I have Kaiser, but they are nasty and only cover their own doctors for procedures. Who do they use for FFS?

Why don't you ask Kaiser?  They would be the best source for information.

I have Kaiser and, at least for my plan, they don't cover FFS or even GCS. You'll need to check your Evidence of Coverage doc to see what they cover. Just search for "Transgender" in the doc and you'll see what's covered.


Laura

Oh, I know that I'm covered. I have medical/medicare. There doesn't seem to be any info regarding this up, which was why I was aiming more for anyone else's personal experience.

Quote from: lauraelliott1951 on October 27, 2016, 03:16:29 PM
I have Kaiser and, at least for my plan, they don't cover FFS or even GCS. You'll need to check your Evidence of Coverage doc to see what they cover. Just search for "Transgender" in the doc and you'll see what's covered.

Not exactly correct...  These aren't covered when they are considered cosmetic procedures, but if they are deemed medically necessary, following WPATH criteria, they are most definitely covered.

One of my friends just got her trachial shave.  Another had the first pass of two-pass GCS, and will get the second pass shortly (work scheduling issues delayed it a bit).  Still another is now lined up for GCS in a couple months, then FFS a few months later.   They're all Kaiser patients in my region.  A couple are on Senior Advantage, a Medicare Advantage policy.  I'm on an individual policy through CoveredCA.

In a couple weeks I expect to get a finding that my electrolysis is medically necessary.  (Yes, my electrolyst handles copay, deductibles, and Kaiser re-imbursements.  It's a little trouble for her, but she seems glad to do it for her clients.)

If you are seeing a therapist with Kaiser NorCal, I suggest that they refer you to the Multi-Specialties Transition clinic to get you in the system.

California bans exclusions on transgender healthcare, so once a treatment is deemed medically necessary it will be covered.

Quote from: CatBlack on October 27, 2016, 01:11:07 AM
I have Kaiser, but they are nasty and only cover their own doctors for procedures. Who do they use for FFS?

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I have Kaiser, I was just at their transition center in Oakland a couple of weeks ago. Everyone there was helpful, one of the women there  even helped me find their office when I got horribly lost she stayed on the phone with me till we figured out how I could get there.
I got a referral for electrolysis I didn't even know they coverd that. Also gave me the choice of three different surgeons one was a Kaiser doctor the other two I had heard of from this site.
So I don't think of Kaiser as being nasty.

Quote from: Michelle_P on October 27, 2016, 05:03:21 PM
If you are seeing a therapist with Kaiser NorCal, I suggest that they refer you to the Multi-Specialties Transition clinic to get you in the system.

My mileage definitely varies. I have Kaiser Senior Advantage through my former employer and i can certify that my plan does NOT cover GCS, which, while somewhat depressing, is not a pressing matter since i'm a few years away from GCS.

Having just entered Kaiser in September, i met with my new primary doc in late September, getting a  referral to the Multi-Specialty Dept at that time. Because i was already seeing a private therapist, Kaiser said it was fine if she (my therapist) wrote "the letter", which after much too long, she finally did this week. As i write this, i'm anxiously awaiting their call.

Yes, other Kaiser plans DO cover more than my plan, and i'm somewhat concerned with the limited coverage, but i'm not fretting at this time.

Laura

Quote from: CatBlack on October 27, 2016, 01:11:07 AM
I have Kaiser, but they are nasty and only cover their own doctors for procedures. Who do they use for FFS?

I could only agree 100% with you. I strongly believe that every other insurance company hires top of the crop and Kaiser gets stuck with the D plus doctors and staff. I have several stories well facts about Kaiser however too many to list. I strongly advise against signing up with Kaiser. Wouldn't do it - my worst enemy. Very true they are nasty indeed incompetent lack of professionalism knowledge I can go on and on and on and on

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I have them through disability. I don't really have an alternate choice of provider.

Dr. Andrew Kleinberger in Walnut Creek does FFS for Kaiser. He did a fellowship with Dr. Speigel. Here is a link for more info on him: https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/provider/andrewkleinberger . Dr. Charlies Shih also does the surgery with him. Don't write these surgeons off just because they aren't well-known yet. They are highly trained.

- Ruby

OMFG Thank you Ruby! I've been looking for that information for over a month. (and it's not that I want to write them off. I'm really just terrified to be honest, and getting surgery from someone I haven't heard of makes it so much scarier..)

I know a couple girls who have had FFS from Kaiser Northern Cal.  I don't know the details, but their nose, brow and chin work looks great.  For what that's worth...

Quote from: jorgediaz1970 on November 05, 2016, 08:29:35 PM
I could only agree 100% with you. I strongly believe that every other insurance company hires top of the crop and Kaiser gets stuck with the D plus doctors and staff. I have several stories well facts about Kaiser however too many to list. I strongly advise against signing up with Kaiser. Wouldn't do it - my worst enemy. Very true they are nasty indeed incompetent lack of professionalism knowledge I can go on and on and on and on

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

My experience with Kaiser is quite the opposite. My doctors are very attentive and concerned. They have saved my life on more than one occasion. My wife's too.  I sought mental health care that at times seems kind of pedestrian in that being a transgender person being lumped in with people whose life events bring them to therapy. However if you speak up you can get the help you need. Once I got information I have been able to request the treatment I really want and need. Many of the doctors in my area are Graduates from UW.This is my experience, yours may differ.