Letters: Sex change and standard of care

Re “Sex changes for inmates?,” Editorial, Sept. 13

The Times states that there is “no reason for a convicted criminal to receive medical attention that is above and beyond the community standard of care.” You then conclude that the standard of care is determined by “the generally recognized standard of insurance coverage.” That is not the community standard of care.

Insurance companies determine what to cover based on their bottom lines. In many cases, they deny coverage and treatment where treatment is medically indicated. They employ their own “consultants” to make decisions about treatment indications.

In the case at issue, the decision to cover surgery should be made in accordance with the medical community standard of care, not the insurance company standard of reimbursement.

Saul J. Faerstein, MD

Beverly Hills

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