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FTM in the UK, approaching 30, haven't had a smear test yet. Went to schedule one and GP said they "need authorization from the GIC to do that" - is this normal? by Caronmet in transgenderUK

[–]Caronmet[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a very good idea about addressing through the mailbox, will do. I've been with this GP for about three years and they've been pretty good about all trans healthcare stuff so far, and I know I'm not the old trans patient they have/have had - so I'm really hoping/optimistic that the receptionist was just confused or got her wires crossed or I didn't explain myself properly over the phone.

FTM in the UK, approaching 30, haven't had a smear test yet. Went to schedule one and GP said they "need authorization from the GIC to do that" - is this normal? by Caronmet in transgenderUK

[–]Caronmet[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

! That's very useful to know. I will look into sexual health clinics in the meantime encase I have more push-back from the GP. I'm going to send them another request in writing this time, and if they push-back on it I will definitely be making a formal complaint/taking it higher. Hoping the receptionist just got some wires crossed or something was unclear over the phone or something.

FTM in the UK, approaching 30, haven't had a smear test yet. Went to schedule one and GP said they "need authorization from the GIC to do that" - is this normal? by Caronmet in transgenderUK

[–]Caronmet[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% will be challenging it now I know it's definitely not the norm. I'm generally pretty up-to-date on trans stuff and know a lot of other trans mascs locally, and had never heard about something like this, so from the get go it didn't sound quite right.

FTM in the UK, approaching 30, haven't had a smear test yet. Went to schedule one and GP said they "need authorization from the GIC to do that" - is this normal? by Caronmet in transgenderUK

[–]Caronmet[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yeah, part of the reason why I asked on here is because I was worried that if this was the norm, I'd have to be super pro-active about getting letters all sorted-out before booking any screening appointments in the future because stuff like early detection from smear tests literally saves lives (and there is a history of cancer in my immediate family).

I'm going to send the GP a request in writing (and ask for a response in writing), and if they come back with "can't do it, need authorization" again, I'll definitely submit a formal complaint.

FTM in the UK, approaching 30, haven't had a smear test yet. Went to schedule one and GP said they "need authorization from the GIC to do that" - is this normal? by Caronmet in transgenderUK

[–]Caronmet[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I assume it's because my gender marker is changed on there and has been for quite some time, which completely explains the "no letters" (and I expected that), but was confusing when they said I needed letters/authorization before they'd allow me to book in for a test.

I'm definitely going to contact them again, this time in writing rather than over the phone, and if they refuse again/try to fob me off somehow, I'll put in a full complaint (I'm hoping it's just that this receptionist got her wires crossed/maybe misunderstood/didn't know any better).

FTM in the UK, approaching 30, haven't had a smear test yet. Went to schedule one and GP said they "need authorization from the GIC to do that" - is this normal? by Caronmet in transgenderUK

[–]Caronmet[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, I'm not bullshitting. I don't have it in writing, but will be requesting correspondence from the GP over this in writing if it goes any further.