My primary care doctor

[Stephk]

I use the va for a lot of my care. I asked my primary care yesterday after a day or so of corespondening with the nurse for hrt. I received a call, and my primary doctor is going to call me next week Thursday.. I'm a little nervous.. I'm thinking he's not being very supportive... I would be using the fa for my meds.. anyone else here use the va for this? I know the va where I live has another that is post-op... as my doc told me about her, just no names of course.

[Dani]

I also use the VA health system for my medical care. I was previously going to a private MD physician for my care, but we had a disagreement over HRT. So I switched to VA care.

About 6 or 7 years ago the VA published a formal policy that applies to all VA hospitals that spelled out what care is freely available at the VA for transgender veterans. The VA will provide counselling, medications, lab tests and voice training. At this time they do not provide any gender conformation surgery or electrolysis. Depending on your geographical location, some VA's have strong transgender programs and other may be just meeting minimum standards.

As you most probably know, in the VA system everything goes through your primary care physician. Ask for counselling to get your HRT letter, then ask for an appointment with an Endocrinologist for the HRT prescriptions. Somewhere in the mix you will be asked to sign a liability release that you are aware of the risks and benefits of HRT. If you desire voice therapy, your primary care can arrange that as well.

I live in the Miami area and our VA is well versed on transgender care. I have nothing but praise for the care I received at the VA hospital.

[Devlyn]

The VA's current document seems to be:

"VHA Directive 1341: Providing Health Care for Transgender and Intersex Veterans"

Have you visited our veterans thread, Roll Call yet?

Hugs, Devlyn

[Stephk]

I see a counselor through a program outside the va, she has been working with me on the dysphoria. I've been seeking counseling for 1 year now. So this isn't being done lightly. Should I have my counselor fax a letter to the va?  Will look at the roll call thread as well! Thank you!