I'll say "absolutely" to Glenntaj's comments that we have to be our own best advocates. If not, then who will be?

Was not referred at all to any of my specialists. It was self-referral all the way. I guess working for docs and in hospitals for so many years taught me one or two things - and one of them was: patient's have to become informed, stick up for themselves and find docs on their own if need be (provided a referral isn't required by the insurance company).