A growing number of Gen Z adults are skipping routine medical care, raising concerns among healthcare experts about the long-term impact on disease prevention and overall health. According to a recent national survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, more than one in four young adults do not have a primary care physician, while many who do rarely schedule annual wellness visits.

The findings highlight a shift away from preventive healthcare among Gen Z Adults aged 18 to 29. Only 47% of respondents in this age group reported having undergone an annual physical or wellness check-up within the past year, despite routine examinations being widely recommended as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare.

Medical experts warn that delaying or avoiding regular check-ups could increase the risk of serious health conditions going undetected until they become more difficult to treat.

Missed Screenings May Increase Health Risks

Healthcare professionals say routine visits are about more than addressing immediate health concerns. Annual appointments provide an opportunity to assess long-term health risks, update preventive screenings and vaccinations, and establish a medical history that can help guide future treatment.

Doctors point to the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults as an example of why preventive care matters. The disease has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among people under the age of 50, prompting health authorities in recent years to lower the recommended age for routine colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 for individuals at average risk.

Experts note that people with a family history of the disease or other risk factors may require screening even earlier.

Urgent Care Replacing Primary Care

The survey, which included 1,006 participants across multiple age groups, found a significant generational divide in access to primary healthcare. While 97% of adults aged 65 and older reported having a regular healthcare provider, only 71% of younger adults said the same.

Instead of establishing long-term relationships with family physicians, many younger adults are relying on urgent care clinics for non-emergency medical needs. Around 36% of Gen Z Adults respondents said an urgent care facility would be their first choice for treatment when health issues arise.

While urgent care centres offer convenience, healthcare professionals say they cannot replace the continuity of care provided by a dedicated primary care physician who understands a patient’s medical history and can monitor changes over time.

Building a Long-Term Doctor-Patient Relationship

Medical experts encourage young adults to find a healthcare provider they trust, emphasising that a strong doctor-patient relationship plays an important role in maintaining both physical and mental health.

They also stress that patients should not hesitate to seek another physician if they feel uncomfortable or believe communication is lacking. Finding the right doctor, they say, can improve healthcare experiences, encourage regular preventive visits and support healthier outcomes throughout adulthood.

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