Ear infections

I honestly don't even know what to tell you. I can't wrap my head around why they'd be penny-pinching on referrals when they're clearly needed...

Maybe try going to a private clinic instead? You could ask for a receipt in your own name so you can at least claim it on your taxes back home.

I mean, seriously, why can't you just walk into a specialist's office without some official referral and simply pay out of pocket for the appointment? It should be that simple!
Look, I’ve never had an issue with referrals myself—my doctor is great and writes them for everything my kid or I might need—but I really don't think the whole referral system should be such a massive roadblock for everyone else...
Just go see someone, Justin Gonzalez87, at least to get a pediatrician to confirm that everything is actually fine. You have no idea what I'm dealing with right now—the chaos involving the kids, the family... it's a total mess. Honestly, I know the local hospital systems and private clinics better than I know my own bank account at this point.