Health insurance for the first time....should I use it?
July 2, 2013 12:09 PM Subscribe
I have insurance for the first time, and I haven't been to a doctor since I was a child (>20 years). I am not sure exactly how doctors...work. Like, when it's appropriate to make use of the insurance.
I don't really have anything wrong medically that I am aware of, except relatively frequent headaches (and I used to have actual migraines when I was a kid, but those faded over time, so It's not like this is new), and a general...tiredness...that I am not sure is something everyone doesn't experience. I was thinking that it might be wise to just have a check-up? I am perfectly capable of measuring my heart rate and BP and determining whether those fall within the standard limits for a 33 year old human female (probably a youtube tutorial series even!), but I am not sure what else is really done during a checkup that would be of diagnostic value. I suspect I have ADHD, which negatively affects my life, and some definite anxiety issues (which makes the prospect of seeing a doctor terrifying), but those are both something for a psychiatrist (which is an equally terrifying concept).
Some additional issues:
1) I have been self medicating trans-related HRT for well over a decade. I do not expect that an HMO doctor will be wanting to write HRT prescriptions for a trans person, but likewise I really don't feel like scolded by them for the DIY approach, given my history and factors that led me to that.
3) I am not sure if I feel like going only because I feel like I should be getting something for the amount of money I am paying every month, and because I had the option to just elect to not have insurance, or what.
4) Perhaps I'm subconsciously afraid that I'll be informed I have acute boneitis or something?
5) Horror stories about trans people and the medical industry's interactions with trans people have fueled my anxiety about this to ridiculous levels. I mean...I did go to an urgent care in 2008 for sprained wrists (after waiting a couple days...) and it was just xrays, and I never had to actually disclose my status, which was fine. But that'd be on the table at a GP, which, is something I am just not sure I like the idea of. I can't exactly chop around with an HMO.
So...should I just go when I have an actual issue to worry about and stop focusing on this? Or should I make an appointment since I have't been since I was 10 and I could have a gut full of scorpions? How would I be able to do that without basically freaking out? And is there even reason to?
I don't really have anything wrong medically that I am aware of, except relatively frequent headaches (and I used to have actual migraines when I was a kid, but those faded over time, so It's not like this is new), and a general...tiredness...that I am not sure is something everyone doesn't experience. I was thinking that it might be wise to just have a check-up? I am perfectly capable of measuring my heart rate and BP and determining whether those fall within the standard limits for a 33 year old human female (probably a youtube tutorial series even!), but I am not sure what else is really done during a checkup that would be of diagnostic value. I suspect I have ADHD, which negatively affects my life, and some definite anxiety issues (which makes the prospect of seeing a doctor terrifying), but those are both something for a psychiatrist (which is an equally terrifying concept).
Some additional issues:
1) I have been self medicating trans-related HRT for well over a decade. I do not expect that an HMO doctor will be wanting to write HRT prescriptions for a trans person, but likewise I really don't feel like scolded by them for the DIY approach, given my history and factors that led me to that.
3) I am not sure if I feel like going only because I feel like I should be getting something for the amount of money I am paying every month, and because I had the option to just elect to not have insurance, or what.
4) Perhaps I'm subconsciously afraid that I'll be informed I have acute boneitis or something?
5) Horror stories about trans people and the medical industry's interactions with trans people have fueled my anxiety about this to ridiculous levels. I mean...I did go to an urgent care in 2008 for sprained wrists (after waiting a couple days...) and it was just xrays, and I never had to actually disclose my status, which was fine. But that'd be on the table at a GP, which, is something I am just not sure I like the idea of. I can't exactly chop around with an HMO.
So...should I just go when I have an actual issue to worry about and stop focusing on this? Or should I make an appointment since I have't been since I was 10 and I could have a gut full of scorpions? How would I be able to do that without basically freaking out? And is there even reason to?
It's a good idea to choose a primary care physician and have a new patient appointment because if you do have a health problem down the road, it's much easier to get in to see a doctor when you're already established in their records. Plus, you can check out whether they're going to be an asshole when you're not in the midst of some crisis.
posted by Kriesa at 12:24 PM on July 2, 2013 [10 favorites]
posted by Kriesa at 12:24 PM on July 2, 2013 [10 favorites]
Do some research into finding a trans friendly practitioner. They are out there! And yes, go get a physical. I just found out at my physical last month that I'm actually anemic, and working on fixing that has made me feel better even when I didn't realize I felt bad.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:24 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:24 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: When I first got health insurance with my first job, I did indeed call a doctor to make and appointment and I just said, "I have health insurance for the first time in 5 years. Gimme the works." They'll give you a physical and talk to you about any other health issues that you have had or your family has had, so you and your doctor can start figuring out a) what issues to watch out for in the future, and b) how to handle things when they do come up.
That initial appointment is also a chance for the doctor to get to know you and start making notes about you specifically, so they can tailor their approach in the future (case in point - my first visit, my doctor noticed that I am prone to getting a lot of cysts, and so my doctor has learned that the proper response to "EC has found a lump in her breast" is NOT "let's check this out with a mammogram and stuff," but rather is "let's wait a month and see if it goes away first because let's face it, it probably will"). Doctors actually really like a patient who will do all those physical checkup things on a regular basis, because they don't just catch problems early, they let the doctor make notes about who you are specifically so they have all this info to work with when something bad does go down.
You should indeed disclose your status to your general doctor, so they have that information - but there are indeed doctors who are trans-friendly, and yes, call your HMO to talk to them for recs. But you're not necessarily telling your doctor your status because being trans is itself a medical condition, it's just one more piece of information that they'd need to know in order to have the most detailed info about your specific body (if nothing else, it would let them know that you don't necessarily have to be nagged to get a pap smear done).
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:25 PM on July 2, 2013
That initial appointment is also a chance for the doctor to get to know you and start making notes about you specifically, so they can tailor their approach in the future (case in point - my first visit, my doctor noticed that I am prone to getting a lot of cysts, and so my doctor has learned that the proper response to "EC has found a lump in her breast" is NOT "let's check this out with a mammogram and stuff," but rather is "let's wait a month and see if it goes away first because let's face it, it probably will"). Doctors actually really like a patient who will do all those physical checkup things on a regular basis, because they don't just catch problems early, they let the doctor make notes about who you are specifically so they have all this info to work with when something bad does go down.
You should indeed disclose your status to your general doctor, so they have that information - but there are indeed doctors who are trans-friendly, and yes, call your HMO to talk to them for recs. But you're not necessarily telling your doctor your status because being trans is itself a medical condition, it's just one more piece of information that they'd need to know in order to have the most detailed info about your specific body (if nothing else, it would let them know that you don't necessarily have to be nagged to get a pap smear done).
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:25 PM on July 2, 2013
Best answer: Well, first of all use the HELL out of your insurance.
Your first step is finding a Primary Care Physician/General Practitioner that you can work with.
Call around, or discuss within your community to determine if there are folks out there who are hip to your trans-issues. You'd be surprised.
Check to see that this marvelous doctor accepts your insurance, then make an appointment for a Complete Physical Checkup. This will include bloodwork. My doctor only does two per week, so don't be surprised if you have to wait a bit for the next opening.
If you currently have ladyparts, you're going to want to see a gynecologist as well. Again, discuss amonst your community to find one that is sensitive to your needs. Make an appointment for an annual Well-Woman checkup.
If you haven't been to the doctor since you were a kid, it may be weird for you. Bring a friend with you, and make a list of your concerns. (I go to the doctor all the time, and I still do this.)
Your friend can take notes for you, if you get overwhelmed, you're not going to remember what you were told, ditto your list.
When you go to the doctor, you'll be given a medical history form to fill out. It will ask about all your ailments, etc. It may ask about illnesses your family has. Here's an example.
Have some of this stuff written down, that way you won't be all flustered about it.
Be completely honest with your doctor about what you're doing, all of the DIY stuff, all of your concerns and questions. A good doctor will take his/her time with you and make you feel comfortable.
You want to be in with your doctors for a lot of reasons. Having a relationship with your doctor can benefit you if you're in an accident, they will know you, know your issues and they'll know what's normal for you.
Your doctor can help you with referrals to other specialists you may need.
Doctors get into the business because they like people and they want to help them. Sure, there are jerks out there, but a majority of doctors are really nice people who want you to be as healthy as you possibly can.
When making your appointment for your physical, ask for one early in the day and ask if you need to be fasting for your blood work (mostly likely the answer will be yes).
Hang in there kiddo, it's not that bad!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:26 PM on July 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
Your first step is finding a Primary Care Physician/General Practitioner that you can work with.
Call around, or discuss within your community to determine if there are folks out there who are hip to your trans-issues. You'd be surprised.
Check to see that this marvelous doctor accepts your insurance, then make an appointment for a Complete Physical Checkup. This will include bloodwork. My doctor only does two per week, so don't be surprised if you have to wait a bit for the next opening.
If you currently have ladyparts, you're going to want to see a gynecologist as well. Again, discuss amonst your community to find one that is sensitive to your needs. Make an appointment for an annual Well-Woman checkup.
If you haven't been to the doctor since you were a kid, it may be weird for you. Bring a friend with you, and make a list of your concerns. (I go to the doctor all the time, and I still do this.)
Your friend can take notes for you, if you get overwhelmed, you're not going to remember what you were told, ditto your list.
When you go to the doctor, you'll be given a medical history form to fill out. It will ask about all your ailments, etc. It may ask about illnesses your family has. Here's an example.
Have some of this stuff written down, that way you won't be all flustered about it.
Be completely honest with your doctor about what you're doing, all of the DIY stuff, all of your concerns and questions. A good doctor will take his/her time with you and make you feel comfortable.
You want to be in with your doctors for a lot of reasons. Having a relationship with your doctor can benefit you if you're in an accident, they will know you, know your issues and they'll know what's normal for you.
Your doctor can help you with referrals to other specialists you may need.
Doctors get into the business because they like people and they want to help them. Sure, there are jerks out there, but a majority of doctors are really nice people who want you to be as healthy as you possibly can.
When making your appointment for your physical, ask for one early in the day and ask if you need to be fasting for your blood work (mostly likely the answer will be yes).
Hang in there kiddo, it's not that bad!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:26 PM on July 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
Sorry to ask, but do you have female parts? You should definitely have those checked as well. Preventative screenings are really important, and HRT doesn't eliminate that need. But you may be able to get a referral from Planned Parenthood for a trans-friendly GP too.
posted by epanalepsis at 12:27 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by epanalepsis at 12:27 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
...Yeah, my final paragraph was kind of assuming that there are a couple specific lady parts you don't as such have right now, and if I assumed incorrectly I apologize. My general point was more about your doctor having the most information possible about the specific details of your physical body at this point in time, so they can work with all the information they can. Every human body is different, and doctors like to have as much information about the specifics of your unique body so they can make the right decisions.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:31 PM on July 2, 2013
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:31 PM on July 2, 2013
Response by poster: No gyno needed. I have Kaiser Permanente, so it has to be one of their docs. I know approximately zero people I could ask for a recommendation anyway. Calling might be ok, or I can go with who they signed me up with initially and then change docs if I feel weirded out or meet resistance.
posted by polywomp at 12:33 PM on July 2, 2013
posted by polywomp at 12:33 PM on July 2, 2013
Best answer: You're in Atlanta, right? You might want to check if any of these doctors take Kaiser?
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:34 PM on July 2, 2013
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:34 PM on July 2, 2013
In general, there's little evidence of benefits from regular checkups. However, as others said, there are some basic screenings that do have benefits, plus this is the time to find a doctor you'll feel comfortable with if and when you do get sick.
One of the criteria is that you want a doctor who doesn't order a bunch of unnecessary tests and exams. (See the recommendations here. Kaiser is relatively standardized so doctors there are more likely to follow them than many independent doctors.)
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 12:37 PM on July 2, 2013
One of the criteria is that you want a doctor who doesn't order a bunch of unnecessary tests and exams. (See the recommendations here. Kaiser is relatively standardized so doctors there are more likely to follow them than many independent doctors.)
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 12:37 PM on July 2, 2013
Ah!
Yeah, Kaiser is GREAT though, just call them up and see if they have a specific doctor who is Trans-Friendly.
If you want, I'll go with you!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:38 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
Yeah, Kaiser is GREAT though, just call them up and see if they have a specific doctor who is Trans-Friendly.
If you want, I'll go with you!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:38 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I'm in atl and my best friend works for Kaiser. If the above links don't help, memail me and we'll find you a doc.
posted by pearlybob at 1:00 PM on July 2, 2013
posted by pearlybob at 1:00 PM on July 2, 2013
Best answer: The practitioners I've seen at Kaiser have been pretty great, and the ones I've gotten a personal recommendation to see have been even better. I'm not sure how to find a personal recommendation if you don't know people, but many cities have trans-friendly practitioner lists, so Googling around might help.
Do take advantage of your health insurance! Even if it's just to practice using it and working with that system, it's a good plan. And, yes, get yourself set up with a primary care practitioner even if you don't like them -- when I needed to go to urgent care at Kaiser, it was before I'd chosen a PCP and they literally wouldn't let me go to urgent care without choosing someone, even at random.
For me, one of the most important things about learning to navigate the medical system has been knowing that EVERY part of it is MY decision. Even if they give you a hard time, you do not have to say yes to anything they suggest. Even within an HMO, these are people you are hiring to give you advice because they've had more training and experience in this subject than you have. But, just like hiring a plumber or going to the mechanic, if you don't like what they have to say, you don't have to follow their directions. You can also, even within Kaiser, ask to see someone else.
Also, I have never been prepared in any way before being asked to submit to a pelvic exam at Kaiser. (My unaffiliated midwives always say, "Are you okay with having a pelvic exam today?") I don't know or care what bits you have, but it may be really important for you to have a clothed conversation with your doctor about genital health and exams and any sensitivities you have around that before they ask you to put on a gown.
posted by linettasky at 1:03 PM on July 2, 2013
Do take advantage of your health insurance! Even if it's just to practice using it and working with that system, it's a good plan. And, yes, get yourself set up with a primary care practitioner even if you don't like them -- when I needed to go to urgent care at Kaiser, it was before I'd chosen a PCP and they literally wouldn't let me go to urgent care without choosing someone, even at random.
For me, one of the most important things about learning to navigate the medical system has been knowing that EVERY part of it is MY decision. Even if they give you a hard time, you do not have to say yes to anything they suggest. Even within an HMO, these are people you are hiring to give you advice because they've had more training and experience in this subject than you have. But, just like hiring a plumber or going to the mechanic, if you don't like what they have to say, you don't have to follow their directions. You can also, even within Kaiser, ask to see someone else.
Also, I have never been prepared in any way before being asked to submit to a pelvic exam at Kaiser. (My unaffiliated midwives always say, "Are you okay with having a pelvic exam today?") I don't know or care what bits you have, but it may be really important for you to have a clothed conversation with your doctor about genital health and exams and any sensitivities you have around that before they ask you to put on a gown.
posted by linettasky at 1:03 PM on July 2, 2013
If you're unfamiliar with having insurance, realize insurance doesn't cover everything that a doctor does. Either before or when you call the doctor, make sure that "well care visits" -- the kind where "I'm not sick, I just want a checkup"-- are covered by your insurance. I made this mistake when we got insurance and everybody went in for a checkup; Well care visits are covered on my insurance for women and children, but not men. $800 later and a black mark on my credit history and now I know to find out if insurance will pay for things before I partake of my health insurance.
posted by AzraelBrown at 1:19 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by AzraelBrown at 1:19 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
One thing I wish I had considered back when I first selected my gp/gyn was at which hospital they had admitting privileges or with which hospital they were affiliated. I chose my doctors when I first moved to my city based on their general convenient location. And my doctors have served me well, but the hospital with which they are affiliated, I am not so enamored with that place. I didn't really think about it at the time but 10 years down the road this affected where I had surgery.
Now I'm kinda stuck with it because I love both my gp/gyn but both are affiliated with the same hospital. If, down the road, your doctor needs to refer you to surgery or get you admitted for an emergency procedure, it would be nice to think about which is the best hospital NOW and feel secure about that decision.
posted by rdnnyc at 1:33 PM on July 2, 2013
Now I'm kinda stuck with it because I love both my gp/gyn but both are affiliated with the same hospital. If, down the road, your doctor needs to refer you to surgery or get you admitted for an emergency procedure, it would be nice to think about which is the best hospital NOW and feel secure about that decision.
posted by rdnnyc at 1:33 PM on July 2, 2013
From the "give me one of everything department": update various immunizations, including DPT (TDAP, whatever your doc calls it), especially if you are ever around newborns.
If you have a whole pile of things to be examined, some insurance schedulers like to know that in advance so they can schedule an "appointment" for each bit. For example: "It hurts my arm when I go like this" might code one way (and get 10 minutes of appointment), and "my crippling boneitis" might get another.
Nthing taking an advocate with you. They take notes, help enforce your boundaries, and in general keep things awesome and efficient.
posted by gregglind at 1:45 PM on July 2, 2013
If you have a whole pile of things to be examined, some insurance schedulers like to know that in advance so they can schedule an "appointment" for each bit. For example: "It hurts my arm when I go like this" might code one way (and get 10 minutes of appointment), and "my crippling boneitis" might get another.
Nthing taking an advocate with you. They take notes, help enforce your boundaries, and in general keep things awesome and efficient.
posted by gregglind at 1:45 PM on July 2, 2013
I asked a question about 'how do I go to the doctor' a while back that may be of interest.
I'm thinking you already know this, but for posterity, taking an doctor's office's or Kaiser's word that a given doctor is trans-friendly should be almost the option of last resort. It ranks above picking someone at random, but that's about it. If Kaiser maintains a list, it's likely opt-in and not vetted (and may be 'LGBT friendly' not 'trans friendly'). At worst, an office will say 'But of course we're trans friendly' when they don't have a clue.
Choice one is finding someone by word-of-mouth. Are there any listservs or Facebook groups or in-person groups or what have you where you can ask? (This might get you conflicting information if some people hated Dr X, even if most people love them. But there's noting to be done about that.)
Choice two is calling people off roomthreeseventeen's list (you might be able to search for them on the Kaiser website to see if they take your insurance). You might also try calling the Trans Health Initiative even if you're not FTM* as they seem to be the best bet (other than word of mouth) for knowing a doctor who will accept that you're self-medicating with as little fuss as possible (someone who does an informed consent model?).
Choice three is probably asking Kaiser just in case they have a doctor who sees lots of trans people. Choice four is start trying to vet doctors over the phone or just sticking with whoever they assigned you.
If you end up finding a doctor without experience with trans people, but who is willing to learn, feel free to me-mail me. I know some people who train doctors/nurses/people who work in doctor's offices/etc about trans stuff and can hopefully point you/the doctor to some stuff beyond what you can google. (Though there are some 'take this booklet to you doctor' materials online.)
*Yeah, a program run out of something called the Feminist Women's Health Center that excludes trans women throws a red flag for me. But they seem to be the only trans-specific clinic in Atlanta
posted by hoyland at 3:21 PM on July 2, 2013
I'm thinking you already know this, but for posterity, taking an doctor's office's or Kaiser's word that a given doctor is trans-friendly should be almost the option of last resort. It ranks above picking someone at random, but that's about it. If Kaiser maintains a list, it's likely opt-in and not vetted (and may be 'LGBT friendly' not 'trans friendly'). At worst, an office will say 'But of course we're trans friendly' when they don't have a clue.
Choice one is finding someone by word-of-mouth. Are there any listservs or Facebook groups or in-person groups or what have you where you can ask? (This might get you conflicting information if some people hated Dr X, even if most people love them. But there's noting to be done about that.)
Choice two is calling people off roomthreeseventeen's list (you might be able to search for them on the Kaiser website to see if they take your insurance). You might also try calling the Trans Health Initiative even if you're not FTM* as they seem to be the best bet (other than word of mouth) for knowing a doctor who will accept that you're self-medicating with as little fuss as possible (someone who does an informed consent model?).
Choice three is probably asking Kaiser just in case they have a doctor who sees lots of trans people. Choice four is start trying to vet doctors over the phone or just sticking with whoever they assigned you.
If you end up finding a doctor without experience with trans people, but who is willing to learn, feel free to me-mail me. I know some people who train doctors/nurses/people who work in doctor's offices/etc about trans stuff and can hopefully point you/the doctor to some stuff beyond what you can google. (Though there are some 'take this booklet to you doctor' materials online.)
*Yeah, a program run out of something called the Feminist Women's Health Center that excludes trans women throws a red flag for me. But they seem to be the only trans-specific clinic in Atlanta
posted by hoyland at 3:21 PM on July 2, 2013
Response by poster: I did crosscheck the names in roomthreeseventeen's list with the doctors on Kaiser's website and none matched. I did see a list of resources on the trans health initiatives site once I think but I don't recall if it was extensive, but it doesn't seem likely any if those would be Kaiser doctors.
posted by polywomp at 8:55 PM on July 2, 2013
posted by polywomp at 8:55 PM on July 2, 2013
Is there a trans* support group in your area? You don't necessarily have to attend, but quite honestly that would be my first call after exhausting lists like roomseventeen's. Call the group leader and ask if you can drop in (or if they can ask the group, if you're not comfortable dropping in) to get doctor recommendations; Kaiser's a big enough insurance that any decent size support group is likely to have someone who has that insurance.
Are there any doctors in your area that someone you know has had decent experience with, especially if they are trans* or have related issues that impact their medical care? (doesn't necessarily have to be a person who's trans*, I've had good experience with people recommending doctors who are trans-friendly even though I'm looking for BDSM-friendly, for example) Many doctors do referrals if for some reason they don't take your insurance; they may help you find you someone who will.
Those are my thoughts; I desperately wish you were in my area so I could direct you to a great clinic here. :(
posted by saveyoursanity at 1:07 AM on July 3, 2013
Are there any doctors in your area that someone you know has had decent experience with, especially if they are trans* or have related issues that impact their medical care? (doesn't necessarily have to be a person who's trans*, I've had good experience with people recommending doctors who are trans-friendly even though I'm looking for BDSM-friendly, for example) Many doctors do referrals if for some reason they don't take your insurance; they may help you find you someone who will.
Those are my thoughts; I desperately wish you were in my area so I could direct you to a great clinic here. :(
posted by saveyoursanity at 1:07 AM on July 3, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks for all the great answers! I feel a lot less intimidated about going, and i guess I was not mistaken that it's probably a good idea.
Saveyoursanity, I have zero connection to any trans people or resources in the area. If I locate an email address for a group, then that'd be a good approach.
posted by polywomp at 5:36 AM on July 3, 2013
Saveyoursanity, I have zero connection to any trans people or resources in the area. If I locate an email address for a group, then that'd be a good approach.
posted by polywomp at 5:36 AM on July 3, 2013
I am just going to address the anxiety issue because I can't speak to the rest, but as someone who has white coat anxiety issues and medical issues where opinion can be a real issue...
* It is ok not to take your clothes off until you have actually talked to the doctor. Good doctors in my experience actually prefer having a convo with you first anyway.
* It is ok to leave at any time if you are uncomfortable. It is ok never to come back if you are uncomfortable.
Even with an HMO, you can shop around. When I had Kaiser, you could change primaries something like once a month. Yeah, that's slow, but given how long it's been since oyu've seen a doctor, it's not that slow.
It is ok to bring in educational information for your doctor.
It is ok to disagree with your doctor. It is ok to pushback on recommended treatment.
I am not recommending being an evil, problem patient. I am advocating being an advocate for yourself, being informed, asking (polite) questions, and putting your own comfort first.
Lastly, if you are a person of size, or super modest, or someone who gets cold easily, it is ok to bring your own sheet with you to cover yourself while you are being examined. I have only had one doctor in my life, of the many doctors I have seen, object to that and well...he was not worth seeing again.
Hope that helps.
posted by eleanna at 9:11 AM on July 3, 2013
* It is ok not to take your clothes off until you have actually talked to the doctor. Good doctors in my experience actually prefer having a convo with you first anyway.
* It is ok to leave at any time if you are uncomfortable. It is ok never to come back if you are uncomfortable.
Even with an HMO, you can shop around. When I had Kaiser, you could change primaries something like once a month. Yeah, that's slow, but given how long it's been since oyu've seen a doctor, it's not that slow.
It is ok to bring in educational information for your doctor.
It is ok to disagree with your doctor. It is ok to pushback on recommended treatment.
I am not recommending being an evil, problem patient. I am advocating being an advocate for yourself, being informed, asking (polite) questions, and putting your own comfort first.
Lastly, if you are a person of size, or super modest, or someone who gets cold easily, it is ok to bring your own sheet with you to cover yourself while you are being examined. I have only had one doctor in my life, of the many doctors I have seen, object to that and well...he was not worth seeing again.
Hope that helps.
posted by eleanna at 9:11 AM on July 3, 2013
It's pretty easy to change PCPs with Kaiser- you can do it online-so if your first doctor sucks you can change and you don't have to explain why to anybody. You might even be able to email the doctors who are taking patients and ask about whether they've dealt with trans* folk before. I've had mixed luck with the email, but it could be worth a try.
Also, I didn't see if someone mentioned this, but under the new healthcare laws physicals and some other preventative measures have no copay, so you won't need to pay for the first time (although if there are follow up visits for specific issues you'll have to pay for those. ) good luck!
posted by insufficient data at 7:32 PM on July 3, 2013
Also, I didn't see if someone mentioned this, but under the new healthcare laws physicals and some other preventative measures have no copay, so you won't need to pay for the first time (although if there are follow up visits for specific issues you'll have to pay for those. ) good luck!
posted by insufficient data at 7:32 PM on July 3, 2013
The local LGBT Center should have a trans support group leader that probably volunteers or works part time. Or the statewide LGBT civil rights organization should have a person who works on trans community issues. Try emailing and calling them for referrals. They may not know the right person but they will know someone who can help! That is how most states' "LGBT" structures work.
Maybe the folks who run Southern Comfort conference can help too.
posted by manicure12 at 9:49 PM on July 3, 2013
Maybe the folks who run Southern Comfort conference can help too.
posted by manicure12 at 9:49 PM on July 3, 2013
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If they scold you about self-medicating via HRT, you can get up and leave -- actually you can get up and leave at any time.
posted by KathrynT at 12:14 PM on July 2, 2013 [7 favorites]