Information about the Transgender Clinic

New Patient Information

The Transgender Clinic of Tom Waddell Health Center has been in operation since November of 1993 and is committed to providing quality, integrated health care in an atmosphere of trust and respect. We are a multidisciplinary primary care clinic focusing primarily on the needs of underserved populations of inner city San Francisco. Primary care means we treat your whole body, not just your gender issues. Being multidisciplinary means we address all your concerns, not just your medical problems. We have nutritional, mental health and social services, and we work closely with community organizations.

Anyone who identifies as transgender can be seen in our clinic: male-to-female, female-to-male, intersex, and those in-between. All are welcome.

If your primary language is not English, special arrangements will be made (with adequate notice) to accommodate you, either with bilingual staff or a translator.

Clinic Procedure

When you come to the clinic, you will be asked to sign in and provide some basic information as well as the purpose of your visit:

Patients with appointments: As much as possible we try to see you at your scheduled appointment time; however, because we deal with a complexity of issues and many emergencies, we cannot always predict the time it will take with a particular need. We ask your understanding and patience.
Patients without appointments (drop-ins): All drop-in patients are triaged by the nurse. Drop-in patients may not be able to see their provider that evening, but every effort is made to address their need. This may be done by a referral to the Urgent Care clinic.
Prescription refills only: When you have one week of medication left, contact your pharmacy. If they say you have no refills remaining, ask them to fax a refill request to the clinic. If you have not been seen recently nor had recent lab work done, the refill may be denied. If you are having problems with the pharmacy getting a refill, you may leave a message on the Advice Nurse line (answered twice a day by a Registered Nurse) @ 415 355-7560. Be prepared to wait 48-72 hours for a refill. If you cannot wait for a refill, you may be able to obtain a refill by dropping into the clinic on Tuesday evening. Clinic nurses will review your refill request with you and help get your refill when possible.

The Intake Process

New patients: To become a new patient you need to drop in on a Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. You will be seen by a nurse or a social worker. You will be asked about special needs such as HIV status, health conditions, and other issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and risk factors. The purpose of this is to help us better address your particular needs. All information given is held in strict confidence.

Your second visit is with the social worker. This appointment will take about one hour. During this time you will be registered by a clerk and have an assessment done by a member psychosocial staff. The purpose of this assessment is to identify your needs and concerns as well as determine your ability to consent to hormonal treatment. During this visit you will obtain your appointment to meet your medical provider. This is followed by a blood draw, often on the same night.

If you have been receiving medical care, including hormonal treatment with another provider, it is helpful to obtain your past medical records, including any prescriptions, prior to intake.

On your third visit to the clinic you will meet your medical provider. This is usually three to five weeks after your intake is completed. It is done by a physician or a nurse practitioner and lasts for about an hour. A history and physical exam are done and often take at least two visits. Your vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and weight) are taken at each medical visit.

Please note: Hormones are prescribed in consultation with you and at the discretion of your medical provider. Hormones are provided in the safest possible manner.
Prescriptions, follow-up appointments, nutritional and health education, and medical referrals/consultations are decided between you and your provider. Referrals can be made to other staff (i.e. nutritionist, psychosocial providers) and to other agencies, based upon need.

A peer based support group is available from 6:00-7:30pm each Tuesday evening on the second floor of the clinic.

Further Information

Other medical care: If you are under care of another medical provider, you have the option to continue your primary care with that provider:

with consultation offered, as needed, from the medical staff of Tom Waddell Clinic, or to assist with your hormonal treatment,

OR

transfer your primary care to Tom Waddell Clinic.

Referral can be made to other providers in the community if you wish to have your medical care elsewhere. Lyon-Martin Health Center, and other private medical providers currently provide medical and hormonal treatment for transgender patients. Again, consultation can be offered as needed.
Documentation for Gender Reassignment Surgery: This can be provided at the discretion of the provider. Patients requesting such documentation must have an established, long-term relationship with Transgender Clinic providers.

Information about the Tom Waddell Clinic

Please call 9-1-1 if this is a medical emergency. Please call San Francisco General Hospital at (628) 206-8000 for general information.

For issues or questions other than medically related, you may email the Department of Public Health.