Finding a rheumatologist is pretty much impossible, in my opinion. I have tried repeatedly to go to Mayo (from referrals from specialists i see there) or online referral….or finding a rheumatologist that has excellent reviews within 4 hours of where I live (Mayo is 6 hours away). Sometimes it seems that people want to be helpful, but don’t understand the many obstacles others face when we don’t live in areas that have all the large health care facility options available to them and the privilege of being able to switch at will. At times, we in rural areas wait months to even a year to see a specialist in an area if we can even get in. I self-advocate and I get tired of all the work it takes. I told one specialist I saw (4 hours away), who was so kind to recommend another specialist for me regarding something else; my response was thank you, but I’m presently tired out of managing these issues. He was empathic and encouraged me to contact the other doctor when I was ready.