Getting to have the doctor you choose is super important, for all kinds of reasons.  Prompt referral for diagnostics and imaging will save your life.   If your doctor thinks you need a test, you probably do.  Don't trust your care to someone who is trying to save money on every patient! Many Good doctors won't work for managed care organizations because they don't want to deal with administration and regulations limiting the scope of their practices.  I'm not saying don't have managed care, but people need to have a choice!