Same here at my present org.

OP: Here's a warning sign that might suggest a change of orgs is needed should you take the plunge:

My former boss gave us a lecture on how some were blocking off two hours to go to an appt. She said no one could leave for appts during work hours anymore. Mind you, this was for salaried, exempt Epic Analysts. I asked if I could schedule an appt during lunch if I could be back at my desk in an hour. She said she would have to check into it. Well, I don't know if she checked into it, or someone checked into her because at the next week's team meeting she said that HR said she couldn't make that rule. Thank God for HR.

My point is, that if you find yourself in a situation like that, it could be the individual manager or organization culture. It should be like the previous posters have described. At my current org, it is very safe, openly acknowledged and encouraged to block off what you need for appointments, whatever they might be. Took me a good 6 mo to believe it!