Gender Dysphoria: A New Patient Population We Need to Understand and Embrace

There is an ICD-10 code for gender dysphoria.

Recently, the Family Equality Council (FEC) published a comprehensive research study featuring some inspiring statistics, all of which point to the fact that the number of LGBTQ+ families in the United States is set to grow dramatically in the coming years. In fact, the report states that 77 percent of LGBTQ+ millennials (ages 18-35) are already parents or are considering having children, a 44 percent increase over previous generations.  

In light of this, it’s time for primary care physicians and all medical providers to make their practices more inclusive and welcoming to the specific needs of this patient population. However, creating an inclusive practice for the LGBTQ+ community requires time and intention.

Alternative medicine clinics are also starting to provide services for the transgender patient community and to continue with that inclusivity and forward-thinking education, let’s discuss a condition called gender dysphoria. What is gender dysphoria?

First, to understand the diagnosis, you need a refresher on some terminology definitions.

• • F64.0 Transsexualism
  • F64.1 Dual role transvestism
  • F64.2 Gender identity disorder of childhood
  • F64.8 Other gender identity disorders
  • F64.9 Gender identity disorder, unspecified (Gender Dysphoria)

According to Psychology Today, the level of distress experienced by someone with gender dysphoria is significant, and individuals do much better if they are in supportive environments, allowed to express their gender in the way that’s most comfortable to them – and are given knowledge that, if necessary, treatments exist to reduce the sense of incongruence they feel. This acceptance should extend to their physician’s office.

This is why it is so important, in today’s climate of the ever-changing patient profile, that we as healthcare professionals embrace a different attitude and recognize that staff needs training not only on the ICD-10-CM associated conditions for these patients, but also in inclusiveness when it comes to language in the practice, on intake forms, and in conversations in general.

While some individuals manage to overcome symptoms of distress on their own, a sign and/or symptom that leads to the gender disorder can be assigned ICD-10-CM codes. An understanding by healthcare professionals of the concepts, terminologies, and challenges these patients feel when they walk into your practice can often be very helpful in bringing about the personal discovery that facilitates self-comfort, and in dealing with strong emotions that may have resulted from peer-related challenges or social stigma, for these potential patients.

The best outcomes for those with gender dysphoria are associated with early diagnosis, a supportive environment, and comprehensive treatment that respects the wishes and desires of the patient. This can start at the physician practice, staff, and coding staff level. Be proactive when researching and embracing alternative medicine models. They are here to stay, and maybe a significant population visiting your practice in years to come.

Programming Note:

Listen to Terry Fletcher report this story live today during Talk Ten Tuesday, 10-10:30 a.m. EST.