I just got this response to my letter!
I never in a million years could have predicted that reading an email like this could make me so ecstatic! One person at a time, guys and gals. Check this out:
Jesse,
Thank you very much for the wonderful way you presented this situation to me. I apologize for the embarrassment you went thru as a result of my office staff. I did know of the transition you are going thru but did not know what stage you were at. When I saw your name on the schedule, I was sorry I was not going to be there to discuss with you how you wanted the office to refer to you. I am out of the office today but when I get back tomorrow I will adjust your chart to reflect the change in your name and sex.
Unfortuantely, our computer system is old and does not give us the option of stating transgender. I will mark it in the additional comments section but that does not show up everywhere.
We have a staff meeting coming up in November and I will to present to the staff the importance of working with our population of gay and transgender people. I will read this letter to the staff and also download this information from the websites you sent me. I belong to an office managers group for Fairfield County and I will also pass this info on to prevent this happening elsewhere.
When you speak of using first names, HIPAA prevents us from using a sign in sheet or the patients’ full name in front of other patients so we have always felt using the last name more professional. This too will become a point of discussion and review.
If there is anything else I can do for you at any time, please feel free to email or call me.
******** ******
Office Manager
PS if anyone is in the Fairfield area and would like to know the contact info for this practice, let me know. I’ve seen all of the Dr.s and the Nurse Practitioner and they are all quite awesome.
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22/10/2009 at 6:01 pm Permalink
that is an outstanding response, not just positive, but proactive. Kudos to you for your well-spoken response. It’s really wonderful to see that people really can surprise is in a good way sometimes.
22/10/2009 at 6:23 pm Permalink
I’m really glad you have such a responsive and understanding medical office available to you. Unfortunately, I think they are the exception at this point but as you said, “one person at a time”. You did good work with your letter.
22/10/2009 at 7:50 pm Permalink
That is a fantastic response. Yea
22/10/2009 at 8:58 pm Permalink
Hi Jess,
)
I am a genderqueer person in Austin who has been reading your blog for sometime. I wanted to thank you for writing that letter. It reminded me that if we stand up for ourselves we have a chance to make a difference
I send you my best wishes and look forward to keep reading your blog (and hopefully leave messages more frequently ;o)
22/10/2009 at 9:01 pm Permalink
That is great! Good for you!! I’m curious though about that HIPPA law. Is that by state? I know that we have to sign in at my doctor’s office with our full name even though I have a scheduled appointment so that is interesting. I always look to see what name is ahead of mine so I don’t have to sit there and guess when it’s my turn. They take walk ins and work them in between scheduled patients.
22/10/2009 at 9:24 pm Permalink
Great letters – mutual respect goes a LONG way!
22/10/2009 at 10:53 pm Permalink
How wonderful!
And (TG inclusive) Fed hate crimes legislation seems about to pass! Hopeful signs.
Aloha Friends
23/10/2009 at 8:45 am Permalink
Look at what you did!!!! I’m so very impressed – good job!
23/10/2009 at 7:55 pm Permalink
So awesome!
28/10/2009 at 11:34 pm Permalink
What a great response. Sounds like they’re going to do everything they can to make the environment more comfortable for you. And what you’ve done, by bringing it to their attention, has helped pave the way for other gay and transgender individuals. How amazing.