Thanks Linus. Do you know what he charges for a consultation?? What's his full name?

consultation is free!

http://www.newportsurgery.com/

call though! Don't email!

He supposeably does give some type of discount if someone referred you to him. So I would mention all three of our names. The more the merrier and maybe a better discount? Doesn't hurt!

Well crap, I just emailed him. AND I did mention that I knew a few people who just had their surgery done with him. I didn't mention names though.

Why not email? Does he not respond?

The website email doesn't always go through. Easier to call than email (for the initial stuff anyways)

what linus said. Everyone I have known that used that email never got a response and they weren't even sure where it went to, but they are very prompt and helpful via phone!

Gotcha. I guess I'll be making a phone call to them tomorrow. Thanks fellas.

I believe that Aetna continues to be the only insurance that will cover male reconstructive top surgery, however, you can call your insurance directly, and ask.

You may find a doctor who is willing to adjust the ICD-9 code (medical/billing code) to breast reduction, but you would have to meet the criteria for a medically needed breast reduction, which is based on a number of things, including measurements of indentations in your shoulders from bra straps, a documented history of back problems due to chest size, etc.

(In regards to the above, I have not heard of any surgeons that fudge the ICD-9 code, but it would not surprise me if there were some surgeons out there who would be willing to do this due their empathy around transpeople's issues).

One never knows what insurance will covers. If you can somehow show a medical necessity one never knows what will happen.

The doctor who handles my testosterone told me that he got an mtf's bottom surgery covered. Something was off with her prostrate and they contacted her insurance and asked rather then putting her on meds would they cover surgery to have the testicals removed and they did.

This is all very true. I asked my endo though, and he was very quick to respond that Kaiser will not cover it. He didn't exactly suggest attempting to work around it either. He basically told me there are two companies you can go work for that will cover it (I can't remember now which ones).
To my knowledge, I don't believe I have medical reasons for him to try and slip it through the cracks.....unfortunately (as bad as that it to say). I'm grateful for my health.

Look at this:

http://www.uclgbtia.org/transhealthupdate.html

http://otrans.3cdn.net/fa908f9f867b4537a1_ihm6iipnp.pdf

Guys this is Medicare, this will apply to all of you sooner or later. We need to change how Medicare is effecting our community.

Thanks for posting!

Thanks for that link Koop. I'm not really sure how to read into that, but I think when I see my Doctor next week, I'm going to touch on the subject again and see if he's interested in looking into it. It's worth a shot!

Off topic:

I need to get my passport by mid July. I know there are expediting services but here's my dilemma...wondering if anybody knows the answer to this:

My new name has been legally changed on my drivers license (including my gender marker on ID) and SS. However, my birth certificate has NOT been changed (name and gender). Will they be able to issue me a passport due to this discrepancy?
I called the post office and asked them. One person told me they can put it through assuming I have my court ordered name change forms (which I do).
But I hate to go on one post office attendants word.
Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this?

Now that I think about it, I recall my Doc saying I would have to work for a UC to be eligible. I don't.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/npic_898.html

maybe try calling them?

Well I'm going to have to tomorrow. I was just curious if anybody knew off hand.

When I went to get my updated passport, I turned in my old passport which had my former legal name and sex designation. I submitted a certified copy of the court order for the name change and the doctor's letter for the sex designation. (I also showed my state ID which had already been updated with both.)

Based on that, my assumption is that the name change will not be an issue; and you will need the doctor's letter for the change of sex.

If this is your first passport, you will need to submit your birth certificate. Your court order for name change will trump the name on the birth certificate, however.

Does that make sense?

Thinker,
This is my first passport. I went and picked up a certified copy of my original birth certificate at the vital statistics office.
So you're saying that since I have the court ordered name change documentation, that should be sufficient for them to change it on my passport? I know I need to have it changed on my birth certificate, but the postal passport worker told me that they would likely issue me a temporary passport (1-2 yrs) while I submit my name change for my birth certificate, due to that process taking 6 months-1 yr (according to the clerk at vital statistics).
I'm just hoping that I can at least get the passport with my new legal name, I'll have to get a Dr. letter for the gender marker on my passport and for it to all go without a hitch! I'm staying optimistic!

I think you'll be good for getting your legal name on the passport. Your birth certificate is required since this is your first passport, and the court order for your name change shows that the person named on the birth certificate is now legally named TCB.

Good luck with it! Let us know how it goes.