Hello.
I'm lucky...I got to see a cardiologist today despite the fact that I am a self-payer. My primary care physician found one who takes on self-payers.
I have to make payments every month, but there's no set minimum that I have to send in.
I am so relieved.
Anyone who needs to see a specialist and is a self-payer, please talk to your primary care physician and make sure that he/she knows you are a self-payer (most assume you have insurance). That way he/she may be able to get you a referral to someone who will see you.
Good luck to anyone in a similar situation...I hope things work out well for you.