Hormone testing for the uninsured?

[Kate.claire]

Hi girls,

Just curious for those of you that are out of pocket: where do you get your labs for E and T levels done and what is the cost?  My doctor is using Quest, but it is costing me over $500 each time,  so hoping to find a cheaper alternative.

-Kate

[Dena]

This link might be helpful. On the other hand, if you have insurance and it doesn't cover the costs of the tests, you will still get the discount that the insurance company would get. I don't know if this would work but sometimes if you pay at the time of the services, you get a discount because they don't have to bill you or run it through insurance.

[Chloe]

Kate I've used:



Do a zip-code search on "Lab Locations" and see if there's an uptake clinic near you.

[Kate.claire]

Thank you both! 

Dena,  I think the link you sent seems specifically for their Non-invasive Prenatal Test? I'm pretty sure I'm not pregnant... I mean... pretty sure.   

The Private MD lab link looks promising... they have a pretty extensive gender reassignment panel for just over $100.  I'm going to look at that.   I actually have Kaiser,  but I went forward out of network last fall because I didn't realize they cover these things now and didn't want to come out to my primary care doctor.  I eventually did, but now have to go through therapy all over,  because they don't accept letters from therapists outside of their own.  Went to their required seminar and can make the appointment,  just haven't had the energy to do it again and retell my story.

[Quinn]

Kate I would suggest that you go thru with the requirements at Kaiser. Not sure where you are located but I also have Kaiser in southern California , here they cover FFS, GCS, orchiectomy, laser hair and electrolysis for both face and bottom surgery, Voice therapy.
Labs for  hormone level for me at least is $15
I take pill form Estradiol 3 months supply  $10
Emla cream for the hair removal   $5
Have a orchiectomy scheduled for March 11  $125.00
When I started facial hair removal they did not cover it at that time now they do , I am out of pocket at this point and still not done around $16,000.00
My suggestion is if you have insurance take advantage of it since that is why you pay for it

I would suggest you at least look into what you plan covers so you at least know  and can make a decision from there


Best of luck with everything 

[Kate.claire]

Thanks Quinn, 

I know, I know, it's just sitting there waiting for me. Just been busy with all the other things life throws at you and not pushing forward on the next appointments. A big blocker was coming out to my Primary, but that's over now... so just need to do it. I'm in San Diego, so it's the Southern Cal system. Be curious to see what your experience has been there. Not sure how far I'm going on the surgery side, likely "just" orchi at this point, but who knows.  GCS and FFS scares me too much. I've been finishing up laser hair everywhere the last couple of years,  but electrolysis starts soon for the remaining white really blonde hairs.  Does Kaiser have in house electrologists,  or do they let you select private practice ones?

Thanks so much!

Kate

[JudiBlueEyes]

I used Private MD Labs even when I had insurance as the hormone tests my doctor wanted was lower cost than the copay I paid when going through my health insurance.  I had to hit a deductible which I never seem to meet.  There is a good test there that I think I paid $60 +/- for.  Once you use them they will send a monthly newsletter with a 10% discount code which is great!

[Quinn]

No in house electrolysis they have certain places they are contracted with I believe and you only pay co-pay. But I have went so far out of pocket with the place im at I will just finish there. I going to try and get reimbursed for whatever they may give me thou hopefully.

I have had nothing but great experience at Kaiser so far.

They have a transgender care team that does specializes in our care only. Once you are in the system  you can call them with any questions. IF you need referrals or approvals between your transgender therapist and the care unit they will get everyone approved for you.  At least this has been my experience

I like the fact I do not have to go thru my story everytime , when I go in to someone new at Kaiser they already know im trans and they can see everyone else notes.

Just seems to be very convenient

And as far as my primary my therapist there are Kaiser told my who was trans friendly and I switched to her , she has been great and has many trans patients.

I would suggest when you ready to just give it a try you might find you like is also.

as far as ffs or gcs or any procedures  just take it slow and your own pace , maybe someday you will be ready for those steps and maybe you wont and be happy without . Your individual happiness whatever that is what this is all about 

Take care

[Kate.claire]

Well, somehow I missed your last reply to my thread Quinn.  I finally got into the system at Kaiser!  Really all delays were just on my part. I went to see the assigned therapist in Point Loma after the Transgender class that I could have taught. She was great, saw that I was on HRT already and seeing a therapist, and effectively said let's just run through the list of annoying questions to check the boxes and get you in already. Exactly what I had hoped to do. 

Had my first endo appointment last week, he was super nice, good doctor, but got the feeling he wasn't particularly experienced with transgendered people. I'm pretty sure I didn't misunderstand him, but he suggested that I had probably seen all the changes I was going to see at 6 months, which I think is fairly debatable.

Just the same, totally supported my current regimen, and just took over my out of pocket prescription. Wants to lower it though, as he feels I should be shooting for 200 ng/ml or whatever on E levels, rather than the high 400s I've been at. Both of my doctors are a little puzzled that my T died so easily and E shot so high on what's considered an initial starting dose by UCSF standards. I guess good news for me, I suspect there's always been some biology at play from other signs. Didn't necessarily recommend Progesterone, but would prescribe it if I wanted it down the line. 

I didn't go through the transgender care coordinator because I'm ditsy enough to have misplaced my transgender classroom paperwork, but the regular appointment line handled me well. I'm just wondering if the care coordinator would have recommended someone that specializes more in our care. 

Finishing up a few last laser sessions, and then I'll go to Kaiser to get those last bits followed up on, and start the GCS prep electrolysis. I probably won't get it, but in case I change my mind, no need to have that hair standing in the way.

Oh yeah, got my six month lab tests all done, and far more extensive... all covered. Cost of next Estradiol Valerate after I finish my previous out of pocket ones: $10.

Overall, a good starting experience at Kaiser in San Diego.

-Kate