate]

I made an appointment with Zil on March 9th.
Woo hoo!
Let's see how it goes.

Sweet!

She'll take good care of you.