A recent national survey by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that more than 1 in 4 young adults don’t have a primary care provider. This trend is alarming, as skipping doctor visits in early adulthood could have severe consequences, including missed prevention opportunities and a greater chance of developing later-in-life diseases.

Consequences of Skipping Care

Experts say that regular appointments with a trusted doctor can spot conditions that may go unnoticed in an urgent care setting. Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, notes that an annual visit helps identify future risks, keeps preventive care on schedule, and provides a trusted clinician who knows your medical history.

Gen Zers are instead turning to urgent care clinics for non-emergency-related health issues, with 36% looking first to an immediate care facility. However, this approach can lead to lost opportunities to build a relationship of trust with a primary care physician.

Challenges in Accessing Care

Rural areas and overcrowded cities are especially stretched thin when it comes to accessing affordable and quality healthcare. The survey’s findings are consistent with results from other studies about young adults being less likely to have a primary care doctor. Healthcare staffing challenges will likely worsen, with a predicted shortage of 70,610 primary care doctors by 2038.

Rising healthcare costs can also have some Gen Zers debating whether medical appointments are worth the expense. Under the Affordable Care Act, adults older than 26 are no longer eligible to stay on their parents’ health insurance, which can lead to forgoing checkups or appointments.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.