Its usually not considered emergency? So i dont think you need to get processed thru the ER.

Is it okay for you to go see your primary for just a referral, or could it be handled by phone?

Hard to guess how fast you could get an outpatient surgery scheduled. Ive been in crowded waiting rooms, but one time my t referred me to his own butt dr and i went right in. The dr had an office in the hospital / clinic.