I ve had on-going back problems for the last 7-8 years?

I've had flare-up's every 5 months on average. My usual GP was unavailable last week, & I saw a Dr I haven't Non usual GP gave me the usual referral to the physio, & a referral to a nurosurgeon; saying an option is to get the offending discs removed

While it has been an on-going problem over many years, and another plan of attack may be required, surely, I should be sent to a radiologist to get some scans done first, before he wastes my time & the nurosurgeon's time? Should I get a 2nd opinion?