How necessary is a doctor's referral?

[rolodex propaganda]

I've been having gas trouble, so I scheduled an appointment with a gastroenterologist that takes my insurance. On the phone I was told to bring in a referral from my primary doctor.

I don't have a primary care physician and haven't for years. I'm not seeing the gastro to scam them for any prescriptions, I just want my stomach problem diagnosed and treated. With that being said, could I scribble down a referral myself to save money? What do they look like? If I walked in without one, would I still be treated?

 

[addictivepersona]

I highly doubt scribbling down a referral yourself would work as you don't even know what they look like. If you walked in without one, you may or may not be treated--It's up to the staff at the gastroenterologist's office. This is such an individual case, no one here can answer you accurately.

You already made the appointment: Go and see what happens. The worst that happens is they tell you to go to your non-existent primary care provider.

The reason they make you have a referral is to rule out the basics.

Closed since all anyone can do is speculate. After your appointment, if you want it reopened to post what happened, drop Changed or I a PM. :)

 

[vvViolet]

in my experience, initial visits to specialists require a referral from a PCP. i've never seen a referral as the paperwork is handled by one's PCP's people. in your case, if a referral is required, you're going to need a real referral; they're going to know if you try to forge one. IMO, find a good PCP and make an appointment. i do not the extent of your "gas trouble" but a primary care doc very well might be able to fix you up without the need for a visit to a specialist.