Care navigation can seem like an obstacle course to some people. Seven in 10 consumers say they have no trouble making an appointment or understanding their insurance coverage. But for others, the system is still an obstacle course. Consumers who cannot afford healthcare are finding it difficult to manage the healthcare system.
When it comes to seeking treatment, half (51%) prefer what they're used to: in person with their doctor. However, people struggling with medical bills are almost twice as likely to end up in the emergency room than those with medical bills. Younger consumers and those with fewer health concerns are more likely to choose the convenience of a walk-in clinic.
In fact, two-thirds of consumers say they're putting off seeing a doctor until it's an emergency. This demonstrates the continued need for targeted preventive health education by health plans, health care providers, and employers. And with nearly half of Gen Z saying they don't know where to go for health care, payers and health care providers see an untapped opportunity to better engage and mentor this younger generation. I am holding.
Meanwhile, 45% of all consumers say they prefer to take a DIY approach to health and manage their health themselves rather than visiting a doctor. Women are more likely than consumers overall to delay seeing a doctor, primarily due to time constraints and the need to care for others.
This trend highlights an important insight. Personalization in healthcare is about providing convenience and speed that fits seamlessly into busy lives. Digital health solutions could be the key to achieving new levels of personalized care.
