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GENDER AFFIRMING CARE

AT SEVEN HILLS FAMILY MEDICINE WE KNOW THAT DIVERSITY OF GENDER EXPRESSION

IS A NORMAL PART OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE.

THERE IS NO NEED FOR SOMETHING AS COMMONPLACE AS GENDER AFFIRMING CARE

TO BE SCARCE OR SPECIALIZED.

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Inclusive care is basic primary care, and family physicians are particularly well suited to deliver it in a comprehensive and holistic manner. We take our inspiration from Fenway Health Center in Boston, MA where the development and implementation of evidence based gender affirming care protocols centers on the education and training of family clinicians. 

 

We also understand that there is more to gender affirming care than hormone replacement therapy, and that having a safe, trusted space to meet all of your healthcare needs is life saving.

 

Gender affirming medical care is fully integrated into our Direct Primary Care membership at no additional charge. 

 

Members can expect regular visits with one of our physicians for management of acute and chronic health conditions, wellness exams, pelvic and reproductive healthcare, prescribing and dispensing of HRT (if desired), and referrals for gender affirming surgeries (if desired). Our experienced care staff provides care coordination, facilitates the discount prescription program, and connects our patients to available community resources.

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Though it is recommended that you come in at least annually for a physical exam, we understand that there are many people throughout the state of Virginia who are too far away to get to us regularly and who do have access to gender affirming care.

In some cases we can provide gender affirming care exclusively through telehealth. Please call us at (804) 376- 9114 or e-mail at info@sevenhillsfamilymedicine.com to set up a free consultation with Dr. Arnold. She will review your medical history to see if this is an appropriate option for you.

  • How safe is abortion?
    There is a lot of misinformation about the safety of abortion procedures. This information is not based on facts and is distributed by anti-abortion groups who want to impose their views on others. The science is clear: early abortion performed in the first trimester by pill or aspiration is incredibly common and incredibly safe. There is no increased risk to future fertility and you may become pregnant again immediately.
  • Why should I come to the office for an abortion by pill instead of using a telehealth option?
    While telehealth is a safe option for most people to get abortion pills, it is important to be aware that in some cases the abortion pills will fail to end a pregnancy. While this is relatively uncommon, it does happen to about 1 in 20 patients (4.8% failure rate). Most telehealth providers of abortion by pill do not offer any follow up or refund in the case of such a failure. At Seven Hills Family Medicine in the event of an incomplete abortion by pill our experienced staff will counsel you on all of your options, including an in-office aspiration procedure. If an in-office follow up procedure is required there is no additional cost to our patients.
  • Is it safe to take abortion pills at home?
    Yes! Dr. Arnold will review your ultrasound and medical history to make sure that abortion pills are a safe option for your care. She will also prescribe an individualized pain management regimen to help you care for yourself at home. Complications are rare and we are available 24/7 to help you through the process.
  • Do I need sedation for the SofTouch procedure?
    For most people no sedation is required. SofTouch is a gentle 2-5 minute procedure specifically designed to end early pregnancy and manage miscarriage in a family doctor’s office. The procedure is performed on a regular exam table and is similar to a Pap Test. It is non-invasive as there is no cutting or permanent change to the body. Some cramping and discomfort is expected but can be managed with a variety of non-sedating pain medications available in our office.
  • Will I have to go to a pharmacy to pick up my abortion pills?
    No, all required medications are dispensed from our in-house pharmacy. You will not have to go anywhere else when you leave.
  • Can I use insurance to cover my abortion?
    In order to keep our prices low we do not accept insurance. If desired, we can provide you with an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. You may also want to check the cost of the abortion procedure with your insurance provider, as in some cases it may be more expensive to use insurance coverage. Also, please be aware that Virginia Medicaid does not cover elective abortion, but financial aid is available.
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