Between rising healthcare costs and limited paid time off, Americans are hesitant to see a healthcare provider, even if their wellness is at stake — can telehealth change this narrative?
Half of Americans carry medical debt, and nearly 60% of those with debt owe at least $1,000, according to Debt.com. In turn, primary care visits — the U.S. health system’s first line of defense — are plummeting. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that between 2008 and 2016, these visits dropped by 24%, with low-income respondents driving the decline. This trend has likely stayed the course, as one in five Americans have not seen a doctor in over five years, according to a survey by OnlineDoctor.com.
