Discovery - leading you up the garden path

My son saw a GP in our country town and has been referred to an orthopedic surgeon, but Discovery Key Care Plus refuses to give him authorization to to see the specialist because he was not seen by one of their prescribed GP's. This is so inappropriate as we have a plus minus 500 km round trip to be able see a prescribed GP. Discovery should up their game and take people living in little country towns into consideration as they are paying the same fees as people living in the cities. I would like to know what would happen in an extreme emergency, probably let the member die. He has been treated by our local GP for at least 20 years, who sent him for x-rays and made a diagnosis that a specialist would be required to treat him. All cost has to be paid out of is own pocket. Now he has to go a GP, at extra cost, who has NO knowledge of his previous medical history. At AA rates a round trip will cost in the region of R2 250-00. Discovery are quick to take your monthly fee, but if your payment is a day late they are just a quick to suspend you. They are not prepared to go the extra mile for their clients no matter what the situation. The consultant actually insulted me by telling me I should get another plan which will suit my situation(meaning living in the country and not a city).