Eligibility Requirements
The Transgender Clinic is open to all City and County of San Francisco residents. We take Healthy San Francisco, Medicare, Medi-cal, and San Francisco Health Plan. We do not accept private insurance.
Becoming a Patient
- Step #1: Drop in on the 2nd or 4th Tuesday of the month at 2pm — first come, first serve. [more][hide]
New patients: To become a new patient you need to drop in on a Tuesday at 2pm. You will be seen by a nurse or a social worker. You will be asked about special needs such as HIV status, health conditions, and other issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and risk factors. The purpose of this is to help us better address your particular needs. All information given is held in strict confidence.
- Step #2: Your second appointment will be with a social worker and will take about 1 hour. [more][hide]
During this appointment time you will have an assessment done by a member of our psychosocial staff. The purpose of this assessment is to identify your needs and concerns as well as determine your ability to consent to hormonal treatment. During this visit you will obtain your appointment to meet your medical provider. This is followed by a blood draw, often the following day as you will need to come fasting.If you have been receiving medical care, including hormonal treatment with another provider, it is helpful to obtain your past medical records, including any prescriptions, prior to intake.
- Step #3: Lab work. You will need to come back during the day for fasting labs. [more][hide]
Fasting labs means no food or drinks after midnight the night before. You can and should drink plenty of water. If you take medication for diabetes, you may want to come at 8am and wait to take these meds until after your labs when you are free to eat something.
- Step #4: Doctor’s appointment! This will be about 3-5 weeks after your intake. [more][hide]
On your fourth visit to the clinic you will meet your medical provider. This is usually 3-5 weeks after your intake is completed. A history and physical exam are done and often take at least two visits. Your vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and weight) are taken at each medical visit. Prescriptions, follow-up appointments, health education, and medical referrals/consultations are decided between you and your provider. Referrals can be made to other staff (such as psychosocial providers) and to other agencies, based upon need. You primary care provider will collaborate with you other health care providers, such as acupuncturist or other complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, mental health care provider, surgeons, etc.
Other Medical Care
If you are under care of another medical provider, you have two options to continue your primary care with that provider:
- with consultation offered, as needed, from the medical staff of Tom Waddell Clinic, or to assist with your hormonal treatment, or
- transfer your primary care to the Tom Waddell Health Center.
More Information
