Im ready... but

[Snowy the Skunk]

I am ready to do srs, insurance pays for it. But requirements are a lot and can get quite difficult. I don't even have a therapist. Where do I start?

[sarah1972]

Most insurances have guidelines about covering surgery. In the US pretty much all follow the WPATH guidelines which does require amongst other things:
Two letters from Therapist / psychiatrist
1 year minimum on Hormones
1 year Real Life Experience (aka living in the desired Gender)

Also most surgeons follow the same guidelines (not all but most).

First step would be to check what your insurance requires.

Then you have to start the process of meeting those requirements. In parallel you can start looking for surgeons. Again - depending on your insurance they may have a preference.

Outside of all this: talking to a therapist is something you should certainly consider.

Getting to surgery involves so many "gatekeepers" and not everyone agrees with the process.

My insurance pays too - but I have to go through many hurdles to get there.

Keep in mind: this is a Marathon not a sprint.

Sorry I don't have any better news.

[EmmaLoo]

Maybe it would be easier if we understood what you mean when I you say, "I'm ready for it".



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[Snowy the Skunk]

Well I've been on hrt 2 years full-time as a year. Hair growth isn't a problem I have. I just sent a few emails looking for therapists... when you say two letters of recommendation does it mean I have to go do double therapy? :c

[kat69]

Well in many locations the two letters are from two professionals who are part of treating you...where at least one normally needs to be trained on WPATH.  It could,be your endocrinologist and your GP provided one has the background. Personally I'm likely,getting mine from my endocrinologist and a gender therapist who will complete the surgery assessment, and forward the approval package to the surgeon.

[Snowy the Skunk]

Good, I don't wanna do double therapists haha. I'm just trying to figure it out while I still have the insurance coverage that I have

[Gail20]

Well I've been on hrt 2 years full-time as a year. Hair growth isn't a problem I have. I just sent a few emails looking for therapists... when you say two letters of recommendation does it mean I have to go do double therapy? :c

You'll have your main Therapist that you will go to and after they see you a bit they will write a letter that talks about how they've "evaluated you and are recommending you for GRS". You can then go to another Therapist (your main Therapist may be able to recommend one) and you'll see them and they will provide a second letter.

Some Insurance companies are now asking for an additional letter from your GP/Endocrinologist who prescribes your hormones. This letter should be much the same as your Therapist's letters. It should say that "they've treated and evaluated you and are recommending you for GRS". 

For years we've only needed the two Therapist letters but it is my observation, and opinion, that since Insurance companies have become involved they want a letter from an MD and its because they trust MD's more than Therapists!! They are continually cutting payments to Therapists in general and I believe they'd prefer to drop coverage for Therapy altogether.

Good Therapists know how to write these letters but your GP/Endocrinologist may need some help since they have not been writing these for very long. You might get your letter from your main Therapist and then show it to your GP when you ask her for a letter. . . .