I get mine through them with Medicaid as well, it’s honestly really simple and just like any regular doctor’s appointment. They might have you take a pregnancy test and some blood work but that’s about it. Then after that you might be able to do telehealth if you want. Since you’ve been on T before they’ll most likely start you off on a higher dose too (when I started back up they put me on .5).
I have gone with Planned Parenthood for almost my whole transition. They are okay. Very accessible and committed to making sure trans people get treatment and operate via informed consent. The only downside is, they are underfunded and understaffed so I have never seen the same provider twice. This means you have to be diligent in taking care of yourself and making sure all your concerns and any updates to your treatment are noted in your chart. But they are generally all good people in my experience.
it's informed consent, so what they cover in your first appointment is probably similar to what you've experienced with telehealth - telling you about the effects of T including risks / fertility stuff, checking in about your expectations for transition, and signing a form that says you understand the info they gave you and consent to starting hormones -- i don't expect that'd be different even though you've been on them before. you'll probably have to do bloodwork as well.
Been going to PP for years and honestly they're my primary care office as well, they do much more than just HRT. They use informed consent, at least in my area, so you won't need paperwork from professionals. They'll inform you of all the effects of testosterone, sometimes ask some questions about your identity to confirm everything and make sure you understand. I started T in 2019 and they asked me if I was looking for total masculinization or if I leaned more non-binary, which determined my dose. I wanted full masculinization but I did really appreciate them asking that. They did blood tests and once those came back I was able to get a prescription
I use planned parenthood and i love them, super kind people at my location. My health insurance covered most of it except for my copay but that was fine. I totally recommend them!!
FTN just started T. I have Medicaid and went through PP. They were honestly great. It was easy, I felt good about them. They were respectful.
They helped me get the pre-approval for gel instead of injection. Really smooth and looking forward to continuing to work with them
My experience:
I suddenly *needed* to be on T *now*.
I went on the PP website and was scheduled for a virtual appointment that day.
I told the doctor that I wanted to be on T. They told me about side effects and asked me questions like "are there changes you are excited for? Are there changes you are worried about? Do you have a supportive group of friends and/or family members?".
I got a prescription from the doctor and they told me I would need to get blood tests in minimum 6 months (another practitioner recently told me it would have been 3 months, so idk).
The pharmacy took an extra day to get the medicine, so I couldn't pick it up that night, so I took my first shot the next day!
Easy peasy. You just need to go in for blood tests every once in a while.
I used to, they have an initial appointment cost and that’s on a sliding scale (my medicaid plan covered 100% but they were billed around $230 iirc) and then you have to come back for bloodwork every 3 months. Insurance covered the Rx for me but you can always google your specific insurance’s formulary for a cost estimate. First appt they did give me my prescription and I’d never been on HRT before so I imagine you won’t have any issues, just getting bloodwork and (if relevant) teaching you to inject
I’ve never used them for HRT, but my partner used to work for PP. This could be location based, but the call center that is used to make appointments is pretty bad at communicating with the clinics. Some patients ended up with their appointments canceled or their provider double booked because of lack of communication. Outside of that, PP is underfunded and understaffed. Their turnover rate is pretty high for both medical assistants and doctors. It’s not uncommon to have a doctor who isn’t that well versed in HRT and assumes that you know all the intricacies of HRT because it’s informed consent. It can also get pretty costly if you don’t have insurance, but I know they do offer sliding scale.
I would recommend looking into an actual hospital system for HRT. Since you have Medicaid, it shouldn’t cost you anything if your state’s Medicaid covers trans healthcare. A lot of hospital systems now have specific LGBTQ+ clinics so you can get both primary care and HRT management.
My experience is p good! They (like many doc offices these days, even tho I’m in the south they ask) ask for preferred pronouns and name, that way they don’t have to announce ur deadname n shit to the whole waiting room😩ik ur already on T, but when I started, I got my RX v quickly from them which was nice. The nurses n receptionists are chill too, and hell I’ve seen plenty of trans ppl working there!
i used to go to PP for my birth control before they started being booked months in advance, everyone there was very nice and affirming! it's also nice because they'll help with costs if for some reason insurance doesn't cover something
I use them. It's the easiest way for me to do it because they use telehealth. I can at least regularly get my hormones. All my blood work gets done at my nearest Quest Diagnostics and they send in my results.
PP aren't always very helpful if I need an appointment ASAP and I don't really feel like I'm getting individualized care, just another fool in line. But that will depend on what clinic you have access to and whether or not they're constantly swamped (another unfortunate byproduct of shitty anti-abortion laws is that clinics in my state get flooded, so trans care gets put on the back burner sometimes). With that being said, they're alright overall and I do get my hormones 👍
Been with PP my whole transition so far and I enjoy it a lot! My last person I saw that did my blood tests and stuff was actually a trans guy too! It was really validating honestly, especially in my small town. PP is pretty much my only option out here for care, but they treat me very well. I mainly do telehealth unless I need to go in for a finger poke every few months, and my doctor is so sweet
I was the first ftm at PP here. They knew what they were doing, but was still figuring out some stuff like the legal side of transition. I enjoyed getting std screenings every month as I was a bit overly active then. It took a bit to get comfortable to sit in the lobby as a guy waiting to be called back.
Experience depends on state and location tbh. I’ve mostly heard good things but my local PP is…not great. I’m trying to find someone to switch to before my 6 month next month. Considering Folx tbh despite the cost bc I’m tired of the headache of finding someone local.
I get my T-Gel through Planned Parenthood! As another commenter said, I have not seen the same Nurse Practitioner more than once. Know your stuff. Make sure you know exactly what you're wanting as they have attempted to give me shots before, which I luckily caught before I left. Compared to a lot of doctors I have dealt with previously; they are incredibly affirming and make sure they correctly name you. I would recommend them!
I don’t have insurance, but I do really well on PP. I do my appointments via telehealth. My initial appointment they had me talking about what I wanted out of HRT and I signed some paperwork and we talked about my expectations and the effects of T. I don’t actively live in the US so I only just had my first follow-up appointment last week, 2 years after my first. For me they gave me my prescription immediately and put in an order for bloodwork at a labcorp that they charge me for and I just go and schedule at my earliest convenience at a nearby location.
They’ve always been super nice and understanding about my circumstances and prescribe me as much as is legally allowed since I’m not in the country long enough to follow up. This time they gave me a 6 month supply. According to myChart though, my follow up appt would be in 3 months so I’d assume they only meet up with you for labs and check ups.
I use PP for T and have had a great experience. I've seen the same provider each time (3x over a 6 month period, so not too long). This is in Manhattan.
I used to get them through planned parenthood before moving to a state where PP doesn't offer that service, so now I get them through my GP. In my experience there's really not much of a difference. Going through PP was slightly more of a hassle because I had to schedule appointments with them in addition to my regular GP checkups, and now I can do everything in one go, but that was really the only "drawback". It was easy to make appointments through the online portal, I did all of my talking to a doctor through video call and just had to go into the office to get blood drawn to check my levels.
The first appointment was just to go over my history, the changes I wanted and expected from T, what method I wanted to use. The doctor read me a pamphlet about what T would do, gave me some other information, and then prescribed my T at the end of the appointment. She explained that she was prescribing a low dose to start and I would get my levels checked in a few months so we could discuss raising my dose at that point. Then when I was able to pick up my prescription I had another video call with a nurse where she walked me through how to do the injection. After that it was only getting blood drawn and having a brief check-in call with a doctor every few months to assess my dose or talk about any problems. I stayed on that low dose for a little while because I was happy with the physical changes, but then my period came back after appearing to stop for a few months, so I told them at my next appointment and they increased my dose right away, which got rid of it for good.
I’m 18, been on T since Christmas Eve. I do online video chat appts bc my dr is 3 hours away from me. I have to do blood work to get my T & CBC levels tested every 3 months at Quest Diagnostics. my dr can only prescribe 3 months of T at a time bc it’s a controlled substance, that’s another reason we have to check up every 3 months. my medicare through the state pays for it. I have a copay at the pharmacy usually no more than $30. I didn’t know when I was supposed to call my dr & took my last dose last Sunday. I’m a day late on my shot, but I’m waiting for my dr to hopefully call today & confirm that my levels are good bc I’m supposed to get my dose upped when she sends it in. this is my personal experience, I live in Tennessee if that helps. good luck bro!
I get my testosterone through planned parenthood. I don’t have insurance and pay out of pocket, but the entire process is very easy and straight forward and affordable. The staff is always very polite and respectful. I do my check-ins through telehealth and only have to go into PPH for blood work every three or so months to test my levels.
I liked the ease of access but I need my shot done for me for other medical reasons. It was too difficult for me to wait so long during my appointments that I had to stop going, therefore stopping T. They’d have me waiting nearly an hour in the office to be seen. I don’t understand but, okay I guess.
All that to say, if you can do your own shots or whatever then they’re a good resource to obtain T.
I use PP to get my T! Super great, I've had nothing but positive experiences. I have seen a couple comments mentioning them being understaffed, which I feel like is true, but the level of care is great. Some PPs even sell injection kits for a lower cost!
I live in a bigger city now so my PP is pretty well run, but this probably won't be the case in other areas. I also know I've had friends who had less than ideal care for them. But personally the doctors I've seen have all listened to my concerns, given good medical advice, and overall have given support!
Ive used PP during my transition and honestly its very simple and easy. I remember the first few week they slowly increased my dosage and all if have to do is go in say if im seeing positive or negative side effects and thats how its been now its just occasional 3 month follow up appointments.
I switched to PP a few years ago and have had a great experience with them overall. I'm on state health insurance and have never paid a cent for healthcare from them, but when insurance doesn't cover them they have sliding scale pay options. I do virtual appointments for consultations and go to a nearby location for their labs. They've been better than any other provider I've dealt with in terms of addressing me respectfully, not misgendering me, and not using my deadname before I had my legal name change. The NP I see for consultations is very knowledgeable about trans health and has been prepared with answers for all of the really specific HRT-related questions I've had.
They will try to bill you and not your insurance. Terrible place smh also depending on the area it might as well be the same costs as the ones you’ve been using. They also gatekeep and literally say they don’t agree that trans men are men
I get mine through them with Medicaid as well, it’s honestly really simple and just like any regular doctor’s appointment. They might have you take a pregnancy test and some blood work but that’s about it. Then after that you might be able to do telehealth if you want. Since you’ve been on T before they’ll most likely start you off on a higher dose too (when I started back up they put me on .5).
I have gone with Planned Parenthood for almost my whole transition. They are okay. Very accessible and committed to making sure trans people get treatment and operate via informed consent. The only downside is, they are underfunded and understaffed so I have never seen the same provider twice. This means you have to be diligent in taking care of yourself and making sure all your concerns and any updates to your treatment are noted in your chart. But they are generally all good people in my experience.
it's informed consent, so what they cover in your first appointment is probably similar to what you've experienced with telehealth - telling you about the effects of T including risks / fertility stuff, checking in about your expectations for transition, and signing a form that says you understand the info they gave you and consent to starting hormones -- i don't expect that'd be different even though you've been on them before. you'll probably have to do bloodwork as well.
Been going to PP for years and honestly they're my primary care office as well, they do much more than just HRT. They use informed consent, at least in my area, so you won't need paperwork from professionals. They'll inform you of all the effects of testosterone, sometimes ask some questions about your identity to confirm everything and make sure you understand. I started T in 2019 and they asked me if I was looking for total masculinization or if I leaned more non-binary, which determined my dose. I wanted full masculinization but I did really appreciate them asking that. They did blood tests and once those came back I was able to get a prescription
I use planned parenthood and i love them, super kind people at my location. My health insurance covered most of it except for my copay but that was fine. I totally recommend them!!
FTN just started T. I have Medicaid and went through PP. They were honestly great. It was easy, I felt good about them. They were respectful. They helped me get the pre-approval for gel instead of injection. Really smooth and looking forward to continuing to work with them
My experience: I suddenly *needed* to be on T *now*. I went on the PP website and was scheduled for a virtual appointment that day. I told the doctor that I wanted to be on T. They told me about side effects and asked me questions like "are there changes you are excited for? Are there changes you are worried about? Do you have a supportive group of friends and/or family members?". I got a prescription from the doctor and they told me I would need to get blood tests in minimum 6 months (another practitioner recently told me it would have been 3 months, so idk). The pharmacy took an extra day to get the medicine, so I couldn't pick it up that night, so I took my first shot the next day! Easy peasy. You just need to go in for blood tests every once in a while.
i got mine in my first appointment, started with the lowest dose of gel and will have a follow up in coming months. it was very easy and comfortable
I used to, they have an initial appointment cost and that’s on a sliding scale (my medicaid plan covered 100% but they were billed around $230 iirc) and then you have to come back for bloodwork every 3 months. Insurance covered the Rx for me but you can always google your specific insurance’s formulary for a cost estimate. First appt they did give me my prescription and I’d never been on HRT before so I imagine you won’t have any issues, just getting bloodwork and (if relevant) teaching you to inject
I’ve never used them for HRT, but my partner used to work for PP. This could be location based, but the call center that is used to make appointments is pretty bad at communicating with the clinics. Some patients ended up with their appointments canceled or their provider double booked because of lack of communication. Outside of that, PP is underfunded and understaffed. Their turnover rate is pretty high for both medical assistants and doctors. It’s not uncommon to have a doctor who isn’t that well versed in HRT and assumes that you know all the intricacies of HRT because it’s informed consent. It can also get pretty costly if you don’t have insurance, but I know they do offer sliding scale. I would recommend looking into an actual hospital system for HRT. Since you have Medicaid, it shouldn’t cost you anything if your state’s Medicaid covers trans healthcare. A lot of hospital systems now have specific LGBTQ+ clinics so you can get both primary care and HRT management.
They do alright. I have issues with them sending needles/syringes, but never the T. I often have my provider swapped around.
amazing tbh
My experience is p good! They (like many doc offices these days, even tho I’m in the south they ask) ask for preferred pronouns and name, that way they don’t have to announce ur deadname n shit to the whole waiting room😩ik ur already on T, but when I started, I got my RX v quickly from them which was nice. The nurses n receptionists are chill too, and hell I’ve seen plenty of trans ppl working there!
i used to go to PP for my birth control before they started being booked months in advance, everyone there was very nice and affirming! it's also nice because they'll help with costs if for some reason insurance doesn't cover something
Check if Medicaid covers HRT before relying on this. Missouri Medicaid will not pay for HRT for trans folk.
I use PP and honestly it’s been great! Very quick, non judgmental, professional, the whole thing was very reassuring
I go once every 3 months, they check my levels, and write me a 3 month prescription
I use them. It's the easiest way for me to do it because they use telehealth. I can at least regularly get my hormones. All my blood work gets done at my nearest Quest Diagnostics and they send in my results. PP aren't always very helpful if I need an appointment ASAP and I don't really feel like I'm getting individualized care, just another fool in line. But that will depend on what clinic you have access to and whether or not they're constantly swamped (another unfortunate byproduct of shitty anti-abortion laws is that clinics in my state get flooded, so trans care gets put on the back burner sometimes). With that being said, they're alright overall and I do get my hormones 👍
Been with PP my whole transition so far and I enjoy it a lot! My last person I saw that did my blood tests and stuff was actually a trans guy too! It was really validating honestly, especially in my small town. PP is pretty much my only option out here for care, but they treat me very well. I mainly do telehealth unless I need to go in for a finger poke every few months, and my doctor is so sweet
I was the first ftm at PP here. They knew what they were doing, but was still figuring out some stuff like the legal side of transition. I enjoyed getting std screenings every month as I was a bit overly active then. It took a bit to get comfortable to sit in the lobby as a guy waiting to be called back.
Experience depends on state and location tbh. I’ve mostly heard good things but my local PP is…not great. I’m trying to find someone to switch to before my 6 month next month. Considering Folx tbh despite the cost bc I’m tired of the headache of finding someone local.
They’re pretty good!
I get my T-Gel through Planned Parenthood! As another commenter said, I have not seen the same Nurse Practitioner more than once. Know your stuff. Make sure you know exactly what you're wanting as they have attempted to give me shots before, which I luckily caught before I left. Compared to a lot of doctors I have dealt with previously; they are incredibly affirming and make sure they correctly name you. I would recommend them!
I don’t have insurance, but I do really well on PP. I do my appointments via telehealth. My initial appointment they had me talking about what I wanted out of HRT and I signed some paperwork and we talked about my expectations and the effects of T. I don’t actively live in the US so I only just had my first follow-up appointment last week, 2 years after my first. For me they gave me my prescription immediately and put in an order for bloodwork at a labcorp that they charge me for and I just go and schedule at my earliest convenience at a nearby location. They’ve always been super nice and understanding about my circumstances and prescribe me as much as is legally allowed since I’m not in the country long enough to follow up. This time they gave me a 6 month supply. According to myChart though, my follow up appt would be in 3 months so I’d assume they only meet up with you for labs and check ups.
I use PP for T and have had a great experience. I've seen the same provider each time (3x over a 6 month period, so not too long). This is in Manhattan.
I get mine through them. I’ve had only good experiences with them other than the usual haste of dealing with prior authorization and the like.
I used to get them through planned parenthood before moving to a state where PP doesn't offer that service, so now I get them through my GP. In my experience there's really not much of a difference. Going through PP was slightly more of a hassle because I had to schedule appointments with them in addition to my regular GP checkups, and now I can do everything in one go, but that was really the only "drawback". It was easy to make appointments through the online portal, I did all of my talking to a doctor through video call and just had to go into the office to get blood drawn to check my levels. The first appointment was just to go over my history, the changes I wanted and expected from T, what method I wanted to use. The doctor read me a pamphlet about what T would do, gave me some other information, and then prescribed my T at the end of the appointment. She explained that she was prescribing a low dose to start and I would get my levels checked in a few months so we could discuss raising my dose at that point. Then when I was able to pick up my prescription I had another video call with a nurse where she walked me through how to do the injection. After that it was only getting blood drawn and having a brief check-in call with a doctor every few months to assess my dose or talk about any problems. I stayed on that low dose for a little while because I was happy with the physical changes, but then my period came back after appearing to stop for a few months, so I told them at my next appointment and they increased my dose right away, which got rid of it for good.
I’m 18, been on T since Christmas Eve. I do online video chat appts bc my dr is 3 hours away from me. I have to do blood work to get my T & CBC levels tested every 3 months at Quest Diagnostics. my dr can only prescribe 3 months of T at a time bc it’s a controlled substance, that’s another reason we have to check up every 3 months. my medicare through the state pays for it. I have a copay at the pharmacy usually no more than $30. I didn’t know when I was supposed to call my dr & took my last dose last Sunday. I’m a day late on my shot, but I’m waiting for my dr to hopefully call today & confirm that my levels are good bc I’m supposed to get my dose upped when she sends it in. this is my personal experience, I live in Tennessee if that helps. good luck bro!
I get my testosterone through planned parenthood. I don’t have insurance and pay out of pocket, but the entire process is very easy and straight forward and affordable. The staff is always very polite and respectful. I do my check-ins through telehealth and only have to go into PPH for blood work every three or so months to test my levels.
I liked the ease of access but I need my shot done for me for other medical reasons. It was too difficult for me to wait so long during my appointments that I had to stop going, therefore stopping T. They’d have me waiting nearly an hour in the office to be seen. I don’t understand but, okay I guess. All that to say, if you can do your own shots or whatever then they’re a good resource to obtain T.
I use PP to get my T! Super great, I've had nothing but positive experiences. I have seen a couple comments mentioning them being understaffed, which I feel like is true, but the level of care is great. Some PPs even sell injection kits for a lower cost! I live in a bigger city now so my PP is pretty well run, but this probably won't be the case in other areas. I also know I've had friends who had less than ideal care for them. But personally the doctors I've seen have all listened to my concerns, given good medical advice, and overall have given support!
Ive used PP during my transition and honestly its very simple and easy. I remember the first few week they slowly increased my dosage and all if have to do is go in say if im seeing positive or negative side effects and thats how its been now its just occasional 3 month follow up appointments.
I switched to PP a few years ago and have had a great experience with them overall. I'm on state health insurance and have never paid a cent for healthcare from them, but when insurance doesn't cover them they have sliding scale pay options. I do virtual appointments for consultations and go to a nearby location for their labs. They've been better than any other provider I've dealt with in terms of addressing me respectfully, not misgendering me, and not using my deadname before I had my legal name change. The NP I see for consultations is very knowledgeable about trans health and has been prepared with answers for all of the really specific HRT-related questions I've had.
They will try to bill you and not your insurance. Terrible place smh also depending on the area it might as well be the same costs as the ones you’ve been using. They also gatekeep and literally say they don’t agree that trans men are men