Do I need a referral to see a hand surgeon?

In short

Usually not. You can usually book a visit with Dr. Knight directly. The exception is an insurance plan that requires your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist, which is common with HMO and POS plans. If you are not sure whether yours does, check with your insurer or call our office before the visit.

By The Hand and Wrist Institute Medically reviewed by John T. Knight, MD Reviewed November 4, 2026 Updated November 2, 2026How we write and review

Call (817) 382-6789 to have this looked at, or book online with Dr. Knight.

Most patients book directly

You can pick up the phone and call us. For most patients there is no need to go through a primary care doctor first. You can book a visit with Dr. Knight directly.

When a referral is needed

Some plans require your primary care doctor to refer you before a specialist visit is covered. In most HMO plans, including Medicare Advantage HMOs, you need a referral to see a specialist.¹ POS plans require one too, while PPO plans usually do not.² If yours requires a referral, get it first so the visit is not denied. The quickest way to check is the number on your insurance card, or call our office and we can help.

Booking Dr. Knight in Southlake or Plano, Texas

Dr. Knight sees patients at our hand surgeon office in Southlake, open weekdays, and our hand surgeon office in Plano, open Tuesdays. Online booking is open any time, 7 days a week, or call (817) 382-6789. We also handle workers' compensation cases and work with the employer and the insurance carrier.

In Dr. Knight's words

"Usually not, unless you're [in] a specific insurance that requires that your primary care doctor has to refer you."

What to bring to the first visit

• Your insurance card and a photo ID.
• Any x-rays, MRI scans or reports you already have.
• A list of your medicines.
• The referral, if your plan requires one.