COLUMBUS, OH — A new national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals a watershed gap in healthcare access, finding that nearly three in ten young adults are navigating their health without a primary care doctor.

The comprehensive poll of 1,006 adults highlights a stark generational divide: only 71% of adults ages 18 to 29 report having a primary care physician, compared to a robust 97% of adults aged 65 and older medicalxpress.com . Even more concerning, among the younger adults who do have a designated doctor, a mere 47% have scheduled a routine checkup in the past year.

When non-emergency health issues arise, the survey indicates that young adults are significantly more likely to bypass traditional medical homes. Approximately 36% of younger respondents reported they would seek out an urgent care clinic first, whereas 68% of older adults would proactively contact their primary care provider.

"It’s often best to start with your primary care doctor to decide the ideal place to seek care," Dr. Bittinger noted. "If it’s a small problem, we may steer you to urgent care. If it’s a medium problem, we can prioritize seeing you. If it’s a bigger problem, you may end up in the emergency room."

Healthcare advocates emphasize that establishing a longitudinal relationship with a physician during early adulthood is critical for preventative health, mental health screening, and managing the onset of chronic conditions. The data suggests that systemic barriers, including insurance navigation challenges and a lack of provider availability, may be contributing to this ubiquitous trend.

As the U.S. healthcare system continues to evolve, this July 2026 report serves as a testament to the urgent need for targeted outreach and accessible care models designed specifically for the young adult demographic.