frustrated with doctors

[stephm]

i am a 61 year old trans woman, who has recently come out to her family and others. i have been in therapy for over 2 months now and was referred to a doctor in my city who is known for his LGBT positive practice. i went there because i want to begin HRT. its been 2 months now and still no referral to an endocrinologist. both me and my therapist are frustated with this wait because she believes this is the best option for me. just wanting to know if this runaround is common for other trans girls.

[Ms Grace]

Hi!

Welcome to Susan's    Great to have you here - looking forward to seeing you around the forum.

Run-arounds, stonewalls, hoops, hurdles... I think obstacles and delays are more the norm than not. I know it seems like forever, but two months is hardly any time compared to the excessive waits some trans people are forced to endure. I'm not sure what medical system you are working under but regardless, based on what you've said, I can't see a reason for the delay. Have you outright asked this doctor what the problem is?

Please check out the following links for site rules, helpful tips and other info...

• Site Terms of Service and rules to live by
  
• Standard Terms and Definitions
  
• Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
  
• Reputation rules
  
• News posting & quoting guidelines
  
• Photo, avatars, and signature images policy
  

Cheers

Grace

[Dena]

It's not clear to me what's causing the delay but it sounds like you have run up against an insurance company or government agency. In the United States, if you have a HMO, you are pretty well limited by the insurance company. I had one for many years and I needed to pay out of pocket because they wouldn't allow me to see the doctors I wanted to see. I am now paying out of pocket so to speak because I haven't met the deductible so go figure.

After moving, I ran up against the issue of finding a new doctor. LGBT centers were one option, internet searches turned up 3 options but I wasn't comfortable with any of them. I finally spotted somebody on this site in my area who was kind enough to tell me where she was receiving her treatment and that is working out well. Sometimes you have to take action to get around the blockages that others seem to put in your way.

A major city near you and a little more information like insurance company or government agency would be helpful for somebody to help you.

[Matthew]

Welcome to Susan's Place - I hope things get moving for you very soon.

[V M]

Hi Steph 

Welcome to Susan's    Glad to have you here, join on in the fun

Hugs

V M

[Devlyn]

Hi Steph, welcome to Susan's Place! Depending on where you are, you might be able to find an informed consent clinic, check the list: https://www.susans.org/wiki/Informed_consent 

See you around the site!

Hugs, Devlyn

[Mariah]

Hi Stephm, welcome to Susan's. Sounds like it is possible that the place is giving you the run around. The endo office I was referred to in Spokane was taking it's time at getting back to me just schedule. It became a point I just wasn't willing to wait that out and took up the option of heading to the west side of the state anyway since I already had to travel. It's always good to get a second opinion or make a change when one doesn't work out for you. I look forward to seeing you around the forums. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah

[Jacqueline]

stephm,

Welcome. This is a really supportive site. Feel free to ask questions.

Some of this may depend on what country you are in and the insurance as has been suggested. I think in most of the US, your therapist needs to write a letter for an endocrinologist stating you are in their care, for how long and that they think HRT is the correct path to follow. I know I asked my GP if they needed to set up a referral and he said he didn't think so but would if I needed him to. Once you get the letter, you can usually set up an appointment.

It took me months once I got the letter for the plain and simple reason that there are only about two endocrinologists in a city of just under 150,000. So, it took awhile, even when all my other ducks were in a row.

I hope it gets sorted out soon and you can proceed easily. You might try calling the doctor's office and asking about the referral?

With warmth,

Joanna