I was referred to Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Endocrinology & Diabetes back in May of 2019 for transgender Hormone Replacement Therapy. From the date of referral until being informed that I was being denied care on August 14th of 2019, the provider's office has been mostly non-communicative. They informed me multiple times that they had lost paper work, resulting in having to be re-sent information by my psychiatrist, and myself having to physically bring copies of recent labs. Office staff had repeatedly spoken to me in a disrespectful and abusive manner, and I was ultimately misgendered multiple times even after correcting staff.
On August 14th 2019, I was informed via phone that they were refusing to treat me and I was not given a reason why. I was spoken to in an abusive and condescending manner by multiple staff members, after previously having been on hold for up to an hour at a time, and then ultimately hung up on when I attempted to inquire for more information.
On August 15th 2019, I contacted the Southeast Georgia Health System's Risk Management Department, the Georgia Composite Medical Board, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights, and Ambetter by Peach State Health Plan's Quality of Care Department. I alleged that either:
a) the provider was discriminating against me due to the fact I am transgender and have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
or
b) the provider was discriminating against me due to unrelated diagnosis, also a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
AND
c) the provider, being the only provider of these services covered by AmBetter within the city of Brunswick, as inappropriately denying me necessary medical care (as determined by various professionals), while being a component of a hospital which is LEGALLY OBLIGATED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, causing actual patient harm and distress.
On September 18th 2019, I received a letter from Southeast Georgia Health System stating that no discrimination occurred. I was provided no information with how this determination was made, but was given the option to appeal by mail. I submitted an appeal immediately.
On October 17th 2019, I received a letter from The Southeast Georgia Health System that they have re-reviewed the situation and that no discrimination has occurred, and that they will not be covering the costs of care with another provider. This has now resulted in six (6) months in a delay of access to necessary medical care caused by the negligence of Dr. Badre, her staff, and the health system.
