UPDATE: My "moved-up appointment" with the rheumatologist ended up being a "dud". The office phoned and talked with my hubby this morning, while I was out of the house. They wanted to move my Tuesday appoint to earlier in the morning and offered either an 8:15am or 8:30am appoint. I then phoned the office back to inquire if this meant my new patient appoint was a 15 min slot. She said no-30 mins. (Also, I have yet to be given any new patient forms and/or medical history papers to fill out.) Not wanting to "burn my bridges"; I said I'd get back to her (about the next available in July).
Lo and behold I found a nearby Rheumatology office that specializes in specific auto immune disorders. They don't mention insurance though. And require a charge card number which will be charged $250. for a missed new patient appointment. Hm...I sent an email asking if they accept Medicare. Getting a (real) dx and (real) treatment for an auto-immune disorder is starting to feel like the "Wild West". My head is spinning.