Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I have seen many posts about consent for HRT and needing letters from a therapist to be prescribed HRT medications.  I don't understand that. Was there a new law passed or something? I have never been asked to provide letters from a therapist to receive HRT medications here in the USA. Both here in Florida and in Denver I have just gone to my GP and told them I need the medications. They ask why I need them and I tell them i am transgender.  They ask the dosages, tell me they will need to monitor my levels and give me the prescriptions. That is how it has been every time I have changed my POP.  I do not understand why others need letters and must jump through circles to get a prescription.

Once you are in the system or have approval, it's easer to stay on it. The letters when required are for somebody starting out. As I am post surgical, I can get pretty much get what I want without a therapy letter.

Oh ok.

Letter requirements for hormones is part of the WPATH approach. Informed consent uses a different protocol.

Hugs, Devlyn

I didn't do either informed consent or wpath. I went to my VA doctor, told hin I was taking spiro and estradiol, he asked a few questions and then asked if I wanted to get them through the VA and I said yes. Done deal with labs ordered.

Laurie

Doctors who specialize in treating transgender patients tend to follow the WPATH guidelines.  On the plus side, you know the doctor has had some training about dealing with trans patients, and you can look up in the standards to see what to expect.  The process is the same worldwide.  On the minus side, you have some hoops to jump through, such as getting letters.

If you have insurance (including Canadians, Brits, and others who have government health care plans), the insurance may insist that you go to to WPATH-certified doctors or you won't be covered.

On the other hand, any doctor can write you a prescription if you can convince them, by pleading or by cash, to do so.  They will insist that you sign an informed consent document just to cover themselves against lawsuits.  This is called the informed consent model.

Quote from: KathyLauren on June 05, 2017, 07:17:13 AM

On the other hand, any doctor can write you a prescription if you can convince them, by pleading or by cash, to do so.  They will insist that you sign an informed consent document just to cover themselves against lawsuits.  This is called the informed consent model.

The process by which I began HRT, via informed consent, involved no pleading or offerings of cash.  It's been conditioned on regular medical supervision and consultation.  Therapy is always on offer.  I have never felt that my caregivers were using the informed consent model to cover their liabilities (although I've had to sign such forms acknowledging that in making my decision, I have been informed of the effects and risks).  I have felt that the informed consent model is intended to provide me the freedom to make that decision myself.  This is at a clinic that specializes in treating transgender folks, among other LGBT-related issues.

Quote from: SophieD on June 05, 2017, 08:15:39 PM

Quote from: KathyLauren on June 05, 2017, 07:17:13 AM

On the other hand, any doctor can write you a prescription if you can convince them, by pleading or by cash, to do so.  They will insist that you sign an informed consent document just to cover themselves against lawsuits.  This is called the informed consent model.

The process by which I began HRT, via informed consent, involved no pleading or offerings of cash.  It's been conditioned on regular medical supervision and consultation.  Therapy is always on offer.  I have never felt that my caregivers were using the informed consent model to cover their liabilities (although I've had to sign such forms acknowledging that in making my decision, I have been informed of the effects and risks).  I have felt that the informed consent model is intended to provide me the freedom to make that decision myself.  This is at a clinic that specializes in treating transgender folks, among other LGBT-related issues.

Ditto.

I dont think there are many doctors thatvwill risk a medical licsense to prescribe you hormones  by not going through proper procedures first.

Quote from: SophieD on June 05, 2017, 08:15:39 PM
The process by which I began HRT, via informed consent, involved no pleading or offerings of cash.  It's been conditioned on regular medical supervision and consultation.  Therapy is always on offer.  I have never felt that my caregivers were using the informed consent model to cover their liabilities (although I've had to sign such forms acknowledging that in making my decision, I have been informed of the effects and risks).  I have felt that the informed consent model is intended to provide me the freedom to make that decision myself.  This is at a clinic that specializes in treating transgender folks, among other LGBT-related issues.

Yep, same here in Chicago.