Is a referral necessary to see a specialist?

I'd like to see an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist for an old hand injury. Sprained my finger a few months ago and it's still bothering me.. more so, recently. I went to the university health center when I got the injury, didn't get much help other than them telling me to rest. Is a referral from a general practicioner necessary to see a specialist? I'm sure there isn't much they could do to help or tell me that I wouldn't know. And I don't have health insurance.

Having to get a referral from a family doctor
to see a specialist is usually because of a
requirement by insurance companies.

If you don't have medical insurance you should be able to
make an appointment to see a specialist without
any problem since you are footing the bill yourself.

if you have insurance. yes. if not, i dont think so. as long as you can pay the bill, im sure they wont refuse you.

it depends on if you have an HMO or PPO. With an HMO, you will need a referral, but with a PPO, you can see any doctor in your network without one. If in doubt, call the number on your insurance card. if you don't have insurance, you never need to be referred, you're paying for it, so you can get whatever you want!