Frequently asked questions
Can we refer to you for gender-affirming surgery (GAS)?
No. The Gender Service does not provide surgical services. GAS is usually performed through the private system. Patients will need private health cover and will need to check with their private health fund as to what it will cover. Access to surgeons who perform GAS in Australia is limited and will incur out of pocket expenses above the expenses already incurred through your private health fund. Depending on the surgery, these costs can be significant. A list of providers can be found on the AUSPATH website here. We can accept referrals for people who have a referral to a surgeon and require a mental health assessment and report.
Why do I have to wait to start with the RBWH Gender Service?
The Gender Service currently has a long wait list. This is because we see people from all over the State; we do not want you to wait any longer for treatment than is necessary and are always working on ways to provide support to people as soon as possible within the limits of our available resources.
All GPs can provide gender affirming care and the AusPATH ‘Australian Informed Consent Standards of Care for Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy’ provides excellent guidance. If your GP is comfortable prescribing hormones, or wishes to seek additional guidance, they can speak with the Gender Service medical doctors by phone or email.
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