The first point is by far the most important. The US healthcare system (and probably others) is an unfeeling machine and you have to treat it that way. Ask for earlier appointments, cancellations, and referrals to other specialists. Navigate it as if nobody knows (or cares) what you're up to. Doctors tend to only exist within their silo and it's often on you to request a different type of doctor or even another one of the same type. Be a pain in the ass, your survival may depend on it.
Personal story: I was having trouble using my left arm. Like, couldn't lift or type or do much of anything with it. Was told it was a pinched nerve by physiatrists and orthopedists, despite having no pain. Only when I specifically requested for a referral to a second neurologist did he order the head MRI which exposed a brain tumor in my motor cortex. We were able to move quickly and get me on a treatment plan which has bought me a lot of time. Had I not advocated for myself, it would have probably mutated into a much worse type and killed me soon.
Personal story: I was having trouble using my left arm. Like, couldn't lift or type or do much of anything with it. Was told it was a pinched nerve by physiatrists and orthopedists, despite having no pain. Only when I specifically requested for a referral to a second neurologist did he order the head MRI which exposed a brain tumor in my motor cortex. We were able to move quickly and get me on a treatment plan which has bought me a lot of time. Had I not advocated for myself, it would have probably mutated into a much worse type and killed me soon.