HOORAY for confirmation of what you suspected, @jotanger2! That’s a big step in the right direction! Yes you should get a referral to a surgeon if your insurance requires that. Most surgeons don’t require a referral so you can self-refer if your insurance company doesn’t require it.
I think you know we don’t have any doctors on our list for your state, however, an ENT skull based surgeon, neurosurgeon or maxillofacial surgeon often operates in the area where the styloids are & sometimes even has to remove one in the course of a cancer surgery, thus if you can find a local skull based cancer surgeon, you may not have to travel for surgery. If you’re willing & able to travel, there are several doctors in MA & NY & we can highly recommend Dr. Cognetti in Philadelphia, PA, & Dr. Hackman (does bilateral surgery) in Chapel Hill, NC.