The Top Four Reasons People Skip the Doctor – and How It Could Impact Their Health

Family medicine and internal medicine are the front lines of health care, providing comprehensive, long-term care for individuals and families. Family medicine physicians care for patients of all ages, offering everything from preventive screenings to chronic disease management. Internal medicine physicians focus specifically on adult health, specializing in diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions. Together, these specialties play a vital role in maintaining overall health and catching concerns early.

Yet even with this access, many people delay or avoid routine visits. While the reasons for putting off a check-up may vary, the consequences can be significant, both for short-term health and long-term outcomes. Below are four common reasons people avoid the doctor, along with a closer look at what is at risk when care is delayed.

“I feel fine, so I don’t need to go.”

Many people skip the doctor simply because they do not feel sick. Without symptoms, it is easy to assume everything is working as it should. Unfortunately, that assumption can be misleading. Some of the most common and serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, often develop silently over time. By the time symptoms appear, these conditions may already be advanced and more difficult to manage.

Routine wellness exams allow physicians to screen for these issues through lab work, vital signs and other assessments. When caught early, many chronic conditions can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes or medication, often preventing complications such as heart disease, stroke or kidney damage. Preventive care is not about treating illness; it is about staying well before illness begins.

Samuel L. Twedt, DO, is a family medicine physician with Hattiesburg Clinic Wiggins Clinic. He stresses the importance of routine checkups to help catch issues before they start.

“I have had patients who went years without a visit because they felt fine. When they finally came in, we found something serious that had been building quietly over time,” Dr. Twedt said. “The truth is, many of the conditions we treat do not cause symptoms until they are advanced. A routine visit might feel unnecessary, but it can end up being life changing.”

“I’m too busy.”

Time is a common barrier to care, especially for those balancing work, childcare and other daily responsibilities. It can be difficult to carve out an hour for a routine appointment when the calendar is already full. However, postponing care to save time in the short term can lead to greater disruptions later.

When health concerns go unaddressed, they often worsen, leading to longer appointments, specialist visits, time off work and even emergency care. Making time for a short check-up now can help prevent far more time-consuming issues down the road. To accommodate busy schedules, many family medicine and internal medicine practices offer early morning, lunchtime or same-day appointments. Some even provide virtual telehealth visits for added flexibility. If scheduling has been a barrier, ask your provider about options that work with your routine.

“Life is busy, and people put their health last. There is always something more urgent, more pressing, more immediate,” Elizabeth C. Jones, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic The Poplarville Clinic, said. 

“But one missed appointment can mean missing something important,” she continued. “Showing up, even when nothing feels wrong, is one of the most powerful ways to protect your health.”

“I don’t like going to the doctor.”

Fear is another common reason people avoid the doctor. For some, it is anxiety about receiving bad news. For others, it may be discomfort with certain screenings or a general fear of medical settings. In many cases, that fear can become a cycle: the longer someone waits to be seen, the more they worry about what the doctor might find.

It is important to remember that the goal of family and internal medicine is not to deliver bad news – it is to protect your health. Early detection often leads to better outcomes, less invasive treatment and greater peace of mind. Avoiding care does not make problems go away; it only limits your ability to respond to them. Over time, building a consistent relationship with a physician can ease some of these fears, making future visits more comfortable and less stressful.

Steven W. Burkett, DO, with Hattiesburg Clinic Richton Family Medicine, works with his patients to help overcome the anxiety that may come with a medical appointment.

“Fear keeps a lot of people from coming in – fear of bad news, fear of judgment or just fear of the unknown,” Dr. Burkett said. “But when you have a doctor who knows you, who listens without rushing, that fear starts to fade. A strong patient-physician relationship builds trust, and trust makes it easier to take care of your health.”

“It costs too much.”

Concerns about cost can also discourage people from seeking routine care. Even with insurance, worries about copays, deductibles or unexpected bills can make a wellness visit feel out of reach. While these concerns are valid, it is worth checking your insurance benefits closely. Many preventive services, including annual wellness exams and certain screenings, are covered at no cost under most plans.

Avoiding care due to cost can lead to more serious financial consequences in the long run. Hospital stays, urgent care visits and treatment for advanced illnesses are typically far more expensive than routine check-ups. Regular care is not just a medical investment – it is a financial one as well. If you have questions about what is covered, most clinics have staff who can help you understand your benefits and explore affordable options for care.

“I understand that cost is a real concern for many patients,” Megumi “Meg” D. Boone, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Family Clinic of Seminary, said. “But skipping care to save money can lead to far greater expenses down the road – not just financially, but physically and emotionally. Preventive care is often covered by insurance, and even when it is not, it is still one of the most worthwhile investments you can make.”

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

When it comes to your health, choosing the right care team matters. At Hattiesburg Clinic, our family medicine and internal medicine providers are here to offer more than appointments. We offer a relationship built on trust, access and continuity. With over 80 providers at more than 25 locations, we deliver convenient, local care that focuses on the whole person, not just the symptoms. Whether you need help managing a chronic condition or simply want to stay ahead of future health concerns, we are here to support you and your family at every step.

To learn more about family medicine and internal medicine services at Hattiesburg Clinic or to find a location near you, click here.