Hi all,
I am overcome with joy when I learned that my work insurance covers GCS.  I had orchi 12 years ago because it was all I could afford and insurance wouldn't touch anything trans related back then. 

I have a zillion questions, but one of my first tasks is to find potential surgeons.  I'd like to stay closer to home due to anxiety issues flying (i'm on spectrum). 

Are there any well-known and reputable surgeons working in the south/southeast USA?   

In the US there are several excellent GCS surgeons in the northeast, and western states.  I selected a surgeon by spending quite a few hours reading GCS threads here, and private messaging with those who have had the procedure.

You only have one chance at your first shot at this... in my opinion the short term travel distance is far less important than a lifetime of results.  Road trip!

I have a consult with Keelee MacPhee next week, she is in Raleigh, NC. She is one of the lesser known surgeons but a few girls here had their surgery with her and they all gave great reviews. Not sure how far Raleigh is for you. For me, it is about 4 hours driving distance. Finding someone close to where I live is a major factor in my decision. Her website also has a before / after section and they look amazing. Of course, I know she would only put the good results up.

One catch is that she is out of network. But I learned I can appeal my insurance since there is no in-network surgeon anywhere close by and they mentioned there is a good chance she would get approved as a one-off to be paid in-network. My insurance would then cover 80%, otherwise 60%.

Wait for the consult was about 7 weeks and I could have had it earlier but that conflicted with my work travel.

I can update you once I have seen her. A lot for me will be about "does it feel right and would I trust her".

Good luck and Hugs, Sarah

@feedmecurry: I promised to give an update after my consult:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,233392.msg2191991.html#msg2191991

For people who live in reasonable driving distance, she also would be fine with returning home between surgery and packing removal. During this time, you will still have a catheter, so it is a bit uncomfortable. And of course, there is always a risk of complications which would have to be treated where you live then. I am still debating this part...