Advice for talking to my primary care at the VA hospital

[silvertime]

Anyone tried to go through the VA at your primary care for referral to therapy, etc?


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[Devlyn]

Lots of people. VA Directive 2013-003 provides all their internal guidelines. Check it out.

Hugs, Devlyn

[silvertime]

Devlyn, you are a wrath of information. I've always looked at this site and finally decided it was time to talk to people going trough the same struggles.

I have read the directive, just looking for advice how to bring this us in conversation with her.


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[Devlyn]

Simple straightforward approach is usually best. 

[Dani]

To start, bring your DD214 or military ID card to to patient registration in any VA Hospital and get registered. Each hospital is independent, so if you move to another you have to register at that new location. Then you get assigned to a primary care physician. Make that first appointment. Everything goes through your primary care physician. At your first appointment or whenever you feel comfortable, request a psychiatric consult. All the TG counseling is done by the psych department. They can write a HRT letter and schedule an appointment with an Endocrinologist. Any lab work and medication  will be ordered as needed. The only other service the VA can provide is speech therapy.

You are on your own for surgery and electrolysis.

Also, don't let the size of the system scare you. Everybody working there are just people doing their job.

[Devlyn]

Devlyn, you are a wrath of information. I've always looked at this site and finally decided it was time to talk to people going trough the same struggles.

I have read the directive, just looking for advice how to bring this us in conversation with her.


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Yes, yes I am. Although I'm sure you meant wraith!   

Hugs, Devlyn

[silvertime]

I'm already registered in the system. Thanks for the info. I'll request later this month at my annual.


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[Artesia]

My therapist told me that there was an interview with a social worker that was supposed to be done before going to her.  We skipped that step, so it might not be as needed as she made it sound.

[Laurie]

Hi Silver,

  I just answer his opening "How are you?" question with. I believe I am transgender and I've started taking hormones 7 weeks ago.  Okay okay You can leave the hormones part out if it does not apply.
  My doctor listened to me and then asked some specific questions to satisfy himself and then ask if I wanted to get my HRT meds through the VA and did I was to talk with a therapist.
  Baddah Bing Baddah Boom done deal.

I get care from the VA in Portland , Oregon

If that doesn't work contact you local LGBTQ VA coordinator or you patient advocate.

  Hugs,
   Laurie

[Harley Quinn]

I go through the VA in Seattle. I found making an appointment with mental health is the fastest route. Nobody screws with mental health at a VA hospital. They are the 800 lb. Gorilla in the room... they get what they want.
You will sit down and discuss with them and if you're up for it they'll help a lot with expediting your appointment with endocrinology or GYN depending on the hospital size. As far as primary care, you may get shuffled to another provider after you get diagnosed and prescribed. I have an OB/GYN for primary care now.