Are you seeking gender-affirming care in Michigan and wondering Who Do I Contact About The Care Program In Michigan? Navigating healthcare systems can be complex, especially when seeking specialized services. For transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary adults in Michigan, the Comprehensive Gender Services Program (CGSP) at University of Michigan Health offers a streamlined and supportive approach to accessing high-quality gender affirming medical care. This program serves as a central hub, designed to make it easier for individuals to find the resources and support they need.
Understanding the Comprehensive Gender Services Program (CGSP)
The CGSP at University of Michigan Health is specifically designed to assist transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary adults in accessing comprehensive gender affirming medical care. Recognizing the importance of specialized and respectful care, CGSP operates with a multidisciplinary team of medical and mental health professionals. This team includes physicians from various specialties, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Family Medicine
- OB/GYN
- Otolaryngology
- Plastic Surgery
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Urology
In addition to medical doctors, CGSP also includes experienced clinical social workers specializing in mental health support for individuals with diverse gender identities. The program operates on the core belief that gender identity is a fundamental aspect of human experience and is committed to providing equitable access to the highest standards of care for everyone, including agender, non-binary, and gender-queer individuals. CGSP providers are proud members of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and all services are delivered in accordance with the WPATH Standards of Care, ensuring evidence-based and globally recognized best practices.
How to Contact CGSP for Care in Michigan
Getting started with CGSP is designed to be patient-friendly and direct. You do not need a referral from another doctor to access their services. To initiate contact and learn more about the program, there are clear steps you can take:
Direct Contact Options:
- Phone: Call CGSP directly at 734-998-2150. This is a straightforward way to ask initial questions, check on the status of your care process if you are already a patient, or request information about specific services offered at University of Michigan Health.
- Email: You can also reach out via email at the address provided on their website for general inquiries. (Please refer to the contact information section below for the exact email address).
- Service Inquiry Form (SIQ): For a more structured approach to initiating care, you can request and submit a Service Inquiry Form (SIQ). This form allows CGSP to create a new patient chart for you or update an existing one if you have previously been a patient within the University of Michigan Health system.
Getting Started Process:
- Request a Service Inquiry Form (SIQ): Contact CGSP via phone or email to request the SIQ form.
- Complete and Submit the SIQ: Fill out the form with your information and the services you are interested in.
- Receive Information Packets: CGSP will send you information packets tailored to the services you indicated on your SIQ.
Navigating the Gender Affirming Surgery Process with CGSP
For individuals considering gender affirming surgeries, CGSP provides guidance and support throughout the process. While the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the procedure, insurance, and individual needs, the general pathway is as follows:
General Steps for Gender Affirming Surgery:
- Submit a Service Inquiry Form (SIQ): This is the first step to formally express your interest and begin the process.
- Submit Letter(s) of Support: Gender affirming surgeries typically require one or two letters of support from licensed mental health providers. CGSP can offer resources to help you find a letter writer if needed. The information packet you receive after submitting the SIQ will detail the specific requirements for these letters.
- CGSP Review of Support Letter(s): CGSP will review your letter(s) to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for insurance pre-authorization and surgeon requirements.
- Consultation Scheduling: Once your support letter is approved, CGSP will contact you to schedule a consultation with the appropriate surgeon.
- Consultation Appointment: Attend your consultation to discuss the surgical procedure in detail.
- Insurance Prior Authorization: After your consultation, your support letter will be submitted to your insurance provider for prior authorization.
- Surgery Scheduling: Upon insurance approval, a surgery scheduler will contact you to schedule your surgery.
Important Note on Wait Times: Wait times can vary depending on the specific service and provider availability. For estimated wait times, it is best to contact CGSP directly. The entire process, from submitting your support letter to surgery, can generally range from 8 months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the procedures.
Insurance and Financial Considerations
CGSP understands that navigating insurance coverage can be a significant concern. While CGSP cannot recommend specific insurance plans, they accept most insurance plans offered at University of Michigan Health. However, acceptance of a plan does not guarantee coverage for all gender affirming medical services.
Key Insurance Information:
- Contact Your Insurance Directly: To understand your specific coverage for gender affirming care, it is crucial to contact your insurance company directly.
- Review Plan Documents: Request and review your Plan Documents and/or Summary of Benefits and Coverage to get detailed information about your plan’s coverage.
Contact Information for CGSP
For any questions, to request a Service Inquiry Form, or to begin your journey with gender-affirming care, please reach out to CGSP using the following contact details:
Comprehensive Gender Services Program
4250 Plymouth Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: 734-998-2150
Fax: 734-998-2152
Email: [email protected]
The Comprehensive Gender Services Program at University of Michigan Health is a dedicated and experienced resource for individuals seeking gender affirming care in Michigan. By contacting CGSP, you are taking the first step towards accessing the expert and compassionate care you deserve.
