Quote from: CynthiaR on Yesterday at 11:01:13 PMI would like to have a diagnosis kinda as proof that what I've been experiencing is real and valid.
Yes, and it opens doors as well. Typically, a healthcare provider will not treat an undiagnosed condition. They don't just hand out medicine the way some politicians believe. By having the diagnosis, you then have a condition that requires
medically necessary treatment. Those are key words. Many insurance companies will not cover treatments that are "cosmetic" or not
medically necessary.
For example, hair removal for facial hair is a "cosmetic" procedure. With a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, it becomes "medically necessary" to treat dysphoria. Under Trump 2.0, much of that has gone out the window, and everything is denied because... reasons.
All is not lost because there are ways around the BS. A friend of mine owned an accounting business and was teaching me how to do tax returns. He said:
"It is not what you say, but how you say it."
Hair removal for gender affirming care was removed by the Veterans Administration. But I started transitioning five years ago, so my medical records show me as female. I then received a diagnosis of "hirsuitism," which is excessive facial hair in women, and hair removal then became "medically necessary".
Early in my transition, my hormones were labeled For Gender Transition. My Endocrinologist wrote a letter stating that I had completed the clinical requirements for transition to female. That letter allowed me to change gender markers on my IDs. Then my hormones are now labeled for Hormone Replacement, which is medically necessary for women my age (68).
So it is important to have an accepting and supportive healthcare team. That is a therapist, Primary Care, Endocrinology, or Gynecology. It is nice to be accepted, but even better to have their support. Because they can "say it" so that it qualifies as medically necessary.
Keep us updated on how things are going for you and let us know if you need help.
