One of our goals is to avoid sending you to an inappropriate specialist which increases cost for healthcare and delays proper treatment. Seeing a primary care physician first gives us a “working diagnosis” to ensure that we are recommending the proper specialist. Your primary care doctor can take care of any testing or imaging that may be required for an accurate diagnosis.
Many specialists require that you first see a primary care doctor before scheduling an appointment with them. They may also ask to see your lab work and medical records prior to scheduling an appointment with you.