I’ve been a patient for many years due to chronic problems and I have learned that you have to advocate hard for yourself as a patient, even in the private system.
Doctors don’t understand the patient experience, and they don’t know (or sometimes care) that you had to drive interstate to see them. To them it’s just a quick note to their secretary to book you in a week later. To you it’s a week off work, a 9 hour drive, and money for accommodation etc.
Tell your story. Make them understand. Advocate. Repeatedly. Loudly. Continuously.
Ask questions and don’t be satisfied with vague answers. Keep asking until you understand everything.
And treat them like they work for you, because they do.