Survey: Millennials more likely to be confused about health care options

NAPERVILLE - Millennials are nearly twice as likely to be confused about when and where to seek health care as Baby Boomers, with 15 percent of respondents ages 18-34 having experienced trouble compared to only 8 percent of those over 65, according to a survey by the Urgent Care Association of America.

The survey, conducted for Urgent Care Awareness Month, was done to determine how well different age groups understand the health care options available to them. .

"During Urgent Care Awareness Month, we wanted to gain insight into the health care decision-making process for all generations to better understand what is important to different types of patients," said Steve Sellars, MBA and UCAOA President. "We learned the majority of respondents understand their health care options, but affordability, quality and convenience are main determinants of where they seek their health care treatments."

Baby Boomers Value Physician Qualifications, On-site Presence; Millennials Eye Affordability, Accessibility

With regard to what is most important when seeking health care options, the survey found Baby Boomers

prioritize experienced physicians, while Millennials look for convenience and cost-savings. The data showed:

• 34 percent of those over 65 prioritize the health care professional they will see, compared to 19 percent of those 18-34

• Cost or affordability is important to 27 percent of those 18-34 and 26 percent of those 35-44, compared to just 7 percent of those over 65

• Having a physician on-site is most important to more than 21 percent of those over 45, compared to 7 percent of those 18-34 and just 5 percent of those 35-44

• Location is most important to 17 percent of those 35-44, with wait factors leading the way for 13 percent of those 18-34

"Prioritization on cost and convenience among younger patients is one of the reasons that the number of urgent care centers continues to grow," said Sellars.