I got what I needed (an official recommendation for a scan) very quickly, to the point where it surprised me. This was accomplished with the nurses and doctor asking very few questions, all of which were extremely to the point, and giving me very little time to talk. It feels very weird because this is exactly the outcome I wanted (gib test pls need answers) without the bullshit I was afraid I would get, yet I feel curiously uncared about?
Like, Planned Parenthood is my PCP, I never worry about being "enough" there and when I went in to get my referral for this specialist, the PA and NP were super kind and listened to all my issues and let me give full context answers to their questions. They don't have the capacity to schedule this scan directly (hence the need for the referral), but I felt very cared for, even though I know they see a lot of patients all the time and only remember me by my chart (which is fine, but I appreciate feeling cared about during my appointment all the same).
But I mean, does any of that matter if this specialist makes sure my physical needs are met? Is this what it's like in countries with functional healthcare systems?
The real test will be how things go at the follow-up (all assuming medicaid isn't an asshole about things…I hope the approver has a great night's sleep and is in a nice mood is all I'm saying). Fingers crossed I guess…