A new survey reveals that adults in the United States overwhelmingly prefer receiving primary care from primary
care practices over retail clinics and emergency departments — but many encounter difficulty accessing and affording primary care.
Americans Prefer Primary Care
When asked where they prefer to receive primary care, Americans overwhelmingly choose primary care practices, which are more likely to offer relationship-based care.
Nearly three-quarters (73%) of U.S. adults prefer to receive primary health care services at a primary care practice, with 90% of Americans 55 or older preferring primary care practices over alternatives.
Where do you typically prefer to receive primary care services?
Americans Face Challenges Accessing This Care
Unfortunately, many Americans lack access to the care they deserve.
Lacking Relationships
28%
of U.S. adults lack an ongoing relationship with a primary care professional for their health concerns.
Appointment
Woes
of those with an ongoing relationship faced challenges getting an appointment when they needed one in the last six months.
Affordability Challenges
of adults say out-of-pocket expenses are at least sometimes a major barrier to getting primary care services they need.
Delivering the Promise of Primary Care
The survey underscores recent research from the PCC indicating that the number of primary care clinicians is dwindling due to underinvestment, leaving more people unable to establish a regular primary care relationship. The United States spends less than five cents of every health care dollar on primary care, despite evidence that it improves outcomes for patients at lower costs.
By supporting policies that invest in and strengthen primary care, policymakers can help ensure that Americans can obtain the kind of relationship-based primary care that they prefer.
Methodology
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1164 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30th August – 2nd September 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).
