I am in the same situation. I have one gem of a physician in my rheumatologist. BUT, limited on time. My PCP works for the healthcare system and I am free to view my chart with test results, and message questions, but, even simple questions I have had, the nurse doesn't know as much as I do. That's frightening. MY PCP spends his allotted 15 minutes and does not answer messages if he can help it. I have watched my blood work go up and down over the past six or nine months and even I could tell something wasn't quite right. So, a few weeks ago, I had a bad fall. It had to be bad or I would never have gone to the ER. But, it was and I did. Nothing broken, thank goodness. Bad bruising on internal organs. I have been in a lot of pain already with rheumatoid arthritis and was trying to get back up on my feet with my good doctor's help. That being the case, I did not pay attention to my CAT scans that were done in the ER until two weeks ago. Imagine my surprise when the radiologist was thorough enough to mention both my Dextacardia and Scoliosis, congenital AND a new problem. As with @pmm, I worked in the Health Insurance industry as a Business Analyst for forty years and I have a good medical vocabulary. And knowledge. So, according to the radiologist's report, I have a build-up of Hemosiderosis. It is, if I understand it a build-up of iron. I am not sure which part of my upper body he meant, BUT both my PCP my rheumatologist, AND my gastroenterologist were told, by ME, that I had fallen and that they needed to read what he wrote. My PCP was not happy. My rheumatologist was shocked and told me to have my PCP or a hematologist do certain blood tests. Which irritated my PCP even more. Just let me say this, if you don't fight for yourself, the next time they don't go over your reports, or don't review your labs or radiology even from another doctor, you could find yourself in the worst-case scenario. I think doctors are pushed to limit their time with us. Well, that is too bad. I don't mind if I am going for a maintenance visit. Tell your doctor you want to understand your lab results better for your own edification and can the nurse call you with them. And the internet is a good place to start. But forums here are a good place to get support. They don't like us using Facebook but guess who helped me the most with RA? Take care and ASK anything you want to know.
Every patient needs a medical advocate. I have advocated for many folks myself. It’s interesting how when I am the patient, I seem to speak with less authority. Or perhaps there is a belief that medical staff can be patronizing instead of instructive. Regardless, patients must speak up for themselves. Ask questions. Insist on timely response and appointments. Keep barking up the food chain until you get results.
Not easy when you are feeling sick, vulnerable and some are alone in your misery.
Be a friend to others and ask a friend to be there for you. We are stronger together.