How do I navigate seeing a PCP on an HMO in a huge city?

I can only see my PCP for a referral and have a pretty active health condition that should be seen sooner than later (I've had half a numb face and a very glitchy body for two weeks…). I tried to make an appointment with the PCP I was assigned but she doesn't even have a schedule. I changed my PCP to a new doctor but it's not effective until the 1st, and even then the first available date with that doctor is 7 weeks away.

I'm not quite sure what the average person does in this situation and I'm feeling demoralized. Do I just beg the doctor's office for a sooner appointment? Beg my insurance to bring the effective date closer? All doctors are this backed up in my city and I've never quite grasped how the average person even sees a doctor in this climate.

I'm just looking for some suggestions or tips of how to circumvent this that I may not be thinking through thoroughly; I'm pretty anxious over my issue at the moment.

Thank you for any help

submitted by /u/Winneqe
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