What to Expect: Your First Gender Affirming Care Appointment
Gender-affirming care is an important service that is offered at Bridgercare, although some people may not know exactly what it entails. This blog will cover what first-time gender affirming care visits look like at Bridgercare, from making the appointment to checking out, to further understanding of how gender affirming care works. We hope that this will help ease concerns about the process, but if you feel like you have unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic!
Making an appointment: An appointment for gender affirming care can be made by calling Bridgercare’s front desk at (406) 587-0681, or through our website at bridgercare.org/schedule. Feel free to ask our staff any questions you may have during this process!
What to bring to your appointment: Be sure to bring some form of ID and an insurance card (if insured). Also, it is important to know what medications you may be taking and the dosage of those medications prior to meeting with a provider. It may be helpful to write down all of your medications and dosages if you feel like you may have a hard time remembering!
What to do once I arrive at Bridgercare: Walk up to the front desk to let them know you are here for an appointment. You will have a few forms to fill out. Included on these forms are boxes to fill in what name and pronouns you use. When a provider is ready to see you, they will call you from the waiting room.
What questions will be asked: The provider will begin by asking questions about things such as health conditions, your journey with gender, and your goals for gender affirming care. The provider will likely check in about what support systems you have and ask about other desired services, such as STI testing. During this time, you are encouraged to ask the provider questions as well– it can be very helpful to write some down ahead of time!
What will happen during the visit: After exchanging all necessary information, you and your provider will decide on a plan of care, including options for hormone therapy if desired. At this time, other services such as STI and pregnancy testing may be addressed.
Checking out and payment: Once all questions and desired services have been addressed, you will check out at the front desk. At this time, you can schedule follow-up appointments for ongoing care and ask any questions you may have about this process. You will be prompted to pay or to create a payment plan for your visit; this is when you will be utilizing your insurance card if you brought one. Gender affirming care at Bridgercare is on our sliding fee scale, meaning what you pay is based on income, so your appointment may cost less than full price.
FAQs
How old do I need to be to receive gender affirming care? Bridgercare does not provide hormone therapy for anyone under the age of 18.
Do I need a letter from a mental health provider to start gender affirming therapy? At Bridgercare, no counseling or letters from a mental health provider are required to begin gender affirming care. However, the provider may ask about your history with counseling and mental health consultation to further understand your journey.
Will my insurance cover gender affirming care? Insurance coverage depends on the type of insurance and your individual policy. Whether you are insured or not, all gender affirming care appointments fall on Bridgercare’s sliding fee scale, which will determine what you will pay for your visit based on income!
Can I bring someone with me: You are welcome to bring a support person if desired. Your support person can be in the room with you for MOST of your appointment!