Transgender Health FAQs

If you have insurance, this could be a requirement depending on the services you are interested in. We recommend visiting Scheduling Appointments and Insurance Coverage to learn more. We do accept self-referrals although if you have insurance, please be aware of the requirements for insurance authorization.

Some health care services have specific requirements as pre-requisites to being seen in consultation, which are based on the WPATH Standards of Care, and to ensure we have all of the medical information to help develop an appropriate treatment plan to your needs and goals.

The WPATH standards of care currently require two letters from mental health professionals with the diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria and with the professional conclusion that you are “ready” for surgery or care. Insurance plans that currently cover transgender health care require most of the same pieces identified by WPATH and may have additional requests.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health follows the WPATH Standards of Care, which has a set of informed consent requirements depending on the services. For those services that are being authorized and covered by your insurance, please be aware that each insurance company has different requirements. Our team will share this information with you and encourages you to be in contact with your insurance as well to help facilitate collecting any required information.

In most circumstances, our providers see patients 18 years of age and older. Our pediatricians do see patients under the age of 18.

The treatment plan for each patient is individualized based on the needs and preferences of the patient and family or guardians. The clinic's treatments are consistent with guidelines developed by professional societies, including the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and specific specialty societies.

In developing a treatment plan, the team considers:

• The patient's goals
• The patient's age and stage of pubertal development
• The patient's and family's readiness for next steps
• Risks and benefits of treatment

The team seeks agreement with the patient, family or guardians, and the patient's therapist.

See our accommodations page for information about local hotels and nearby amenities.