### Public Healthcare Options Public healthcare is primarily managed through the Hospital Authority's Gender Identity Clinic (GIC), located at Prince of Wales Hospital. This clinic is the primary point of contact for transgender individuals seeking medical transition services within the public healthcare system. The clinic offers a range of services, including psychiatric evaluation, hormone therapy, and eventual surgical referral. #### Doctor's Referral To begin the process, one must get a referral letter from a licensed doctor in Hong Kong for gender dysphoria. Not all doctors are aware that the Hong Kong government provides a public healthcare route for transgender patients. #### Accessing Public Services Once you have a referral letter, you must bring the letter in person to to GIC clinic in order to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. This process ensures that the individual meets the criteria for Gender Dysphoria diagnosis, as required by the clinic’s protocols. Only after a diagnosis can the patient be referred for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or surgeries. However, the waiting list to access these services is notoriously long, sometimes taking years for a first appointment. Moreover, there are strict age requirements: individuals must be 18 or older to access most services, and underage transgender teens face significant barriers, including restrictions on beginning hormone therapy. Advocates have pushed for the removal of these age limits, citing the psychological and emotional stress that delayed treatment causes. #### Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Once a patient is diagnosed, they can begin hormone therapy. Trans women can access estrogen and anti-androgen treatments, while trans men are offered testosterone therapy. Follow-up appointments are required to monitor progress and manage any potential side effects, though again, waiting times for appointments can be lengthy. #### Surgeries Gender-affirming surgeries are available through the public system, but the path to surgery is even more complex. Transgender individuals must undergo psychiatric evaluations and hormone therapy for at least two years before being considered for surgeries like vaginoplasty or mastectomy. Even once eligible, patients often face long waiting times, making private healthcare a more appealing option for those who can afford it. ### Private Healthcare Options Private healthcare offers a more immediate alternative for transgender individuals who wish to transition medically but face long delays in the public system. Many private practitioners in Hong Kong, including endocrinologists and plastic surgeons, provide transitioning services, though these come at a higher cost. #### Private Practitioners in Endocrinology - Dr. Francois Fong in Neo Health - https://neohealth.com.hk/ - Unit 1106, 11/F, World-Wide House, 19 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong - 地址： 中環，19號德輔道中，環球大廈，11/F樓，1106室 - Phone: 31604886 - - Dr. Ting Zhao Wei Rose in Hong Kong Diabetes and Endocrine Centre - https://www.hkdiabetes.com/ - Room 1408, 14/F, Argyle Centre, Phase 1, 688 Nathan Road, Kowloon - 地址： 九龍旺角彌敦道688號，旺角中心一期，14樓，1408室 - Phone: 29976328 #### Surgery Options To be completed at another date.