Hysterectomy in Portland, OR?
I'd like to get a laparoscopic hysto in the next year, if possible. Does anyone have recommendations for surgeons or clinics in Portland? I currently have Blue Cross Blue Shields insurance.
Thanks.
Posted Feb 4, 2019, 5:15 AM UTC
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I also have BCBS and I'll be going to Dr.Shaffer at OHSU in March for a hysterectomy. I had a consult with her and she was really professional, answered all my questions, and clearly had experience working with trans men.
Thank you. I hope you have an easy recovery.
Have you had any issues getting your insurance to cover the procedure?
I'm not the original commenter, but I have the same insurance you have, and I just got a hysterectomy last month. My insurance was good at covering hospital pay, even for my unexpected second stay.
For the hysto they needed 1 full panel therapy evaluation, one general therapist letter (separate therapist from evaluation), and a letter from my general care practitioner. All dated within the past year with several specific qualifications for the content of the letters. They also wanted a pap smear for diagnostic purposes. It was hard to get them to take the information I had amassed. There was a lot of "you don't need pre-approval" even though I did, and not providing me with the correct information for submission.
I'd recommend finding the specific representative for transgender care for your area and insurance company and directing all questions and submissions through them. Most other insurance reps won't know enough to give you accurate information. I'd also recommend trying to do this well ahead of your surgery date, so you have some time to sort things out if they start giving you the run-around.
Note: I'm told how finicky your insurance will be also depends on your age and medical reasons for the hysterectomy. In my case, I received some flack because I'm under 21. I managed to get things to work in my favor though, by having other conditions I could use as medical reasoning for the procedure besides a GD diagnosis (painful heavy periods that testosterone would not suppress and other hormone aids did not help with, family history of fibroids). I don't know your particular reasons for a hysterectomy besides gender ones, but if you have any other conditions or family history you could use for justification, do it.
Thanks! This is really helpful. I'm 36 and I expect that to make a difference when talking to doctors (I hope).
So far I've had no issues. I checked in with them as recently as a few days ago and everything is fine and they'll be covering the procedure. I've not had any issues with my insurance covering trans related costs (top and hormones+needles) yet so I'm not worried.
Great. Thank you.