Gracias, julbpat😊....
I really pushed back in the medical group that I used to belong to during the time that I was racked with so many pain and unexplained issues. What seemed like (and actually were!) countless tests, many which were invasive and painful, myriad MRIs, CAT Scans, nerve conduction studies, etc., and way too many blood tests, referrals to specialists in NYC, and no one would come up with a diagnosis...So I decided that I'd had enough, and decided to seek another top neurologist within that medical group. I was told "Can't do that." Really? I demanded to know why, and the reason was inane, so I spoke with the SUPEVISOR for neuro department. I was given a song and dance, none of which was logical nor supported the needs of patients, and I had no problem speaking up. (I had work within neurology and microbiology departments of major medical college in my young adult years, so I felt comfortable addressing specific issues, which appeared to irritate her.) NO, I did not want to continue seeing the neurologist who had been handling my "care". I sought help from outside that group. Two years later, the medical group that had persisted on their inane rule ELIMINATED IT. The supervisor called me to say that I could see whichever neurologist that I (or any other person) wanted. I informed her that I no longer wanted to deal with that angst anymore and had obtained an incredible doctor elsewhere (thankfully my insurance doesn't restrict that). (Medical groups have Office Managers AND Supervisors for specific disciplines, and my experience has been that they will yes me to death but their ultimate goal is to cover themselves and the doctors.)
Unfortunately, that "rule" does seem to exist in majority of other medical groups, which is an impediment in getting second opinions within the specific medical disciplines. ALL the records are right there, for goodness sakes! The ones who lose out are we, the patients! Especially hard on anyone who does not have the wear-with-all to navigate and explore options, or to in essence "fight back," as happened to a friend suffering and dealing with horrible issues, the most recent being told that she has uterine cancer. For years, she simply "accepted" what she was told, and did whatever she had to do for fear of losing her medical team members and be blacklisted. Nearly 80 yrs old and a widow, my dear friend finally listened to what I offered to do, to get her medical services of top-notch medical center, but she is still scared of being told she cannot continue at her medical group. Several people have! THAT should not be! Alone, dealing with cancer, overwhelmed by other serious health issues...many people exist with those and other issues, and having one's medical group give you a hard time should NOT be part of the equation. Thankfully, her Medicare will cover the upcoming costs involved including emotional support, and with the help of other people that I know, she now has support groups that are providing even financial assistance and home services. Unbelievable that her medical group could not do any of this or at least provide contact info. I've learned so much from researching and contacting sources for her, and have kept a file because I found all the info to be invaluable. I'd had no knowledge about the organizations, etc., prior to this.

As for my neurological issues that the doctors had not been able to diagnose? I still have them, because I seem to be a conundrum...but at least I'm given attention to the need for annual brain MRIs and other issues, and not made to feel that I'm just an old lady that should just count the days. Presently looking into services of the same medical center to which I convinced my friend to seek help from. That complex has interdisciplinary approach and is the one that comes most closely to what I really wish I could do: Be seen at Mayo. That's out of the question for myriad reasons. But I'm looking forward to what the in-county (no travel to NYC!) medical complex has to offer.
Meanwhile, I do keep tabs of each of the paths in my extensive medical journey.
Enjoy the weekend! May it be peaceful and restful🌺