Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: ttim0324 on September 26, 2013, 01:56:30 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Callen Lorde
Post by: ttim0324 on September 26, 2013, 01:56:30 PM
Anyone from NYC or the surrounding areas ever been to Callen Lorde? With school starting for me in January I need to go about starting HRT asap so I wanted to know if anyone had any experience with the place. On that same not, if anyone knows of any trans friendly endocrinologists outside of Callen Lorde I'd love to hear about them too.

Thanks,
Tim
Title: Re: Callen Lorde
Post by: Ltl89 on September 26, 2013, 02:59:13 PM
I've never been to Callen Lorde, but I have researched them a bit (I'm in NY as well).  Generally speaking, it take about 3 visits before you get hormones.  The first visit is an evaluation, the second is blood work, and the third is the analysis of the results.   Usually, the first visit has a month wait and the other two may require a month wait as well.  I've heard mixed things about these visits.  Some say it was great, others say they had a positive experience but they kind of moved them in and out the door during their visit.  Personally, most of what I have heard and read has been fairly positive, so I don't think anyone should have an issue with going there.  As for the cost, they are pretty reasonable from what I hear.  They seem to accept many insurances and are willing to work on a sliding scale.  Also, they have an in-house pharmacy which many have said provides affordable meds.  Having said that, all of what I wrote is what I have heard from others.  I have no direct experience with Callen Lorde and can't say how they work on a personal level. 

Good luck! :)
Title: Re: Callen Lorde
Post by: Andaya on September 26, 2013, 07:52:24 PM
Hey there :) I went to Callen Lorde and wrote about my experiences here:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,145389.msg1189219.html#msg1189219

If you have any questions feel free to ask them here or by private message :) I heartily recommend them even though it is difficult to get seen initially.
Title: Re: Callen Lorde
Post by: ttim0324 on September 26, 2013, 09:16:20 PM
Thanks to both of you, very helpful! I guess I'll go about walking in one of these days which was initially my plan, the idea of walking in alone is just quite daunting  :-\
Title: Re: Callen Lorde
Post by: Andaya on September 26, 2013, 10:09:09 PM
They are super friendly and non-judgmental there. The center is in a pretty gay and trans friendly neighborhood, and virtually all the patients they are accepting are trans and HIV patients. My biggest piece of advice is to get there early on the walk in days. Let them know you're looking for transgender care and they'll give you the right forms :)