Generally, they are. I have one good one now, a specialist. My primary is an ass though, and all other doctors to date took a combination of arm twisting and gamesmanship to get them to get along and to do the right thing.

Example, I needed a refill on my albuterol inhaler (I get asthma when it's cold. I don't think it's caused by cold, but some plant or fungus the grows in winter). I request a refill via the online portal. Nurse calls me... "doctor won't refill it without an appointment." I ask to schedule an appointment. She says the earliest he's available is three weeks out. I make the appointment and hang up the phone.

I then get back on the portal, write my doctor, explain how long I've had the script, why I need it — I have asthma right now, and add the magic phrase "please let me know if you will be able to provide timely care."

The script was filled the next morning.