Going to the doctor annually is not the priority it used to be for Americans. In 2001, adults made an average of 4.8 visits each year to see physicians, nurses or other medical professionals, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As of 2010, the rate was down to 3.9 visits.

At least two factors may be responsible for the change, say Census experts. First, those making up the majority of the workforce today are younger, non-baby boomers. And because they are younger, they’re less likely to need to see a doctor.

Second, the rise in the number of Americans lacking health insurance may be influencing many to put off seeking medical help. The percentage of those without health benefits in 2010 was 21.8%, up from 17% nine years earlier. Only 24% of those without health insurance went to a doctor in 2010 compared to 72% of those who were insured.

The Census Bureau reported that Hispanics are the least likely to seek medical care—only 42% visited a doctor at least once in 2010. In comparison, 77% of whites and 70% of blacks went to the doctor that year.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

Health Status, Health Insurance, and Medical Services Utilization: 2010 (by Brett O’Hara and Kyle Caswell, U.S. Census Bureau) (pdf)

Doctor Visits Dropping, New Census Figures Show (by Sabrina Tavernise, New York Times)

Americans Get Less for Their Health Money than Citizens of other Wealthy Nations (by David Wallechinsky and Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)