So I know we all dread going to the doctor …. but at the same time, we go when we need to, right? Wrong.
Just over 1 in 2 Americans (51%) admit that they have put off seeing a doctor in the past year, due to barriers like…
- Cost (24%)
- Insurance coverage (14%)
- Time (14%)
- Concern over what the doctor would discover (11%)
- Concern over pain or embarrassment (8%)
Women, young adults (under age 50, especially those in the 18-29 bracket), and adults in the South and Midwest are the most likely to delay health care and cite cost as an impediment.
As a researcher, I am less moved from a policy-perspective over the last two barriers above which seem to reflect a patient’s (and note: grown-up’s) personal choice … however, I have to admit the first two barriers trouble me as a sizeable percentage of Americans appear to be putting aside needed care because they can’t afford it. Seems like a conversation for legislators, advocates, and academics.
Where do you stand?
Leave a Reply