Americans Make Less Trips to the Doctor

A U.S. Census report found Americans are making fewer trips to the doctor, according to Managed Healthcare Executive . The report said in 2010 working-age adults made an average 3.9 visits to medical providers versus 4.8 in 2001. Among Americans with at least one such visit, the average number of visits also shrank from 6.4 to 5.4 from 2001 to 2010. Doctor visits become more likely with age, as 37 percent of adults 18 to 24 did not see a provider during the year compared with 8 percent of those 65 and older. "The U.S. Census Bureau's findings that there has been a decline in the use of medical services is one barometer that . . . engagement initiatives focused on improving outcomes are working," said Maria Perrin with HMS. "For example, healthcare organizations are leveraging . . . engagement technology platforms that prompt healthcare consumers to take part in personalized conversations that motivate them to take action on their health to better manage chronic conditions, schedule wellness visits, receive regular examinations, maintain prescriptions, and take part in other positive health activities."