how to start TRT?

[txnhb]

Ok guys, so my last post I asked how much you guys pay at these clinics but I think I've shifted my approach here. Like I said, my levels are at 362 ng/dl. I just wanna feel good again and like I'm in the prime of my life at 29 not like an old man.

What is the best way to go? A clinic type setting? A provider? Pay out of pocket? Cash at these clinics? I'm a student and don't exactly have the money this other clinic was asking for. $899 for 3 months of just test cyp, no hcg , no ai's threw up a red flag to me. Calling around it seems there are "membership" fee's to just about all these clinics which are hours away from me. If I go the provider route how can I present this to the doctor since I am low normal range but feel like an old man?

[Fetch]

That's nuts. Do you have any insurance? If so, go to a doctor, show him your lab work, and get Test prescribed. The legal route, it's around 80-100 bucks per vial, which lasts you a couple months (depending). Educate yourself on the different hormones and what they do. You will need to get a full hormone panel, including E2 and Test after being on the Test for a little while to see where you are at. Slowly adjust your doses of Test/AI from there.

[txnhb]

yeah i've started doing research more into TRT. i've had the basic a&p 1 and 2 in college. now just reading more about the whole process and more in depth of LH, testosterone and endocrine system in general in relation to trt. i think that's the route i'm gonna go just stressing i guess on hearing a doc say...well your still in normal range even though i'm 29 and should be in the 700-800 range (from what i've read). so i guess an endocrinologist is the way to go with insurance?

[txnhb]

sorry no i don't have insurance, i'm actually looking into it right now

[bass]

clinics will be very expensive, if i were you I'd look/find a good TRT doctor who will charge you office visits, do blood work and write a script for you to take to any pharmacy. that probably the cheapest way to go if you don't have insurance. or at your age buy insurance it should be cheap then use it to get treated!

[zaggahamma]

what bass said

might be a little difficult however since your level will show "in range"

[txnhb]

thanks guys i'm gonna go the insurance route...comparing united health with blue cross to see who fits better.

[ecdysone]

Just a heads-up: call the insurance company (or better yet, a pharmacy that uses them) and get exact details as to how much test-cyp they will pay for each month.

It's not uncommon (like mine) that they will only dispense 2 x 1ml vials each month, since the typical dose is 200 mg/every two weeks.

Not only must you drag your ass down to the pharmacy each and every month for the rest of your life, but if you up the dose a bit, you will have to look for another source
unless your Dr. agree with your tweaking.

[kelkel]

Also, just because a doc has the title "endrocrinologist" does not mean they know TRT. Don't be afraid to call and ask the staff if he will treat you per Dr. Crislers protocols before you waste your time and theirs.

[txnhb]

guys do you know if TRT falls under what insurances consider major medical deductible? or if just getting prescribed from a physician is considered a "sick" visit and filling a prescription? i used an example of diabetes with the agent and they said yes that falls under having to pay the deductible first.

[bass]

yes many insurances cover TRT, i believe KelKel's insurance pays for his TRT. mine covers the testosterone only, better than nothing i guess!

[lvs]

My insurance covers office visits and labs through an endo, and also covers all but a copay for the agel I'm on.

[txnhb]

signed up with blue cross blue shield ppo plan, labs included, copay for visits, no deductible for medication, but a through the roof deductible for any major medical procedures...hopefully i won't go to the hospital and if i do i'll make sure to die since my benefits won't kick in until i pay my deductible.

[txnhb]

guys do you know if TRT falls under what insurances consider major medical deductible? or if just getting prescribed from a physician is considered a "sick" visit and filling a prescription? i used an example of diabetes with the agent and they said yes that falls under having to pay the deductible first.

[bass]

that depends on the insurance policy. be more specific with them, simply ask them if HRT is covered. remember, if your ranges are within the normal they will not cover you!

[txnhb]

i guess i'm close enough to low norm that i can use a little lack of sleep and binge drink to where i show my levels where insurance wants them the night before a lab draw (kidding....kinda)

[Fetch]

I have Blue Cross, my plan sucks pretty hard. My copay for Doctor is $50, it took several labs before they would authorize the test, and 'authorized' simply means it comes off my yearly deductible. I still pay full price, but every time I order a vial, it knocks the $90 off my $1500 yearly deductible. Which basically means, it's not really covered lol.

[Fetch]

i guess i'm close enough to low norm that i can use a little lack of sleep and binge drink to where i show my levels where insurance wants them the night before a lab draw (kidding....kinda)

Not telling you what YOU should do, but were it me, I'd run a short cycle, wait a month with no PCT, then get my blood work. Most insurance and many doctors don;t understand that 'low normal' is not really normal for guys our age.

[txnhb]

Not telling you what YOU should do, but were it me, I'd run a short cycle, wait a month with no PCT, then get my blood work. Most insurance and many doctors don;t understand that 'low normal' is not really normal for guys our age.

very very interesting...

[txnhb]

I have Blue Cross, my plan sucks pretty hard. My copay for Doctor is $50, it took several labs before they would authorize the test, and 'authorized' simply means it comes off my yearly deductible. I still pay full price, but every time I order a vial, it knocks the $90 off my $1500 yearly deductible. Which basically means, it's not really covered lol.

my copay is gonna be $25 ...PPO plan... the "Select Blue Advantage (plan I - VIII)" ...i wonder what u got?

[Fetch]

my copay is gonna be $25 ...PPO plan... the "Select Blue Advantage (plan I - VIII)" ...i wonder what u got?

I don't recall. I know my copay for regular doctor visits is $25, but it's $50 for a specialist like an Endo. I hope you have a better plan than mine. With insurance, you often think you're getting one thing, then when the bill comes you are in for a surprise.

[bass]

very very interesting...

he's just kidding! make sure you don't cheat so you can be treated properly.

[--->>405<<---]

insurance sucks!!!!!

[txnhb]

here's the thing, one of my family members owns a pharmacy so the testosterone won't be a problem, only problem is finding a doctor to write a script and actually agree to put me on trt since i'm still "normal" ranges but we've all seen the testosterone levels by age chart.

[zaggahamma]

insurance sucks!!!!!

keep voting for obama...all will have insurance/health care...and it will be WONDERFUL

[kelkel]

yes many insurances cover TRT, i believe KelKel's insurance pays for his TRT. mine covers the testosterone only, better than nothing i guess!

Correct. Everything is covered.

[txnhb]

what insurance do u have kelkel?

[ecsaaron]

$800.00 a month and a $4000.00 deductible...thats what I pay thru united health care/ golden rule ins.. like paying a second mortgage on a house that I dont have....This country is F--ked

[bass]

keep voting for obama...all will have insurance/health care...and it will be WONDERFUL

keep dreaming!

[zaggahamma]

keep dreaming!

hope u know i was being sarcastic