I’ve had issues like this even for non chronic things. Repeated visits for an obvious or easy to determine diagnosis. Unwillingness to order certain blood tests or whatever. Sometimes it is because of health insurance rules, which is itself a problem since it forces me to deal with the big inconvenience and expense of several visits, but other times it is because of the doctor’s arbitrary unwillingness.

One example that frustrated me recently was an issue that could be one of three things, each of which could be confirmed via a DNA test. The hospital’s genetics department was unwilling to just go ahead with the three different tests (they aren’t tested as part of a general DNA screen so it is three specific tests instead) even though it’s the fastest and least invasive way to diagnose. Instead they want an invasive surgical confirmation first, which is far more expensive and time consuming. They shared no good reason when I challenged this - just vague patronizing language that reiterated their unwillingness.

In general I’m frustrated that patients can’t just order the exact tests they want. Why do I need a doctor’s consent for various blood draws? I should be able to pick from a menu and pay for whatever I want.