How did you set up first gp appointment

[mycelestialarchangel]

How did you set it up and what did you tell the gp / did they refer you to a psychologist? 

Australians get bonus points for answering [emoji14]

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[younggaycurious]

Do you mean a GP appointment for a Post Op?

[Laura_7]

This might help you:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=162410.5


hugs

[mycelestialarchangel]

Do you mean a GP appointment for a Post Op?

No, just gp before psychologist referral

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[Ms Grace]

Aussie here. I was a bit of a wreck at the time. I'd had a gender dysphoria melt down and was having suicidal thoughts so I knew I needed to see my GP ASAP. Now my situation was a bit unique, I tried to transition some twenty years previously and my GP was already aware of my trans history. I just explained to him that I was in a lot of pain about this and he referred me to a psychiatrist. It took a few weeks before I got there due to waiting times and I had calmed down but by then it was pretty clear to me that I had to transition.

[Marissa_K]

I feel really lucky with my GP. I've been seeing her for 10 years. I made a routine appt with her, then I asked her to send to a psychiatrist. She of course asked why so when I told her the story, she was completely indifferent. She was surprised I didn't tell her before. "We could have helped you 10 years ago". It was nice to hear but I wasn't ready. I think most family doctors are well aware of trans issues will try to help you without judging. Maybe I just really lucked out.

[AnonyMs]

I'm in Sydney. I didn't tell my GP what I was there for, just asked to be referred to Dr Hayes who's the trans endocrinologist in Sydney. I got his name from all the positive comments here about him (he's great). I just told the GP that I had low testosterone, which was true enough since I'd been on HRT. The endo suggested I see a psych and recommended one, so I got a referral to that psych from the GP, this time for depression (which I also had).

I do have a GP I'm open with, just not at that time. I mainly don't like them putting it on their computers, since these things are always getting hacked. Also, don't see the endo first.

Chances are the GP won't have a clue who's good/bad to refer you to, so I'd suggest you find out beforehand and tell her who you want to see. If you're in Sydney you'd want to be particularly careful about this.

[mycelestialarchangel]

I'm in Sydney. I didn't tell my GP what I was there for, just asked to be referred to Dr Hayes who's the trans endocrinologist in Sydney. I got his name from all the positive comments here about him (he's great). I just told the GP that I had low testosterone, which was true enough since I'd been on HRT. The endo suggested I see a psych and recommended one, so I got a referral to that psych from the GP, this time for depression (which I also had).

I do have a GP I'm open with, just not at that time. I mainly don't like them putting it on their computers, since these things are always getting hacked. Also, don't see the endo first.

Chances are the GP won't have a clue who's good/bad to refer you to, so I'd suggest you find out beforehand and tell her who you want to see. If you're in Sydney you'd want to be particularly careful about this.

I'm in Sydney do you know which gps aren't transphobic?  And relatively inexpensive/ do bulk billing?  <student budget haha

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[kelly_aus]

I made an appointment with my GP as I would usually do for anything else. When I had the appointment, when asked what I was there for, I stated I wanted a referral to a particular therapist and why.. 2 minutes later after the doctor did some typing, it slid out the printer.

I was in Adelaide at the time. Didn't get any inappropriate questions, odd looks or any other crap. And, being honest, I'm yet to run in to any issues with any doctor I've seen - whether it was for something trans related or not..

[Ms Grace]

I'm in Sydney do you know which gps aren't transphobic?  And relatively inexpensive/ do bulk billing?  <student budget haha

Sydney is a big place - try contacting the Gender Centre (02) 9569 2366 during business hours - they have a free counselling service (with a massive waiting list) but they may be able to recommend trans friendly GPs and psychs for your area. The chances of getting a good GP who does bulk billing is pretty slim though. The thing is, you only need them for a referral to a psych, their referral might be able to plug you in for a few Medicare covered sessions with the psych if that's the psych's thing (and if it is you can expect a lengthy waiting list). Sadly the process of transition is not cheap.

As AnonyMs points out, you'll need a psych referral to get to see an endocrinologist, GPs in Australia can't refer you straight to them for trans related HRT.

[mycelestialarchangel]

Sydney is a big place - try contacting the Gender Centre (02) 9569 2366 during business hours - they have a free counselling service (with a massive waiting list) but they may be able to recommend trans friendly GPs and psychs for your area. The chances of getting a good GP who does bulk billing is pretty slim though. The thing is, you only need them for a referral to a psych, their referral might be able to plug you in for a few Medicare covered sessions with the psych if that's the psych's thing (and if it is you can expect a lengthy waiting list). Sadly the process of transition is not cheap.

As AnonyMs points out, you'll need a psych referral to get to see an endocrinologist, GPs in Australia can't refer you straight to them for trans related HRT.

Thanks I think I'll shoot my psychologist from home a message (I only recently moved to Sydney from middle of nowhere nsw) perhaps she can give me some more info (although I only went to her about my depression).  I also still have a free appt left on my Medicare for the year so maybe I can use that to my advantage as well. I'd have to wait to Tuesday to call the gender Centre as that's my day off work.

It's my birthday next week so I'm planning on putting money aside for some appointments. 

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[AnonyMs]

I'm in Sydney do you know which gps aren't transphobic?  And relatively inexpensive/ do bulk billing?  <student budget haha

I doubt there's many transphobic GP's and if you do manage to find one just go to another. The one I've disclosed my trans status to is not bulk billing, and gay himself. I got his name from my endo, and I believe he has a number of trans patient. $70 per appointment though...

Sydney is a big place - try contacting the Gender Centre (02) 9569 2366 during business hours - they have a free counselling service (with a massive waiting list) but they may be able to recommend trans friendly GPs and psychs for your area.

I've found the problem with the Gender Center is that the won't say who's good and bad, and some of the people on their lists are bad. I suspect its something to do with their funding. This makes them pretty useless to me. The counselor is really good though. This site on the other hand has been invaluable.

As AnonyMs points out, you'll need a psych referral to get to see an endocrinologist, GPs in Australia can't refer you straight to them for trans related HRT.

This is not strictly correct, although for all practical purposes it may as well be. You don't need a GP referral to see Dr Hayes, and I didn't have one when I booked. You'll end up paying the entire fee if you don't have one though, and its a lot of money. There's nothing to stop the GP referring you without a psych letter, but when you do see the endo he's going to ask you for your HRT letter, unless perhaps you have extenuating circumstances, which you don't.

When I started out I researched read a huge amount on Internet and formed  a completely wrong idea about how everything worked, and it caused me a lot of difficulty. There's either a lot of misinformation on internet or Sydney is a special case. I'm not sure which. I was getting really paranoid about how bad everything was going to be, and its completely the opposite. Don't believe everything you read.

[mycelestialarchangel]

I doubt there's many transphobic GP's and if you do manage to find one just go to another. The one I've disclosed my trans status to is not bulk billing, and gay himself. I got his name from my endo, and I believe he has a number of trans patient. $70 per appointment though...
You don't need a GP referral to see Dr Hayes, and I didn't have one when I booked. You'll end up paying the entire fee if you don't have one though, and its a lot of money

What's the standard length for the $70 gp appointment? 

I used to pay $65 for 15 minutes for my family gp where I used to live.  I mean it'd probably be a once off anyway seeing as though the psychologist would be the one I'd mainly need to speak with first. 



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[Venom]

I rang a trans-friendly health clinic and asked if they had any docs that were experienced with trans health. All of the docs were, so I was able to ask for a specific one from then on. The place bulk bills if you have a Medicare card as well as a Healthcare or Pension card, otherwise there is a cost per appointment (not sure on how much it is). I don't know if I'm allowed to say which place it is specifically, but it's in Darlinghurst.

Things didn't work out the way I planned as I was late thanks to our GPS and roadworks all up the coast. I ended up seeing a different GP to what I had orginally booked. When I went in, I explained why I was there (that I identify as trans, that I wanted HRT and that I knew I had to see a Psychiatrist). The doc asked some questions and I answered them to the best of my ability (I have memory and anxiety issues). I received two referrals to different Psychiatrists, one that was covered by Medicare and one that wasn't, as well as a request to book another appointment there, I did. Being in Sydney you'll probably have more options in regards to Psychiatrists.

I also received blood tests, but I'm not sure if that had anything to do with HRT or if it was more to do with something else I asked about during the appointment.

As for how I knew the place was trans friendly, it was a mix of three things. A list from FTM Australia, a google search and a print out of contact details given to me by the therapist I saw at the Gender Centre.

[Cindy]

I so remember my gp referral. I had been going to the same guy for years and on this occasion he looked at me and asked 'Why is it everytime you come to see me you have larger ear rings on?' I said because I'm TG and don't now how to ask you for a referral because I'm frightened.

He just smiled, wrote the referral and that was it.

His crowning moment however, came about two years later. HRT had worked its magic and I walked in to see him wearing my cycling lycra gear. He looked at me and just said 'nice rack' blushed and apologised. We then both burst out laughing (I was not in the least offended )

You can look up providers in each state using www.anzpath.org and click on providers.

[AnonyMs]

What's the standard length for the $70 gp appointment? 

I used to pay $65 for 15 minutes for my family gp where I used to live.  I mean it'd probably be a once off anyway seeing as though the psychologist would be the one I'd mainly need to speak with first. 

It was 15 min, but don't waste your money. Just see a free one or someone close. They are not important, and you never need to see them again if you don't want to. Having said that its a good idea to find a GP for later on, and this is a good test to start with.

[mycelestialarchangel]

It was 15 min, but don't waste your money. Just see a free one or someone close. They are not important, and you never need to see them again if you don't want to. Having said that its a good idea to find a GP for later on, and this is a good test to start with.

So I should find a free Gp so they can refer me to a Sydney psychologist.  Or email my old psychologist and see if she can give me a referral? 



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[AnonyMs]

So I should find a free Gp so they can refer me to a Sydney psychologist.  Or email my old psychologist and see if she can give me a referral?

I'm not sure a psych can give you a referral, but otherwise yes, find a free GP. I think you should have one anyway, they are handy sometimes. You could also try asking for an indefinite referral as otherwise they are only good for a year. Last time I asked for one the GP refused so I'm going to see a different GP next time.

You could try getting a referral to Dr Michael Scott in Neutral Bay. He does transgender work and I hear he's good.

http://drmichaelscott.com.au/
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,182934.msg1631305.html#msg1631305

I'd not let the the GP pick the psych, and if you do see another one search the forums here for them. There's some I'd stay well away from.

You might want to also book with the counselor at the Gender Center. It takes ages to see him and you can't get in very often, but he's free and good to talk to. He won't write HRT letters.

[mycelestialarchangel]

I'm not sure a psych can give you a referral, but otherwise yes, find a free GP. I think you should have one anyway, they are handy sometimes. You could also try asking for an indefinite referral as otherwise they are only good for a year. Last time I asked for one the GP refused so I'm going to see a different GP next time.

You could try getting a referral to Dr Michael Scott in Neutral Bay. He does transgender work and I hear he's good.

http://drmichaelscott.com.au/
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,182934.msg1631305.html#msg1631305

I'd not let the the GP pick the psych, and if you do see another one search the forums here for them. There's some I'd stay well away from.

You might want to also book with the counselor at the Gender Center. It takes ages to see him and you can't get in very often, but he's free and good to talk to. He won't write HRT letters.

So I have an appointment with a gp tomorrow.  I'll get half back from Medicare so it's all g at that place near Hyde Park.

I don't really want to see a psych if it isn't necessary.  I'm in a much less confused place than I used to be,  and the whole notion of coming out is making me feel more relaxed the more people I tell.

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[mycelestialarchangel]

Update: gp today was lovely,  I'm definitely keeping him as my gp.  He doesn't know much about Transgender health but he said he'd do some research so he can find a good psychologist to refer me to.  We're exchanging emails and I've sent some suggestions by others on this site. 

He's writing me up an endo and psych referral this week

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