Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Topic started by: Ribbons on February 07, 2011, 06:21:03 AM

Title: What does this mean when I go to the doctors office?
Post by: Ribbons on February 07, 2011, 06:21:03 AM
I guess as a teenager my doctor wants to make sure I am mentally okay and survey me, so they're always giving me this questionnaire. 

I've noticed at the bottom it says something about if you want to learn about certain topics to circle them from a list they have, and gender identity and transexualism are listed.

I've been thinking, what happens if I circle them?
Title: Re: What does this mean when I go to the doctors office?
Post by: rejennyrated on February 07, 2011, 06:46:09 AM
Sounds like your doctor is trans aware. So my guess is that if you circle those items then you will either be sent some literature or be given an opportunity to discuss it with the doctor on your next visit.

Down-side - you are effectively coming out as someone who might have some questions in that area, and of course the questionaire gets seen by whoever you give it too.

Up-Side - well as the doctor is asking the question it is pretty darned certain that the practice are sympathetic to the issue and aware of best practice. So I would EXPECT that all staff will have been told very firmly that their jobs are on the line if they breach patient confidentiality.

So on the whole, if you want to get something to start happening this is probably the golden opportunity, and because it goes to the doctor, you can be sure that it will be taken seriously and not laughed at.
Title: Re: What does this mean when I go to the doctors office?
Post by: Amazon D on February 07, 2011, 07:29:40 AM
but it goes down on your medical record permanently so be sure your ready for that. Future jobs insurance etc etc
Title: Re: What does this mean when I go to the doctors office?
Post by: Renate on February 07, 2011, 07:47:57 AM
Don't be shy, Ribbons, circle it! :)
You have a great opportunity there.
You are not committing yourself to anything.
Everything that happens in that medical office is confidential.
Moreover, something like that does not get put in your official medical file anyway.
Title: Re: What does this mean when I go to the doctors office?
Post by: rejennyrated on February 07, 2011, 08:02:48 AM
Quote from: M2MtF2FtM on February 07, 2011, 07:29:40 AM
but it goes down on your medical record permanently so be sure your ready for that. Future jobs insurance etc etc
If you get treated that will happen sooner or later anyway... unless like me you have friends in high places who can get certain records "doctored" later on. So fear of that isn't a reason not to get help.

It's more difficult to do in the digital age, but back along my school and medical records, (and a few other official files besides) all turned out to be rather accident prone and bits of them were either water damaged or lost...  ;D