How to prepare to use the VA Healthcare for HRT

[Myrrial32]

Hi I am relatively new to posting here and am not entirely sure where this should be posted since I couldn't find another place in the forums that seemed to fit.

I have concerns about using the VA healthcare to cover HRT as a veteran. I recently enrolled in the VA healthcare system and have my initial appointment next Friday. I got in touch with a TAVA representative who helped me with a few resources, but I want to make sure I don't slow down the process more than I need to. Also I have been seeing a therapist for a while now and they are already working on my letter which I will give to the VA.

I think I will tell them I am transgender at the appointment and take the paperwork with me to show them I got with the trans directive, which gives details on how they are required to treat transgender patients. It will affect how I am treated for sure, but I am a very honest person and to a fault at times. Are there any other considerations I should address before the appointment?

Myrrial

[Harley Quinn]

It's always good to be prepared. However, I think you might be considering the worst. I'd go in and talk with them. Chances are they're going to either already know what to do, or be very happy to learn how to help you with everything.

There really isn't much to address with them. A letter is already 90%. They'll see you, then assign you an endo. At most they may have you briefly speak to a counselor  (the larger hospitals have them on staff for walk ins), so that their therapist can review the information from your therapist and refer you to an endo from there. It may be a week or so for them to line up an Endo either on staff, or a specialist off site.

If you run into problems, Patient Advocate is the best one to talk to. They get things rolling when you feel put off.

I have a feeling that you will have a very good experience.