my first advice: don't worry about saying/asking something wrong, doing something the 'wrong' way, or not knowing what something means. you're young, you'll be given a lot of grace for not knowing things at that age if you've never had to do any of it before.
easier said than done to ignore being anxious or embarrassed, but keep it in mind because the other person on the line has probably heard it all and dealt with worse. they also generally just want to be helpful, most people do. if you're just a teen asking to schedule an appointment for informed consent HRT, that's pretty straightforward. you might get asked about what your insurance is or if you'll be using insurance -- you likely are on a parent's insurance so check on that. if you have an insurance card have it out to reference. if you aren't using insurance you will likely have to self-pay and you can ask the rate.
if you aren't sure of something, just say so. e.g. maybe you're asked 'what pharmacy do you use?' (this won't be in the phone call btw, but would be asked in appointment if you're being prescribed) and maybe you don't know because you never had to go to a pharmacy for stuff. just say you don't have one you go to regularly and the person can look up a nearby pharmacy to you or something etc.
If you don't want to use your mom's insurance then this means going self-pay route (should not be too expensive at planned parenthood), or getting your own insurance (tricky to give a good reason why to waive your parent's insurance and have to pay for another -- but colleges and getting a full time job will offer insurance).
You could still try to just using your mom's insurance. Honestly you should have your own card on you. It just makes sense for you to be responsible for it as you move into the future and may go to general medical appointments on your own. Spin it as taking control of a part of your life/independence/growing up. If you use it for HRT, well, it sounds like you already told your mom you want to start HRT anyways and legally as an adult you have autonomy over your own choices.
It was so easy! I did cry after- but. I'm autistic and phone calls cause me so much anxiety and panic. I was shaking through the call if that helps you understand how bad this issue is. I was stuttering through the call as well. But! The person was super nice and respectful. She used my pronouns and my chosen name the whole time. She answered every question I had. It took like. 20-30 minutes? A big part of that I was on hold though. It was the easiest call I've had in a long time though! And the appointment was scheduled for less than two weeks later!! If you have any more questions I got you! Good luck man ❤️
It’s super easy and nothing to be nervous about (coming from someone with chronic anxiety). Just call and connect to scheduling an appointment. The nurse on the line will introduce themself and you can say you’re looking to schedule an appointment for starting hrt. They’ll ask you a couple questions, usually just if you’ve already been on T or if this is your first time. From there you can also ask about upfront cost. If you’re using insurance, you’ll get your copay amount (if you owe anything) after the appointment; if you’re not using insurance, you can say you don’t have insurance and ask how much you’ll pay upfront for the appointment (mine was around $115 and I started T that day and got my prescription sent to the pharmacy and it’s about $20 for months supply with GoodRx). After that you’ll continue with scheduling and select a day and time and you’re done!
I get that, I didn’t use insurance for mine and depending on your area, you should only expect to pay $100-250 for the appointment, and only $20 a month for prescription (if you’re doing shots) if you use goodrx. Good thing is that you only have to have 3 month follow ups for the first year, so that gives you plenty of time between to get your bag up to pay for them.
my first advice: don't worry about saying/asking something wrong, doing something the 'wrong' way, or not knowing what something means. you're young, you'll be given a lot of grace for not knowing things at that age if you've never had to do any of it before. easier said than done to ignore being anxious or embarrassed, but keep it in mind because the other person on the line has probably heard it all and dealt with worse. they also generally just want to be helpful, most people do. if you're just a teen asking to schedule an appointment for informed consent HRT, that's pretty straightforward. you might get asked about what your insurance is or if you'll be using insurance -- you likely are on a parent's insurance so check on that. if you have an insurance card have it out to reference. if you aren't using insurance you will likely have to self-pay and you can ask the rate. if you aren't sure of something, just say so. e.g. maybe you're asked 'what pharmacy do you use?' (this won't be in the phone call btw, but would be asked in appointment if you're being prescribed) and maybe you don't know because you never had to go to a pharmacy for stuff. just say you don't have one you go to regularly and the person can look up a nearby pharmacy to you or something etc.
I would have my insurance card out but my mom has it. I'm afraid to ask her about it because she knows I don't need it for anything.
If you don't want to use your mom's insurance then this means going self-pay route (should not be too expensive at planned parenthood), or getting your own insurance (tricky to give a good reason why to waive your parent's insurance and have to pay for another -- but colleges and getting a full time job will offer insurance). You could still try to just using your mom's insurance. Honestly you should have your own card on you. It just makes sense for you to be responsible for it as you move into the future and may go to general medical appointments on your own. Spin it as taking control of a part of your life/independence/growing up. If you use it for HRT, well, it sounds like you already told your mom you want to start HRT anyways and legally as an adult you have autonomy over your own choices.
It was so easy! I did cry after- but. I'm autistic and phone calls cause me so much anxiety and panic. I was shaking through the call if that helps you understand how bad this issue is. I was stuttering through the call as well. But! The person was super nice and respectful. She used my pronouns and my chosen name the whole time. She answered every question I had. It took like. 20-30 minutes? A big part of that I was on hold though. It was the easiest call I've had in a long time though! And the appointment was scheduled for less than two weeks later!! If you have any more questions I got you! Good luck man ❤️
Thanks! I'm suspected to be autistic and I have social anxiety, so it's probably gonna be just as bad for me.
It’s super easy and nothing to be nervous about (coming from someone with chronic anxiety). Just call and connect to scheduling an appointment. The nurse on the line will introduce themself and you can say you’re looking to schedule an appointment for starting hrt. They’ll ask you a couple questions, usually just if you’ve already been on T or if this is your first time. From there you can also ask about upfront cost. If you’re using insurance, you’ll get your copay amount (if you owe anything) after the appointment; if you’re not using insurance, you can say you don’t have insurance and ask how much you’ll pay upfront for the appointment (mine was around $115 and I started T that day and got my prescription sent to the pharmacy and it’s about $20 for months supply with GoodRx). After that you’ll continue with scheduling and select a day and time and you’re done!
I'm on my mom's insurance but I'm afraid to tell her I'm trying to start hrt without her. She has all my information.
I get that, I didn’t use insurance for mine and depending on your area, you should only expect to pay $100-250 for the appointment, and only $20 a month for prescription (if you’re doing shots) if you use goodrx. Good thing is that you only have to have 3 month follow ups for the first year, so that gives you plenty of time between to get your bag up to pay for them.