The PCP gave him a referral -- not to en ENT, but to the same oral surgeon to whom the dentist made the referral. I suppose the doc has a reputation for expertise in the field. But he doesn't have any openings for three weeks. That did NOT please the referring dentist, who said he'd call the O.S. to make something happen sooner.

I'll tell you this much: With open enrollment underway at work, I'm thinking it's time to ditch the HMO and go with the wider network of the PPO.