Can a clinic doctor refer a specialist or does it have to be a family doctor?. cause i think i need to see a gastroenterologist.

Insurance issues: America is a free country, so any patient can see a gastroenterologist, without having to get permission from another person. The restrictions are insurance issues, meaning lower quality insurance will have more restrictions, and cause more trouble for patients and doctors... But such insurance (hmo's, medicaid, etc.) is cheaper or paid by the taxpayers. Always try for ppo insurance or better.