In Finland I was receiving treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, There I had to go to a general practitioner before being referred to a specialist who then took over my treatment,

Is it the same here? Do I need a referral from a GP, or can I start looking directly for a specialist?

Thanks for any help.

I think that depends on your health insurance plan.

Some are more restrictive, where the path to the specialist always starts with a referral from a GP.