Why Are Americans Visiting Their Doctors Less Often?

Long gone are the days when the doctor would make house calls and, according to a recent report, the days that we visit a doctor are declining too.

A report released this week indicates that Americans are less likely to visit their doctor these days. This was compiled from the results of the last U.S. Census.

According to the report, in 2010, working-age adults made an average of 3.9 visits to doctors, nurses or other medical providers, down from 4.8 in 2001. Among those with at least one such visit, the average number of visits also declined, from 6.4 to 5.4 over the period.

These findings are from Health Status, Health Insurance, and Medical Services Utilization: 2010, a report examining the relationship between the use of medical services (such as visits to doctors and nights spent in the hospital), health status, health insurance coverage and other demographic and economic characteristics.

Results from the report indicated that most Americans, 66 percent, consider their health either “excellent” or “very good.” Only 2 percent considered themselves in “poor” health.

What do you think is the reason for this decline in visits to the doctor? Is it economic, or are we really as healthy as we think we are?