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More than 25% of Gen Z patients don’t have doctors. Experts weigh in on the cost of skipping care
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 14, 2026
· 6 min read
By Amen Galinato, CNN
A yearly physical is the standard preventive measure for adults, but many Gen Z patients are forgoing regular doctor appointments.
More than 1 in 4 young adults don’t have a primary care provider, according to a recent national survey by the Ohio State University Wexner ...
Key takeaway For Gen Zers who do have a physician, most skip scheduled checkups or don’t schedule them: Only 47% of 18- to 29-year-olds said they have had an annual wellness visit in the past year, according to the survey findings, released June 29.
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso , the trend of Gen Z patients skipping regular doctor appointments has significant implications for the local healthcare system. With many young adults in the city opting for urgent care clinics over primary care providers, there is a risk of missed prevention opportunities and delayed diagnoses. This could lead to a surge in chronic diseases and conditions that would put a strain on local hospitals and healthcare resources. Furthermore, the lack of a doctor-patient relationship among Gen Zers in El Paso may exacerbate existing health disparities in the community, particularly among low-income and minority populations who already face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. As local healthcare providers and policymakers, it is crucial to address this issue and find ways to encourage young adults to establish relationships with primary care providers, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing the burden on the local healthcare system.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Amen Galinato, CNN
A yearly physical is the standard preventive measure for adults, but many Gen Z patients are forgoing regular doctor appointments.
More than 1 in 4 young adults don’t have a primary care provider, according to a recent national survey by the Ohio State University Wexner ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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