If you have ppo insurance, do you still have to be "referred" to an infectious disease specialist by your dr?

Maybe: Most ppo do not require a referral to see a specialist (called self-referral). That said, most infectious disease specialist will not accept patients unless they have been referred by a primary care physician with the exception of a recent positive result on a home HIV test. Most ia physicians are very busy & it is hard to get an appointment without a physician referral.

NOT Usually...: Ppo is an organization of "preferred providers" that the insurance plan has selected and contracted with that usually do not require a referral. But it is always a good idea to include your primary care physician in the loop.