A new report indicates that Americans are going to the doctor less frequently, even though they may need to be seen.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, adult consumers visited the doctor or some other medical provider an average of 3.9 times in 2010, down considerably from 4.8 in 2001.
Brett O'Hara, chief of the Census Bureau's Health and Disability Statistics Branch, indicated that adults of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities went to see the doctor less frequently.
"The decline in the use of medical services was widespread, taking place regardless of health status," said O'Hara.
The study also looked at adults who were uninsured to see if not having coverage affected the likelihood of seeing a doctor. BLS found that in 2010, 21 percent of uninsured adults in poor health received at least one routine health examination, versus 12 percent of all adults who didn't have a health plan.
Individuals who do have coverage may not seek treatment because they're unsure if their plans provide for it. Businessowners may want to hold employee benefit consulting meetings so workers are aware of what health services are covered with or without co-pays, such as prescription medications and check-ups.
