I live in WA, and i've gone thru the gauntlet.
You need proof (doctors chart notes) that you suffer from chronic pain (pain that has lasted for 3 months or longer). It doesnt matter how many doctors visits you have, but THCF (The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation) will tell you to send in three different pieces of information, that combined, will prove your "chronic pain". I sent mine in, but was later need to send an extra paper to further verif. So it doesnt exactly mean you need three doc visits, or three documents. They just dont want you faxing 40 pieces of paper in to them, because they have to verify your condition before they will allow you to make an appointment with them.
Pretty much, if they can prescribe you some vicodine, then they can approve you for medical mj.
Good luck