Could re-installing the "gatekeeper" referral save on health care costs in the U.S.?

[CTyankee]

5. OB/GYN is an exception, tho. Women can go directly to them, bypassing the PCP.

I get my scrip for my mammogram when I go for my yearly PCP physical. Then I go down the hall to the radiology lab and get the test. I now make an appt. for it right after my annual physical since I know in advance I'll have the scrip in hand. Then I go to the lab and get the routine bloodwork done.

I no longer need a Pap test each year so if I have a simple problem I have gone to my local Planned Parenthood clinic. I see a PA there and the care is wonderful. And yes, they accept Medicare!

I'm retired, but when I was working my insurance never covered acupuncture. The one time I tried it I had to pay out of pocket. I'm surprised to learn you have a policy that covers it!

As for rashes, my PCP diagnosed some skin issues I was having and advised me to use hypoallergenic soap products. Problem solved!

As I said, I'm luckily in pretty good shape physically. But in my experience it has HELPED me to confer with him first since I trust him to make a good judgment on whether I need a specialist.