More than 1 in 4 young adults currently lack a primary care provider, a trend contributing to a decline in routine wellness visits among Gen Z. According to a June 29 survey of 1,006 respondents by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, only 47% of adults aged 18 to 29 have had an annual wellness visit in the past year, leaving many without the preventive care necessary to identify long-term health risks.
The Shift Toward Urgent Care Over Primary Relationships
Younger adults are increasingly bypassing traditional primary care in favor of immediate care facilities. Data from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center survey reveals that 36% of Gen Z patients turn to local urgent care clinics as their first point of contact for non-emergency health issues. While these facilities provide quick access for minor illnesses, experts warn they are not a substitute for comprehensive, longitudinal care.
“A primary care provider can recognize patterns over time, coordinate specialty care when needed and focus on prevention, not just treating today’s problem,” said Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. Dr. Russell Phillips, a senior adviser on innovation in the primary care division of general medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, added that this reliance on urgent care creates a “lost opportunity” to build the trust necessary to manage long-term health outcomes.
Did you know? While 97% of respondents age 65 and older report having a regular primary care doctor, that number drops to 71% for younger adults, according to the Ohio State University study.
Barriers to Access and the Cost of Care
Accessing consistent medical care is becoming more difficult as the healthcare system faces significant staffing shortages. The US Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortage of 70,610 primary care doctors by 2038. For young adults, this shortage often manifests as difficulty finding a practice accepting new patients or challenging appointments.
Financial concerns also play a significant role. Dr. Zachary Bittinger, a family medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, noted that young adults are often wary of medical bills, particularly those who have transitioned off their parents’ health insurance after age 26. This financial uncertainty, combined with the administrative hurdle of finding a new provider, frequently leads patients to delay or forgo care entirely.
Consequences of Delayed Diagnoses
The lack of a consistent doctor-patient relationship can have severe health consequences. Olivia Hall, a 27-year-old from Las Vegas, spent six years seeing seven different primary care providers before receiving a diagnosis for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Hall’s experience illustrates the frustration of being dismissed by medical professionals, a sentiment she says is common among her peers managing chronic illnesses.
Beyond chronic conditions, the lack of preventive screening is linked to a rise in diseases in younger populations. Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths for people younger than 50. “We lowered the age for routine colon cancer screening for everybody from 50 to 45, but that age can be even lower if our family history is more complex,” Dr. Bittinger said.
Pro Tip: If your first doctor isn’t a good match, it is acceptable to seek a new provider. Dr. Bittinger suggests asking friends or family members for recommendations to help ensure you find a clinician who listens and aligns with your communication style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an annual physical necessary for young adults?
Annual visits help identify future health risks, keep preventive care on schedule, and establish a medical history that aids in diagnosing complex conditions later, according to Dr. Leana Wen.
Can I just use urgent care for all my health needs?
Experts advise against this. Urgent care is designed for immediate, minor issues. A primary care provider is better equipped to manage long-term health, coordinate with specialists, and identify subtle patterns in your health that might otherwise go unnoticed.
What should I do if I can’t find a doctor who listens to me?
Physicians like Dr. Bittinger emphasize that patient-doctor compatibility is essential. You are encouraged to continue searching for a provider you trust, potentially using referrals from trusted friends or family members to find a better match.
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