Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Facial feminization surgery => Topic started by: Allison S on July 28, 2018, 08:00:28 PM

Title: Medical necessity for ffs? NYC based
Post by: Allison S on July 28, 2018, 08:00:28 PM
How do I get this? I was asked for 2 therapist letters to be considered for insurance coverage.
I went to a therapist who worked for Callen Lorde in NYC and he didn't know. He also seemed confused why I would want FFS and it was just very annoying.
I had specifically asked him if he writes letters and explained FFS to him. So he hasn't written it...
I lost faith in my ability to explain that I need ffs.
Is it really this hard or am I missing something?
Does NYU and/or Mount Sinai understand better? I haven't gone to either yet but I really need to get started with this- if anyone knows or has experience with getting letters for FFS in NYC, please help!

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Medical necessity for ffs? NYC based
Post by: Dena on July 28, 2018, 08:43:16 PM
The therapist may be more used to people seeking bottom surgery first. In addition, FFS is often paid for out of pocket as many people lack insurance or at least lack an insurance policy with coverage for it. It's also possible that your face is feminine enough that the doctor really doesn't see a need for it.
Title: Re: Medical necessity for ffs? NYC based
Post by: mistyjensen on July 28, 2018, 09:38:33 PM
Hi,

The Center for the Transgender Medicine and Surgery at Mount Sinai NYC can understand your situation and help you get letters of support for FFS. I got my FFS letters and surgery through Mount Sinai. I recommend contacting them. More info is at https://www.mountsinai.org/locations/center-transgender-medicine-surgery/become-patient.
Title: Re: Medical necessity for ffs? NYC based
Post by: Allison S on July 28, 2018, 09:54:53 PM


Quote from: Dena on July 28, 2018, 08:43:16 PM
The therapist may be more used to people seeking bottom surgery first. In addition, FFS is often paid for out of pocket as many people lack insurance or at least lack an insurance policy with coverage for it. It's also possible that your face is feminine enough that the doctor really doesn't see a need for it.

I was recommended hairline advancement, brow bone ridge reduction and reconstruction, rhinoplasty/septoplasty, jaw/chin reduction and tracheal shave. The surgeon and staff mentioned getting insurance to cover my ffs. They're asking me for 2 therapist letters.

Quote from: mistyjensen on July 28, 2018, 09:38:33 PM
Hi,

The Center for the Transgender Medicine and Surgery at Mount Sinai NYC can understand your situation and help you get letters of support for FFS. I got my FFS letters and surgery through Mount Sinai. I recommend contacting them. More info is at https://www.mountsinai.org/locations/center-transgender-medicine-surgery/become-patient.

Thanks, I'll check it out. I really don't get why it's so complicated. I keep getting clocked and I have friends who've witnessed the hostility towards me specifically. Cis women can be just as bad as men and it's starting to affect me negatively. It feels kinda like a witch hunt?

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Medical necessity for ffs? NYC based
Post by: Gertrude on July 29, 2018, 07:59:06 AM
I'm kind of surprised people in NYC would give you grief. Other states, sure, like in the south. Good luck getting it done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Medical necessity for ffs? NYC based
Post by: Allison S on July 29, 2018, 12:39:02 PM
For the most part I'm okay, it's usually just creepy guys or older women staring. I think it's just the insanse amount of people something is more likely to happen. I'm moving today actually to a suburban area where my brotber lives. I actually don't know the area at all but it's in NJ and I figure it'll be good for me to get out of the city. I'm leaving at a good time because I'm 10 months on hrt today! I'm very happy about that at least.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk