Stupid Q about First Endo Appt

[sneakersjay]

So the first endo I wanted to see me is being a PIA about accepting my insurance and is refusing to see me even if I wanted to pay out of pocket, so I was kinda ticked.  So  I got the name of another good trans-friendly endo.

I made my first appt and am psyched.

BUT:  How much did you tell them on the phone making the appt?  Did you give them your real name or new name?  Explain your issue as to why you were referred?

I wasn't sure how much or what not to say, so I didn't say much and gave them my bio name.

Can't wait for the appointment but feeling like I'm missing something.  Maybe just me, my migraine, and too much rain...

Jay

[tekla]

I'd give them the name that matches the insurance policy.

[sneakersjay]

Thanks.  That's what I did.

But while I was on the phone I wasn't sure how much I needed to reveal just to make the appointment.  My insurance fortunately doesn't require a referral (asked twice while on the phone with them for another issue) even though I have one, and will have my T letter with me.

I'm wondering if the first endo I called isn't taking new trans patients given the runaround they gave me, but if that's the case why not just say so instead of making lame 'we don't take your insurance' excuses (insurance company said YES, they DO take our insurance!!  Two separate reps in two separate phone calls).

Jay, relieved just to have an appt.

[Dennis]

Congrats. And have a look at the movie Southern Comfort for a scary look at transguys trying to get health care in the states. It's a good idea to make sure you have regular physicians who are comfortable with you being trans before anything happens.

Sounds like endo #1 was pulling what he thought would be an easy opt out. Jerk.

And as far as the question, I used the name on my medical plan, then when I changed it, I told them. I was kinda pissed that they kept leaving messages for <oldname> long after I'd told them, and they were supposed to be a trans-friendly place. When I found out they'd been cutting my GP out of my test results, I asked her if she'd be comfortable prescribing T for me and, when she said yes, cut the endo out of my care.

Dennis

[Mnemosyne]

I had to give the old name since I had not transitioned yet. By the second visit they inquired on what they should call me while I was there since that name no longer matched the appearance. So the forms had both names on there. One for insurance and the second for the personal visit. Ended up arguing with them over insurance too. They tried insisting that my insurance would not cover the visits even though, ready for this? The argument did not take place until after the fourth visit and the three others were covered by my insurance.  I think some people just have a need for drama in their lives.