We do have the advantage of having lots of specialists in NYC so we do have the option of sending them elsewhere.
My worst story on this-- a dermatologist. We'd sent several other patients to him, and he seemed pretty good. Patients loved him anyway. Well, one of our patients had a new "strange mole" on her face and wanted it checked out. Did the electronic referral and gave it to her. Now, she forgot to take it with her to her appointment. Her appointment happened to be on a minor holiday and we were closed (one of those 3-day weekends though). They refused to see her. Would not log onto the insurance website and download the referral. Would not call the insurance company's Interactive Voice System to confirm the referral.
When we spoke w/ her the next day, we sent her someone further away but who saw her immediatley once I explained the situation. TURNED OUT SHE ACTUALLY HAD A SKIN CANCER!!!!!! At least it was caught early and she's ok now.
