A new study commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds that young people are missing out on the health benefits of having a primary care physician.
A national poll of 1,006 adults found that only 71% of adults aged 18 to 29 have a family doctor, compared to 97% of adults aged 65 and older. Only 47% of young people who see a doctor have had a health check in the past year.
Having a primary care physician is especially important when you are young. We’re looking five, 10, 20 years out. That’s because it’s the ideal time to see your doctor. These relationships mean you can get advice to keep you safe at every stage of your life, from college to parenthood to retirement. ”
Zachary Bittinger, MD, Family Medicine Physician, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
What happens during the annual health check?
Building a patient-doctor relationship begins with an annual physical exam. This is a regular check-up and an opportunity to discuss health issues and prevention. Patients answer questions about their medical history and undergo a physical exam. The physical exam may include:
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Check vital signs such as body temperature, pulse, and breathing rate
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Measure height, weight, and blood pressure
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listen to heart and lung sounds
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look at your mouth and ears
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examine the skin
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feel the lymph nodes
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Check for swelling in your arms and legs
Based on your answers to questions and a physical exam, your doctor may order blood tests to check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Your doctor will review your medical history and may recommend physical exams and vaccinations.
“My young, healthy patients may be the epitome of health, but they may not realize that they’re overdue for a tetanus shot because it’s been 10 years,” Bittinger said. “They may not know it’s time for their first Pap test. There’s a lot going on when they come to primary care from far away.”
Where do young people seek non-emergency care?
When a non-emergency health problem occurs, young people visit an emergency clinic. Research shows that 36% seek out an urgent care clinic first and 68% of older adults contact their primary care provider.
“In many cases, it is best to consult your primary care physician to determine the ideal location for your treatment,” Bittinger says. “If it’s a minor problem, we might refer you to the emergency room. If it’s a moderate problem, we can see you as a priority. If it’s a larger problem, you may end up going to the emergency room.”
Seeing your primary care physician leads to improved health outcomes, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer emergency room visits.
What is the research method?
The survey was conducted on the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a twice-monthly national probability-based survey. Data collection was conducted from May 1 to May 3, 2026, with a sample of 1,006 respondents. The survey was conducted in English via the web (n=976) and telephone (n=30). The margin of error across respondents is +/-3.6 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. All SSRS Opinion Panel omnibus data is weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adults ages 18 and older.
sauce:
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
