Medical records release for HRT...(worried about being outed to other drs)

[Roll]

I ran into an expected source of anxiety this morning. As I've mentioned a few places, I have my first appointment for an HRT consult coming up in a few days on the 8th (was 9th, got bumped up! EVERY DAY SOONER IS AWESOME! ). As part of the intake paperwork I am supposed to sign a record release, as is standard. Unfortunately, I realized this blatantly outs me to my other physicians (the person handling HRT is new, not my existing GP) before I am ready to be outed to them, as I'd like to speak with them in person on the topic and confirm they are willing to keep treating me before just getting a random fax. (There is no hiding what the release is for as "just another doctor", as the place I'm going to is explicitly called Queer Med, says as much on the release, and this is the only thing they do. And speaking to the other doctors in time is not viable either, appointments for the two that matter are backed up forever.)

I know I should be asking the doctor this, but I'm also scared that my hesitation will come across as being unready to begin to HRT or something like that, and thought I'd feel out the issue here first. So, I'm wondering... do you think they actually need my complete records from other physicians? They will be doing blood work regardless, and everything that matters is there. I will be completely upfront about my medical history, so the record they have will be complete. And would they consider it a red flag that I don't want to sign the release?

God, why is there always something... Particularly worried because my hematologist is... uhhh, let's just say he's a great person, but it is a miracle he hasn't been sued for breaking patient confidentiality. He really toes the line on it. (But he's also an amazing hematologist who happens to take medicaid and is good friends with my father, so probably the best actual medical care I could hope for, and wouldn't switch even if I had the option to.)

[Laurie]

  All your doctors are professionals. The news will not be an issue to them at all and your secret is safe as it is covered by the HIPPA Act. I have had to sign a HIPPA agreement as part on my work at certain clients just because I may have seen patients information. My advice is don't worry about it.

[Devlyn]

This is a non-issue, honey.

Hugs, Devlyn

[Roll]

  All your doctors are professionals. The news will not be an issue to them at all and your secret is safe as it is covered by the HIPPA Act. I have had to sign a HIPPA agreement as part on my work at certain clients just because I may have seen patients information. My advice is don't worry about it.

It isn't as much the privacy issue, more of the I want to be the one to discuss it with them first--well, the privacy issue in the sense that I do want to emphasize the privacy part to my hematologist in person. But I'm also not willing to put my HRT off another 4 months while waiting on appointments (both due to what medicaid is willing to cover and their scheduling). I also don't want to risk alienating my GP and Hematologist by seemingly doing this behind their backs without explaining in person.

[Bari Jo]

I wouldnt worry even if they did talk behind closed doors.  They are professionals.  I think the more my doctors know about me the better care they are able to give me.  You will be fine!

Bari Jo

[widdershins]

If your hematologist is a family friend that you talk to apart from medical reasons, then it might be wise to call him up and emphasize that you don't want this spread around your social circle.

Otherwise, your doctors really aren't going to care. It's a business relationship to them, not a personal one, and they aren't going to be personally offended that you didn't come out to them.

[Roll]

A few hours removed from my original anxiety, I'm still not entirely comfortable about this, but I'm realizing it may be more me wanting to maintain a sense of control than anything else. Ie: Everyone who knows at the moment was told by me explicitly, after I deemed they should know and done in a way in which I controlled the narrative.

[Kendra]

> If your hematologist is a family friend that you talk to apart from medical reasons, then it might be wise to call him up and emphasize that you don't want this spread around your social circle.

Completely unnecessary.  If the hematologist were to do that they risk federal prosecution and loss of medical license.  Medical privacy is clearly defined and protected in the US and several other countries.

Here's why I don't worry about these things: if I ever notice a medical professional has personal issues with my medical background and future, I'll drop them like a rock and find someone qualified. 

[flytrap]

Taking HRT meds doesn't imply you are transsexual. When Primary lists the drugs he takes on intake forms he simply states that the Spiro is for his blood pressure and estrogen for a hormone imbalance. No doctor has ever questioned  that. Spiro is also commonly prescribed for adult acne and estrogen for testicular cancer.

[AnonyMs]

I've done it and I'd not recommend starting down the path of hiding things from doctors if you can avoid it. It creates stress all by itself and makes life very complicated.

My GP doesn't know I'm trans and taking HRT. I don't tell anyone if I don't judge they need to know, and that's a very short list. Everyone else seems to manage ok telling doctors for some reason, and they seem to be happy enough with it, so I'd recommend doing that.

[Roll]

Taking HRT meds doesn't imply you are transsexual. When Primary lists the drugs he takes on intake forms he simply states that the Spiro is for his blood pressure and estrogen for a hormone imbalance. No doctor has ever questioned  that. Spiro is also commonly prescribed for adult acne and estrogen for testicular cancer.

There's no hiding what this is for since the release has the "Queer Med" name on it and it's what they do. Kind of wish they had chosen a more discrete name.

I've done it and I'd not recommend starting down the path of hiding things from doctors if you can avoid it. It creates stress all by itself and makes life very complicated.

My GP doesn't know I'm trans and taking HRT. I don't tell anyone if I don't judge they need to know, and that's a very short list. Everyone else seems to manage ok telling doctors for some reason, and they seem to be happy enough with it, so I'd recommend doing that.

Oh, hiding is not my intention. Telling them on my own terms in person is the only thing that I'm concerned about. But I'm sort of resigned to this at this point regardless, I may not like it but I'm just trying to make myself go with the flow.

[KathyLauren]

I understand the desire to control the release of information.  I just want to say that I think that your GP needs to know. 

Taking hormones is altering my body.  In the obvious and desirable ways, of course, but also in the form of side-effects that could affect my medical care.  For example, spiro has dropped my blood pressure to levels that would be alarming if the cause was not known.  My doctor needs to know the cause so that she doesn't start prescribing treatment for what is not a problem.  Similarly, if I needed surgery for some medical problem, appendix or gall bladder for example, the surgeon would need to know that I was taking estrodiol in order to properly assess the surgical risks.

As it turned out, I needed to come out to my GP first in order to get a referral to a psychologist.  The referral was necessary for insurance coverage.  But even if that had not been my first step, I would want my doctor to know.  She is not involved with my transition at all, but I want the information on my file for reference.

[Roll]

Oh, I agree GP (and hematologist) definitely needs to know. I'm seeing the GP in January regardless which matched my original time frame for starting HRT (waiting another 2 months to even get the ball rolling now seems unfathomable to me), and was planning to go over it then, since the odds of anything drastic happening in under 2 months(by the time I actually get the hormones) is virtually none.

[flytrap]

The "Queer Med" label is so offensive, Roll. I know how much it would bother Primary and I am really sorry for you. Love Flytrap

[Devlyn]

Love the new avatar! 

Hugs, Devlyn

[Roll]

The "Queer Med" label is so offensive, Roll. I know how much it would bother Primary and I am really sorry for you. Love Flytrap

The woman who founded it is very sweet and a great doctor apparently (according to online reviews and recommendations), who has been doing a great job that the region sorely needs, but I do think unfortunately fell into to the "out and proud" mindset with naming (she herself is, according to her biography, a "non-conforming lesbian") which may not always work well for those of us who prefer to be a bit more under the radar. But really, I'm just grateful that it's an option and that I can afford to get quality and experienced care at all, and I don't plan to be stealth long term anyway so I'm just sucking it up.

Love the new avatar! 

Hugs, Devlyn

Thanks! <3 I've been happy with this picture for a while and decided that, unrealistic hair color or not, I'm going with it. Though speaking of avatars, where'd yours go? I miss panda pimp already.

[Bari Jo]

Thanks! <3 I've been happy with this picture for a while and decided that, unrealistic hair color or not, I'm going with it.

HRT OR not, you've passed me in your transition.  I'm too embarrassed to show my real ugly mug up there.  Perhaps when my beard is gone.  Nice work Ellie!

Bari Jo

[Roll]

HRT OR not, you've passed me in your transition.  I'm too embarrassed to show my real ugly mug up there.  Perhaps when my beard is gone.  Nice work Ellie!

Bari Jo

Oh, it is 100% a good angle and a camera that slims my face for a change. The picture I posted in "fabulous" thread a while back is more more realistic, and nowhere near as good.  Also, my profile sucks big time.