So around the beginning of summer I decided to start HRT. 2 months later I managed to get an endocrinologist that had been recommended to me to give me an appointment for the middle of February. Last weekend I received a letter saying they'd need to schedule, and now the appointment would be in April. I told them forget it.
So then I called my insurance company out of curiosity and to find out what other in-network providers I could go to (I had some other questions to ask them anyways) and was informed that my plan (individual BCBS of NC) won't cover ANY trans-related healthcare. So...that's fun.
Anyways, not quite sure what to do now. Planned Parenthood, GP, find a new endocrinologist? I wanted to go with an endo because, well, that's their specialty. I want to do it right rather than just sign a form and get handed a prescription, but I'm not exactly loaded so PP or even the GP might be a lot cheaper?
I don't know. Any advice would be appreciated.
What country are you in?
Oops :/
United States, specifically North Carolina.
Quote from: IdontEven on September 09, 2015, 03:21:00 AM
So around the beginning of summer I decided to start HRT. 2 months later I managed to get an endocrinologist that had been recommended to me to give me an appointment for the middle of February. Last weekend I received a letter saying they'd need to schedule, and now the appointment would be in April. I told them forget it.
I can't help with your question, but I'd like suggest that as a purely practical matter its best not to limit your options so early. If you can't find anywhere else then April will start looking very appealing. Personally I'd agree and only cancel after I'd seen the other doctor.
Good luck finding someone. I know how hard waiting is.
You could have a look here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,105294.msg794094.html#msg794094
and here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,193033.msg1721342.html#msg1721342
You have quite a few options:
-you might look for a plan which covers it
-you might look if coverage is required by now
Well you might look for someone with experience. Its not only exact levels but also how it makes you feel.
You also might consider a therapist.
Personally I would not have cancelled onspec... accept it and then look for alternative providors, or maybe could you travel further afield?
We are now in September the next 7 months will fly past... how quickly have the last 12 gone? ;)
Katy xx
Thanks Laura x
I know exactly which doctor you were trying to see. I also got a letter in the mail last week saying I'd need to reschedule my appointment from the middle of February, but I haven't called them yet to do so. Keep the appointment and get on their waiting list, you will get in earlier I'm sure, I did.
In the meantime, if you feel that HRT is where you want/need to end up, then go ahead and get started by visiting Planned Parenthood. That's what I did, and two month later, the Endo called me to say they'd had a slot open up, at which point the Endo just upped my dosages after some bloodwork, then I stopped going to PP.
Stay the course. It's a long road ahead, but it will happen, you just have to make the appointments. Feel free to message me if you want to talk more specifically about my experiences with that exact doctor and PP office. :)
My insurance also had a "no Trans related care" exclusion...but it took them 2 months to approve testosterone therapy (for depression), and I never had a problem with getting estrogen from them.
I'm MtF, btw. Sometimes the left hand doesn't know what the right hand does...LOL
As of last year in WA insurances cannot have any Trans exclusions in their policies.
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