Your experience doesn't match mine for US. Either SF is unique (almost certainly true) or the specialists they're referencing are extremely in demand for specific conditions.
With my regular PPO health insurance from my employer, I've had no trouble getting appointments with various specialists over the years. Occasionally I call one place and get told they can't see me for 2 months, so I just call the second name on the list and get an appointment sooner.
With my regular PPO health insurance from my employer, I've had no trouble getting appointments with various specialists over the years. Occasionally I call one place and get told they can't see me for 2 months, so I just call the second name on the list and get an appointment sooner.