Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a program client to have SRS at the University of Michigan Hospital?

No. The Program accepts external clients for SRS. However, there is a procedure for doing this. Please contact the Program at 734-763-0466 office for additional information.

How much does surgery cost?

The University of Michigan Health System fees are comparable to other surgery centers in the United States. Actual surgery prices are given at the time of the initial consultation.

Will my insurance cover SRS?

Clients interested in using insurance to pay for SRS should thoroughly investigate (see Insurance) their options prior to making a commitment for surgery.

Is there a payment plan for SRS?

No. All fees must be paid in full three weeks before the scheduled surgery date.

If I am overweight, can I still have SRS?

A person's weight does play a factor in the success or failure of SRS. If a person is morbidly obese (a disease in which excess weight begins to interfere with basic physiological functions such as breathing and walking, it can be defined as weighing 100 pounds more than your ideal weight) there is an increased health risk and failure rate for SRS.

What are the risks involved with SRS?

As well as the usual risk associated with surgery and general anesthesia, SRS involves the possibility of the following risk: scarring, infection, blood loss, loss of sensation, loss of sexual function, rectal injury or rectovaginal fistula, nerve injury of the legs, blood clots and pulmonary emboli. These risks and other risks associated with surgery and general anesthesia will be discussed with you in detail prior to SRS.

Do I need to have a letter from my psychologist for SRS?

The Comprehensive Gender Services Programs has its own Standards of Care and uses World Professional Association for Transgender Health, Inc, Standards of Care as a guideline. The Program requires two (2) letters of support for SRS. One must be from a mental health professional that has worked with you for at least 18 months and knows you well; the other from a PhD or MD level mental health professional that can provide you with a second opinion.

Have you done many sex reassignment surgeries?

The Comprehensive Gender Services Program is a part of the University of Michigan Health System. As part of a larger academic-institution, the Program is able to provide a comprehensive framework of care for clients from start to finish. Since the majority of our SRS candidates are from within the program, we perform fewer surgeries than physicians do SRS as the whole of their practice.

What do I need to do to get SRS through your program?

If you are an established program client, you should discuss how to prepare for SRS with your therapists. If you are not a program client, please contact the Program Office at 734-763-0466 for information.