Kaiser Norcal - The basics of their TG services

[Another Nikki]

I'm a Kaiser member in the Northern California area.  I'm ready to start gender counseling, and in 12 months or so, probably low dose hrt (at least to start ).  I can do it outside of my healthcare plan, but really, as i travel down this road, im thinking it may be better to do everything inside Kaiser i can, since i'll need an endo, labs, etc.

1.  What's the first step?  Tell my GP?

2.  Anyone think of a reason i should do counseling and possibly hrt outside of Kaiser?  There's a gender resource center nearby that offers both.  I can come up with the cash, but covered under my plan would be better, especially since i want to start laser this fall.

3.  Any experience feedback, positive or negative?

TIA,

-n

[Dena]

The feed back from other threads is that Kaiser has a complete program for transitioning from HRT to GCS and FFS. They even have voice therapist available for training your voice. I would highly recommend you investigate what is available in your area as it will save you a huge amount of money and you should receive quality care.

[Dani]

Also, investigate if Kaiser will allow for out of network referrals. What ever you do, get prior approval or it may be denied.