Insurance that requires referral from your PCP? Questions.

I just took a new job last year and my new health insurance requires me to have a PCP. I understand that if I need to go to any specialist I need a referral from the PCP. Am I the only one who finds this a tremendous headache?

What happens if my PCP is unavailable for an appointment? Am I allowed to see another Dr. in the practice? I was spoiled with my old insurance, had no copays for anything. I am used to making my own appointments with specialists as needed, I don't know if I will get used to this.

My husbands insurance dosn't require a PCP. I have that listed as my secondary. How does that work? Can I go to a specialist without a referral under his insurance?

This whole thing confuses me....Of course I will probably call and ask these questions directly but anything else I should know?

Re: Insurance that requires referral from your PCP? Questions.

I would think as long as it's in the same practice it's fine. We have Empire and yes they are great in coverage but I hate the referrals. It's such a waste of paper and time. And they only last 3 months so you need to get a new one