Rising costs, policy changes fuel Americans’ healthcare anxiety

Americans’ anxiety about the healthcare industry is on the rise, according to new research.

But trust in their providers hasn’t wavered — a new survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who visited a doctor within the past year found that while 43% reported increased anxiety about healthcare, 84% still trust their providers and the information they share.

For respondents experiencing more anxiety, there are a variety of factors impacting their “health-xiety,” but the No. 1 concern was the general cost and affordability of healthcare (54%).

That theme continued, as respondents also flagged inflation (41%) and concerns about affording treatments (34%) as reasons for their increased anxiety.

That was alongside government policy changes (39%) and simply not trusting the health system as much (28%).

This increase in anxiety is affecting patient behavior, with nearly half (47%) of patients saying healthcare-related concerns have caused them to delay preventive care.

Commissioned by PatientPoint (https://patientpoint.com/) and conducted by Talker Research as part of PatientPoint’s annual Patient Confidence Index, the survey found this distrust of the industry didn’t translate to the same feeling for their own doctor.

While 22% said they feel “excited” about the direction of healthcare, more respondents described themselves as “nervous” (30%) or “scared” (15%) — highlighting the uncertainty many Americans feel about the healthcare system.

“This research highlights the essential role trusted provider relationships play in building patient confidence,” said Kyle Barich, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at PatientPoint. “While patients have concerns about the healthcare system overall, they continue to rely on their healthcare providers for trusted guidance. That trust becomes even more important as healthcare continues to evolve.”

And for many, AI is also playing a role: Two-thirds (67%) of respondents are concerned that AI will remove the personal touch of healthcare.

When it comes to AI, less than half are excited about the potential of this being used in healthcare (47%), and there was a stark generational divide.

Younger generations were much more excited about AI in healthcare than older generations — 64% of Gen Z is optimistic about the possibilities, compared to 63% of millennials, 48% of Gen X and just 32% of baby boomers surveyed.

For those looking forward to AI in healthcare, receiving faster diagnoses (27%) was the top reason why, followed by the possibility of more personalized treatment plans (21%).

Seeing a doctor more quickly (15%) and having easier and faster access to necessary health information (15%) also came out high.

Despite those concerns, respondents aren’t rejecting technology altogether. Nearly half (49%) believe technology in their doctor’s office would improve their experience, suggesting patients are open to innovation when it supports their care.

“Technology has tremendous potential to improve healthcare experiences, but only when it strengthens, not replaces, the relationship between patients and providers,” said Barich. “Patients are open to innovation that makes care more personalized, accessible and easier to navigate while preserving the human connection they value most.”