I will try and help you the best I can. I have lived in 2 states since this RSD, so I will include both in my answers.

1) North East PA currently
2) It took 6 years to diagnose, I saw over 10 doctors in New Jersey and 8 in PA, after diagnosis I finally found one doctor who reluctantly treats me. No-one is happily treating me and I must constantly research and basically treat myself.
3) Approvals for tests only take 2-3 days that is the quickest thing
4) Emergency rooms are the worst - hours and hours are wasted the last time I was there for 4 hours in the waiting room, 9 hours on a bed and released to a specialist after 2 more hours. YIKES. most ER care in PA took 5-10 hours and in NJ it was quicker 2-5 hours. My husband won't go the the ER even though he works in a hospital.
5) There are very few pain "specialists" in this area and 90% treat only with blocks. I went through them all and my doctor is a rehabilitation expert.
6) It was very challenging, it took over a year and 4 specialists before they believed I truly has RSD and was not drug seeking. I was willing to undergo blood test to prove I was "clean" but it took forever and I am constantly having to prove myself and beg for treatment.
7) I traveled to Morroco and ended up having to see a doctor for an illness. The doctor was amazing, well versed in medicine, very up to date and extremely willing to help. He told me he took courses 4 times a year in France and 2 times in the USA. His whole staff was attentive and willing to help an American who was extremely ill.

good luck with your paper.