Well, I'm sorta running out of options. Simply because I don't have money to go throwing around. Anyways! According to everyone here, the therapist I'm seeing really is a crappy and ignorant.
I haven't seen a doctor in a couple of years. Due to lack of health insurance and just not needing to go. (I DO have health insurance now!)
Anyway, I have an appointment with this lady this week and the therapy appointment. I have the therapy appointment first. So, depending on how it goes, I might try my luck with the doctor. IDK yet. My fiancee suggested it yesterday and today I am thinking about it.

I have never met this lady before. It's going to be a physical. So I'm wondering if it would be a bad idea to say anything. Is there ANY chance she could help me?

Because of HIPPA laws, you can tell the doctor.  After all it is a medical condition.

My thoughts are to DEFINITELY tell her.  Especially if you are binding or anything it will make less confusion and awkwardness for both of you.  It will also help to be honest up front to make it easier with pronouns and your name preferece for her to start with your preferred information up front. 

Ummm let me clarify things. I'm pre-everything! And I don't bind lol Not yet anyway. I am waiting for a couple more paychecks before actually dishing out the money.
I'm kind of scared honestly. I don't know if I should ask her if there is any way she can help me with the T issues. Because like I said, my therapist isn't being helpful. But I shall see Tuesday if she does plan on helping me. Anyway, I do plan on shaving my legs simply because when classes start, I plan on wearing shorts and the people will know me as female. So whatever. But under my arms...I feel like I don't want to shave there! lol it's taken so long to get where I'm at!!!! And it's not like anyone sees it. But if I have to get into a gown, then she will. So I'd want to explain. Anyway, I'm just scared. Fearing the worst I guess.

Being trans is part of who you are so tell away, maybe she can even help.

I'd tell her, Stewie.  The worst that could happen - she does nothing.  The best that could happen - you get help which could lead to T.

I told my primary care doctor, and she ended up overseeing my hormones so I didn't need to go to the endo as often. I did have a letter, but in so many ways it worked out well.

You should mention, though, if you do not want it put into your record.

Quote from: MrTesto on August 18, 2012, 10:18:32 PM
You should mention, though, if you do not want it put into your record.

Um. I got copies of my records this year, and my best efforts to keep the trans stuff out of there were not enough.

All the same, I would come out to the doc, for the reasons stated above but also for another reason. If she isn't comfortable with a trans patient, don't you want to know now so that you can find another primary care physician who IS comfortable with you?

He might have the option because he is not yet on T. The dr doesn't have to add it as a diagnosis. And come next year, GID won't be in the DSM - it will be Gender Dysphoria. That's how some places are coding it now, to avoid having GID in the charts.

But you make the far better point, about getting information as to the doctor's comfort.

Quote from: MrTesto on August 18, 2012, 11:27:08 PM
He might have the option because he is not yet on T. The dr doesn't have to add it as a diagnosis. And come next year, GID won't be in the DSM - it will be Gender Dysphoria. That's how some places are coding it now, to avoid having GID in the charts.

I wasn't at all clear. I've never been diagnosed with GID, and my medical records simply say that I am trans--that is written in the doctors' notes. As far as I know, nothing has been officially reported to the insurance company that I used to have. If I ever get insured with them again, or if I go to the same health care provider through another insurance company, what will that company know about me? It's a freaking mystery.

I'm actually thinking of contacting this health care system to find out how to change my sex with them. I don't know if they will do it without bottom surgery.

Anyway, I think Stewie is better off if he is honest with the doc and asks her to be discreet.

Personally, I would tell your doctor.  When I first started coming out I told my dr. and it was before I started binding or anything too.  She was great.  She immediately started calling me by my chosen name and was far more sensitive about things.  She doesn't make me take my binder off when she does an exam.  She switched my nurse to a male nurse.  It was worth it to me.

Now, for a quick visit - like a minor med -- I went too for a bad cough over the weekend I didn't say anything to the doctor - my name has been legally changed now -- and she treated me just like any other male.  Although, I did have a bit of a panic attack wihen the nurse told me to sit on the table and take my shirt off so the doctor could listen to my lungs - never had that happen before.  I just pulled my shirt up and left my binder on and that worked.

Quote from: Arch on August 18, 2012, 11:56:25 PM
As far as I know, nothing has been officially reported to the insurance company.

See mine is reported to my insurance company, but they cover Trans stuff so I had to if I wanted stuff covered.  And anytime I've gotten a bill that I shouldn't have gotten because my sex didn't match with the appt (ie GYN exam) I've called the Customer Service and they've been GREAT about it and they take of everything for me.  I really lucked out with them and I'm incredibly grateful.

I agree with the *tell her* crowd.  While you are currently *pre-everything*, that likely won't always be the case.  She may be able to help point you in the right direction.  Also, it gives her a chance to prepare should you experience any problems with binders etc later.

Yet another reason for US residents to vote this fall - to keep the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a Obamacare). It protects trans people from being considered to have a pre-existing condition by future healthcare insurers.

Quote from: Paul on August 19, 2012, 08:17:19 AM
See mine is reported to my insurance company, but they cover Trans stuff

My insurance co. had a trans exclusion, of course. My ex was a federal employee, and all of the insurance options excluded trans stuff.