There was no insurance for healthcare when I was growing up. When insurance lobbyists approached the government the taxpayers were assured that insurance companies would not "interfere" with the care needed. They dictate your care now. If you don't see it, you are in denial!
I also remember the response from our compassionate healthcare industry. It went something like, "in order to make up for the cuts insurance companies are getting for our services we have to raise rates and increase incidental care". 
Now you know why you have to be referred to a specialist. Because the insurance company created an obstacle and your doctor figured out a way to make a profit from that. Nobody cares about your health. You are a mark to be taken advantage of.
That all goes away if we socialize medicine and it will cost less than what you pay out of pocket now.
Cut out the middleman and bring back healthcare professionals who care!