[JoeS21]

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.

Well stated, JoeS21! Although I have waged a life-long battle with GID, I am biologically male, I look male & have a male first name. So I don't have a problem with this. Also, most of the clinics I go to seem to call me in by my first name. But I can certainly see where the way patients are addressed in the waiting room could be problematic. A bit more sensitivity, on the part of healthcare providers as well as insurance companies, would be helpful.

[FotoLee]

I am female—male and have had this issue as well, it is most unfortunately quite common being in a world where it is seen as a sign of respect by referring to patients and whoever as Ms, Mrs, Mr and bringing unnecessary attention to one's gender.
Especially during the very beginning of transitioning for a transgender individual it can cause quite confusion, not only for other people but for the individual.

At my Dr.'s office which is LGBT friendly and treats many trans people, there was an older women working as a secretary who thought that I was transitioning from male to female and thought she was being respectful by referring to me as female.

Thankfully in Ohio all that is required to change the gender marked on license and what not is just filling paperwork. I know insurance has a different approach depending on the insurer. For me the company was rather respectful and handled my case very professionally. I no longer have this issue.

But for individuals who are interest it is necessary that they do come up with a solution to avoid these instances, especially in an age where gender non-conforming and same sex marriage is becoming more widely accepted. But as a confirmed medical condition I am surprised that it is such an issue for companies. Being trans alone is still seen as a psychological anomaly but the addition of Gender Identity Dysphoria, thankfully no longer called a disorder, to the DSM-5 is to provide a basis for treatment and there is still a debate whether it should be considered a psychological or biological anomaly, or both.

In the end, insurance companies are a pain and can be very insensitive as there is a large lack of understanding and even awareness.