COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new nationwide survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has found that many young adults in the United States do not have a primary care physician, with healthcare experts warning that the trend could lead to delayed diagnoses, missed preventive screenings and greater reliance on emergency medical services.
The survey, conducted among 1,006 U.S. adults, found that about seven in 10 adults between the ages of 18 and 29 have a regular primary care provider. In comparison, nearly all adults aged 65 and older reported having an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician.
Even among younger adults who have a regular doctor, fewer than half said they had attended a routine health checkup within the past year.
Medical professionals say regular visits to a primary care provider play an important role in maintaining long-term health. Annual checkups allow physicians to monitor overall well-being, update vaccinations, recommend age-appropriate screenings and identify potential health concerns before they become more serious.
Routine physical examinations typically include measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, reviewing medical history, assessing weight and height, and examining major body systems. Depending on a patient’s health profile, doctors may also recommend blood tests, preventive screenings or immunizations.
The survey also highlighted differences in where people seek medical attention for non-emergency health concerns. Younger adults were more likely to visit urgent care clinics first, while older adults more often contacted their primary care physician before seeking treatment elsewhere.
Healthcare providers note that consulting a primary care doctor first can help patients receive the most appropriate level of care, whether that involves treatment in a clinic, referral to a specialist or emergency care when necessary.
Researchers say maintaining a long-term relationship with a primary care provider has been associated with improved health outcomes, fewer hospital admissions and reduced emergency department visits.
The survey was conducted by SSRS between May 1 and May 3, 2026, using online and telephone interviews with adults aged 18 and older across the United States. The findings have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.
