Australia is considering Medicare rebates for gender-affirming surgeries, recognisng these procedures as essential health care that can significantly improve mental health and reduce suicide risk for transgender and gender-diverse adults.

·       Medicare funding review underway: An independent committee is evaluating an application to add about 30 new Medicare items for gender-affirming surgeries, aiming to assess their safety, effectiveness, and value for money. A decision is expected in a year or more.

·       Access and equity challenges: Currently, most Australians pay out-of-pocket or travel overseas for surgery, with costs ranging between A$20,000 and over $100,000, creating significant financial barriers and unmet needs due to lack of public hospital services and surgeons.

·       Positive outcomes and low regret rates: Gender-affirming surgeries are linked to improved body image, wellbeing, quality of life, and mental health, with regret rates below 1%, which is lower than most other surgeries. Shared decision-making enhances satisfaction and reduces regret.

·       Surgery details and risks: Procedures include chest, genital, facial, and voice surgeries, often requiring multiple operations and long recovery periods. Risks such as infection and blood clots exist and research is needed to give more evidence about the long term outcomes of gender-affirming surgeries.

For a deeper dive on this topic, head over to the The Conversation. Their recent article for an excellent article from key players in the application gives plenty of detail with lots of links to the research.

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Geek Out Contributor: Dr Stuart Aitken, GHA Sexual Health Physiician

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