Transgender Services
Provider Type
- Physicians
- Hospitals
- Participating Physician Groups (PPG)
- Ancillary
Medically necessary transgender services for treatment of gender identity disorder (GID) are covered benefits for Health Net members. Refer to the most current Standards of Care (SOC) and guidance located on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) website at www.wpath.org for clinical guidance. Additional clinical information is located on the Health Net provider website, under Resources for you, select Medical Policies > Gender Affirming Procedures (PDF).
Transgender services refer to the treatment of GID, which may include the following:
- Consultation with transgender service providers.
- Transgender services work-up and preparation.
- Psychotherapy.
- Continuous hormonal therapy.
- Laboratory testing to monitor hormone therapy.
- Gender reassignment surgery that is not cosmetic in nature.
Medically Necessary/Reconstructive Surgery
No categorical exclusions or limitations apply to coverage for the treatment of GID. Each of the following procedures, when used specifically to improve the appearance of an individual undergoing gender reassignment surgery or actively participating in a documented gender reassignment surgery treatment plan, must be evaluated to determine if it is medically necessary reconstructive surgery to create a normal appearance for the gender with which the member identifies. Prior to making a clinical determination of coverage, it may be necessary to consult with a qualified and licensed mental health professional and the treating surgeon.
- Abdominoplasty
- Blepharoplasty
- Breast augmentation
- Electrolysis
- Facial bone reduction
- Facial feminization
- Hair removal
- Hair transplantation
- Liposuction
- Reduction thyroid chondroplasty
- Rhinoplasty
- Subcutaneous mastectomy
- Voice modification surgery
Reconstructive surgery is "surgery performed to correct or repair abnormal structures of the body... to create a normal appearance to the extent possible." (Insurance Code Section 10123.88(c)). In the case of transgender patients, "normal appearance" is to be determined by referencing the gender with which the patient identifies.
Cosmetic surgery is "surgery that is performed to alter or reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance." (Insurance Code Section 10123.88(d)).
This section clarifies how Health Net administers benefits in accordance with the WPATH, SOC, Version 7. Provided a patient has been properly diagnosed with gender dysphoria or GID by a mental health professional or other provider type with appropriate training in behavioral health and competencies to conduct an assessment of gender dysphoria or GID, particularly when functioning as part of a multidisciplinary specialty team that provides access to feminizing/masculinizing hormone therapy, certain options for social support and changes in gender expression are considered to help alleviate gender dysphoria or GID.
For example, with respect to hair removal through electrolysis, laser treatment, or waxing, the WPATH clarifies that patients with the same condition do not always respond to, or thrive, following the application of identical treatments. Treatment must be individualized, such as with the various hair removal techniques, and medical necessity should be determined according to the judgment of a qualified mental health professional and referring physician. The documentation to support the medical necessity for hair removal should include three essential elements:
- A properly trained (in behavioral health) and competent (in assessment of gender dysphoria) professional has diagnosed the member with gender dysphoria or GID.
- The individual is under feminizing hormonal therapy.
- The medical necessity for hair removal has been determined according to the judgment of a qualified mental health professional and the referring physician.
If any element remains to be satisfied before medical necessity can be determined, the individual should be directed to an appropriate network participating provider for consultation or treatment.
Requesting Services
Prior authorization is required for transgender services. Providers must submit clinically relevant information for medical necessity review with prior authorization request. Members may select an available transgender surgery specialist from Health Net's network. To find out which providers contract with Health Net to perform services in conjunction with transgender reassignment surgery, or if Health Net contracts with additional transgender reassignment surgeons, contact the Health Net Provider Services Department.