As an intersex male, and as a human being, I cannot stand the way that so many healthcare professions ASSUME that you are whichever gender is listed on your insurance. Millions of people, myself included, are not purely 100% male or 100% female. Many people have some male and some female parts AND have to choose between a "male insurance policy" or a "female insurance policy," neither of which covers every body part you have. Then to add insult to all of this, if you choose to insure parts that do NOT match your identity (ex. a man insuring female parts, vice versa), then chances are you get called by the wrong gender at the doctor's office. ...Publicly, loudly and in front of everyone there.

FYI to Healthcare Providers: Calling patients by their full name (leaving out Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) is much more accurate and far less embarrassing than bellering out, "Mr. Jones." Not only might there be several "Mr. Jones" in the waiting area (Paul Jones, Randy Jones, etc.), but the "Mr." Jones they want, might really be a "Mrs. Jones." This system lacks accuracy and decency.

How many people does this impact? I would estimate, at least half of all intersex and transgender people. How many people are intersex or transgender? I have statistics for the former but not the later. Here: How common is intersex? | Intersex Society of North America

Being on Psych Central, I will certainly add that there are MANY PEOPLE who suffer gender dysphoria, or another gender-related issue, where this can be a trigger. I am sure this alone (plus maybe a fear of being re/traumatized) keeps some people from going to the doctor regardless of how bad they need care.

Thanks for listening.