Americans are experiencing increasing anxiety regarding the healthcare industry, according to recent research. Despite this overall unease, trust in individual healthcare providers and the information they share has remained largely unshaken.
A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who had visited a doctor in the past year found that 43% reported heightened anxiety about healthcare. However, 84% of these respondents stated they trust their own doctors and the medical advice they receive.
Factors contributing to this increased "health-xiety" are varied, with the primary concern being the general cost and affordability of healthcare, cited by 54% of those experiencing more anxiety. Inflation (41%), concerns about affording treatments (34%), and government policy changes (39%) also contributed to patient apprehension. A smaller segment, 28%, expressed a general distrust of the health system.
These anxieties are influencing patient behavior, with nearly half of those surveyed (47%) admitting that healthcare-related concerns have led them to postpone preventive care.
The research, commissioned by PatientPoint and conducted by Talker Research as part of PatientPoint's annual Patient Confidence Index, highlights a dichotomy: while the overall healthcare system may be a source of concern, the personal relationship with a healthcare provider remains a significant source of confidence.
Regarding the future of healthcare, 30% of respondents described themselves as "nervous" and 15% as "scared," contrasted with 22% who feel "excited" about its direction. Kyle Barich, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at PatientPoint, noted the critical role of trusted provider relationships in maintaining patient confidence amidst evolving healthcare landscapes.
AI's Role in Healthcare
The integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare has also emerged as a point of concern for many. Two-thirds of respondents (67%) worry that AI will diminish the personal connection in healthcare. Less than half (47%) expressed excitement about AI's potential use in the medical field, though this sentiment showed a notable generational divide. Gen Z (64%) and millennials (63%) were more optimistic about AI in healthcare compared to Gen X (48%) and baby boomers (32%).
For those receptive to AI in healthcare, the primary motivations include receiving faster diagnoses (27%) and the possibility of more personalized treatment plans (21%). Easier access to health information and quicker doctor appointments were also cited by 15% of respondents each.
Despite anxieties surrounding AI, patients are not entirely averse to technological advancements. Approximately 49% believe that technology in their doctor's office would enhance their experience, suggesting an openness to innovation that supports patient care. Barich emphasized that technology's potential to improve healthcare lies in its ability to strengthen, not replace, the patient-provider relationship, particularly when it enhances personalization, accessibility, and navigation while preserving the valued human connection.
The survey was conducted online between March 10-15, 2026, among 2,000 Americans who have visited their primary doctor in the last year and have internet access.