A recent national survey commissioned by PatientPoint and conducted by Talker Research reveals a growing sense of unease among Americans about the health‑care system. The study, which polled 2,000 U.S. adults who had seen a primary‑care doctor within the last year, found that 43% reported increased anxiety about health‑care, with the top driver being the overall cost and affordability of services.
Cost Concerns Lead the Way
More than half of respondents (54%) identified the price of health‑care as their primary source of worry. Inflation (41%) and worries about affording specific treatments (34%) followed closely behind. Government policy changes (39%) and a general lack of trust in the health system (28%) also contributed to the heightened anxiety.
Impact on Patient Behavior
The heightened anxiety is already influencing how patients act. Nearly half (47%) said concerns about health‑care costs have caused them to delay preventive care, potentially putting long‑term health at risk. Despite these concerns, the relationship between patients and their own doctors remains strong; 84% of those surveyed still trust their personal providers and the information they share.
Mixed Feelings About the Future
When asked about their outlook on the direction of health‑care, 22% described themselves as “excited,” while 30% felt “nervous” and 15% said they were “scared.” The uncertainty reflects a broader tension between confidence in individual physicians and skepticism toward the larger system.
AI in Health‑Care: Hope and Hesitation
Artificial intelligence is another focal point of the survey. Two‑thirds (67%) of respondents expressed concern that AI could diminish the personal touch of health‑care. Yet, less than half (47%) were excited about AI’s potential, with younger generations showing more optimism. Among Gen Z, 64% were hopeful about AI, compared with 63% of millennials, 48% of Gen X, and only 32% of baby boomers.
For those who do welcome AI, faster diagnoses (27%) and more personalized treatment plans (21%) were the top reasons. Seeing a doctor more quickly (15%) and easier access to health information (15%) also ranked highly. Overall, 49% believe that technology in a doctor’s office would improve their experience, indicating openness to innovation when it supports, rather than replaces, the patient‑provider relationship.
Expert Perspective
“This research highlights the essential role trusted provider relationships play in building patient confidence,” said Kyle Barich, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at PatientPoint. “While patients have concerns about the health‑care system overall, they continue to rely on their health‑care providers for trusted guidance. That trust becomes even more important as health‑care continues to evolve.”
Barich added that technology has great promise, but only when it strengthens, not supplants, the human connection patients value most.
Methodology
The online survey was conducted between March 10 and March 15, 2026. Participants were adults who had visited their primary doctor within the past year and had internet access. The full questionnaire and methodology are available through Talker Research’s Transparency Initiative.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
