**Comprehensive Health Care for Transgender and Gender-Varied Individuals**

Every person has the right to receive knowledgeable, empathetic, and dignified health care. As health care providers, it is both our honor and duty to create a significant impact on the lives of our patients. My role as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in San Francisco, CA, is dedicated to supporting trans women, trans men, non-binary, and gender-varied individuals. Through my work, I have observed discrimination at fundamental levels. Numerous patients find it challenging to locate primary care doctors or dentists because they are transgender, often facing misgendering, violations of privacy, and uninformed health care providers.

**Obstacles to Accessing Care**

Transgender individuals frequently encounter barriers to receiving safe and validating care. The trauma experienced by many patients necessitates attention through knowledgeable, unbiased health care systems and comprehensive support to foster healing and resilience.

**Transgender Health Education**

The deficiency of training on transgender health care requirements is a notable concern. Throughout my medical education, the pathways for gender-affirming care were ambiguous, and encounters with trans patients were infrequent. Several private practice physicians have endeavored to address this gap, but discrimination remains widespread, leading many transgender individuals to shy away from major hospitals. Medical professionals must enhance their knowledge through online learning, conferences, and mentorship. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) provide valuable resources, and various institutions offer fellowships aimed at gender-affirming care.

**Insurance Challenges**

Insurance policies covering transgender health care are variable, resulting in anxiety and uncertainty. Some plans have started to include hormone therapy and particular surgeries, recognizing them as medically necessary for addressing gender dysphoria. As health care providers, it is essential to assist patients with navigating insurance plans. Provide guidance on relevant inquiries, verify essential pre-authorizations, and aid in gathering necessary documents. Work with insurance entities that are receptive to assistance, pursue GAP exceptions for out-of-network services, and offer payment alternatives to ease the financial burden.

**Inclusive Best Approaches**

The media often portrays the transgender community inaccurately, emphasizing sensational or contentious topics, while many grapple with fulfilling fundamental needs such as health care. To deliver inclusive care, utilize respectful language, inquire about patients’ preferred pronouns, refrain from making assumptions about gender identity, and strive to understand individual requirements. Engage with supportive colleagues and cultivate robust relationships with patients. A commitment to gender-affirming care can transform lives, allowing individuals to exist authentically. Inclusive and accessible care significantly improves the quality of life for transgender individuals. Reflect on how you can aid in fostering a more inclusive health care landscape for transgender, non-binary, and gender-varied populations.

*Angela Rodriguez is a plastic surgeon.*