We are here to serve you 24/7 at (855) 436-1234
For referral inquiries please call (760) 281-8444
TRANSGENDER HEALTH:
ESTABLISHING CARE
Our approach is that we should meet you where you live, work, or play, offering a full range of medical and behavioral health services. We are bringing leading-edge efforts in transgender medicine to our regions, improving the overall health and wellbeing of the transgender population in our service areas, especially rural and underserved areas. This is made possible through comprehensive on-site care, telemedicine, and telehealth (when needed), as well as coordinating care with outside providers you already use.
SETTING YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
When making your first appointment, be sure to mention that you are interested in working with the Transgender Medicine department. This will ensure that you get scheduled with the right providers and that one of our trans navigators can be on hand for your visit.
The clinics on the next page are designated as our Transgender Medicine specialty clinics. You may, however, call or visit any Borrego Health clinic to set up an appointment with our providers. Walk-ins are also welcome.
WHAT TO EXPECT
ALL PATIENTS
Depending on your insurance, you may need to assign one of Borrego Health Specialty Clinic providers as your primary care provider (PCP). Let the trans navigator know when you meet with them.
Remember to Bring to Your First Appointment:
• Contact information for any outside care providers (name, fax, and phone number)
• Copies of your last physical and medical records
• A list of any questions you may have about the treatment process
• Insurance information
ADULTS
FIRST APPOINTMENT
First, you will meet with a trans navigator so they can answer your questions, explain our services, and gather information about you and your gender journey. Your medical provider will then meet you and get to know you. We will review your plan for gender-affirming treatment and discuss your expectations and concerns. Together, you will review the hormone therapy process that is right for you (if any) gather your medical history discuss the impact of hormone therapy on fertility and other health aspects, and review consent forms. You may need to have a physical exam and lab work done.
SECOND APPOINTMENT
Once we receive relevant past medical information and a letter of support from your therapist, we will ask you to come in to review and sign the treatment consent forms. You will meet with a trans navigator again at the start of your next appointment. Your provider will continue getting to know you. You might be able to start hormone therapy treatment at this visit if this is one of your goals. In some cases, the hormone process may take more than two visits to get started. From this point, your care team will review your information and help you schedule necessary follow-up visits. A trans navigator may contact you between visits to follow up on your last visit. You may also connect with them if you have problems or questions.
THIRD & SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENTS
We will continue watching your progress, regularly checking your hormone levels and other health indicators. You may also see the provider for your primary care needs (prevention screenings, illness, etc.)
YOUTH
FIRST APPOINTMENT
First, you and your parent(s) or guardian(s) will meet with a trans navigator so they can answer your questions, explain our services, and gather information about you, your family, and your gender journey. Your medical provider will then meet you and get to know you and your parent(s) or guardian(s). Together you will review the hormone therapy process that is right for you (if any); gather your medical history discuss the impact of hormone therapy on fertility and other health aspects, and review consent forms. A trans navigator may contact you between visits to follow up on your last visit. You may also connect with them if you have problems or questions.
SECOND APPOINTMENT
Your provider will continue getting to know you and your family. We will review your plan for gender-affirming treatment and discuss your expectations and concerns. You may need to have a physical exam and lab work done. You will meet with a trans navigator again at the start of your next appointment, and your care team will work with you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) to make a care plan for the rest of the process.
THIRD & SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENTS
Once we receive relevant past medical information and a letter of support from your therapist, we will ask you to come in with your parent(s)/guardian(s) to review and sign the treatment consent forms. You will meet with a trans navigator again at the start of your next appointment, and your care team will work with you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) to make a care plan for the rest of the process. You might be able to start treatment at this visit. In some cases, the hormone process may take more than three visits to get started. We will continue watching your progress, regularly checking your hormone levels and other health indicators. You may also see the provider for your primary care needs (prevention screenings, illness, etc.)