Survey shows rising anxiety about US healthcare despite steady trust in doctors
A recent poll of 2,000 American adults who saw a doctor in the past year found that 43% feel more anxious about the health system, yet 84% still trust their personal providers.
PatientPoint’s annual Patient Confidence Index, based on an online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who visited a primary-care doctor between March 10 and 15, 2026, reveals a growing sense of "health-xiety" among Americans. While 43% report increased anxiety about the broader healthcare industry, 84% maintain confidence in their own doctors and the information they receive. The primary source of worry is the overall cost and affordability of care (54%), followed by inflation (41%) and concerns about paying for treatments (34%).
Government policy changes (39%) and a general distrust of the system (28%) also play a role. This anxiety is influencing behavior, with 47% of respondents delaying preventive services. Attitudes toward AI are mixed: 67% fear it will diminish the personal touch, yet younger generations show more enthusiasm, especially for faster diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. Nonetheless, 49% believe technology can improve the clinical experience when it supports, rather than replaces, the patient-provider relationship.
Why it matters
Understanding public anxiety and trust helps shape policies and innovations that affect how Americans access and experience healthcare.
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