The way I understand it (from the paperwork that I printed from the company intranet), first I have to be under a doctor's care and "unable" to work.

If I call in sick, but I'm not officially under a doctor's care for whatever is wrong, it's just going to burn through my paid time off instead of being considered STD.

First thing in the morning, I am calling the clinic to see if anyone can see me faster than the appointment that I already have booked for Wednesday

This is my first time back at this clinic since I quit going maybe 15 years ago.

Maybe I should call my regular MD if the clinic can't get me in faster.