sherbert

Um, when was the last time you saw a laptop or computer terminal with a CD writer or even a player? Surely just copying them to a usb drive or sending them via email would be more...efficient for everyone involved! Anyway, back to the OP: never been asked for any medical records so you'll be able to get by without them. For referrals, depending on your insurance you may be able to go to a specialist/out of network without a referral. But I've not had a single problem being referred by the primary practitioner. They jump at the chance to send you off packing to their mates. I think they get a referral fee.

petitefrancaise

I'm going to pick this apart for the benefit of newbies.....

1. Primary Care physicians or PCP (GP equivalent) are forbidden to take any kind of referral fee or incentive. It's called "anti-kickback" legislation.
2 You can ask for a recommendation from your PCP, they may or may not be able to do this. They will not "refer" you in the NHS/UK sense. You have the choice on whether to get further treatment, you have the choice of whom to choose. This is really important to realise as it is your INSURANCE which dictates who you go to consult with and where you go.
3. If you decide to seek specialist advice then the first thing you check is insurance coverage. Many plans now restrict you to IN-NETWORK doctors - doctors, clinics and hospitals that they have negotiated special rates with. If your insurance allows OUT-OF-NETWORK doctors, you need to check how much the insurance will apy. It is usually much less so you pay more of the bill.
4. Your insurance company website should have a list of doctors etc that are in-network for your plan. Check it.
5. When you phone to book the appointment with the specialist, have your company ID and social security number or your insurance card handy. Ask the receptionist if they are in-network for your insurance company. If they are any good they will ask for your insurance details, look it up and tell you. If they don't do this, then ask them to and if they still don't , check again with the insurance company. Don't make the rookie mistake that I made.... don't ask if they "accept" your insurance. They will of course, but what is important is that they are in-network and if they aren't then it's up to you to find out what kind of bill you will be in for.

I have a form that I prepared that can be filled out ready with all your insurance company details, your local in-network ER (for sutures etc), your local in-network hospital for emergencies requiring a hospital as well as your PCP details for you and the kids. PM me if anyone wants it. Believe me you don't want to end up with a $2k bill for a couple of sutures because you went to an out-of-network hospital emergency room. This happened to my neighbours. My daughter's bill for a similar situation was $100.