How to avoid going to the doctor?

Asked by: Prof. Orpha Treutel PhD  |  Last update: August 29, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (75 votes)

Here are some simple habits that can help keep you and your family out of the doctor's office.
  1. Get 8 hours of sleep every night.
  2. Exercise at least 3 times per week.
  3. Go outside every day.
  4. Spend time with people you love.
  5. Limit processed foods.
  6. Take a walk every day.

Is it normal to not want to go to the doctor?

If you're young and healthy, it can be. Between age 20 and 40, some folks don't see a doctor at all. Women's health visits are necessary for many, and of course there are also folks in this age range with illnesses who need to see a doc regularly.

What is the golden rule for doctors?

But the essence of medical ethics, the golden rule, has been largely overlooked or undervalued: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12). If man lived alone, a code of ethics would be superfluous; only in society does it become requisite and intelligible.

What is the number one reason people don't go to the doctor?

Traditional barriers limiting access to or ease of seeking medical care, such as lack of health insurance and time constraints, were the most commonly cited reasons for avoiding medical care, consistent with prior research.

How many people avoid going to the doctor?

Nearly a third of Americans lack access to primary care services, including routine checkups, while 40 percent of U.S. adults say they're delaying care or going without because of the financial costs.

I don’t go to the Doctor. I BUY my own Blood Tests: Here's why

34 related questions found

How often is it normal to go to the doctor?

In general for both men and women, if you are in basically good health and under the age of 50, it is recommended you see your PCP every three years for a checkup. After age 50, see your doctor once a year. After, see your provider once a year.

Who is more likely to go to the doctor?

The CDC reports that women are 33 percent more likely to visit the doctor than men, and women are 100 percent better at maintaining screening and preventive care.

How often does the average American go to the doctor?

How Often Americans See a Doctor. The average American visits his or her doctor four times per year.

How do I stop seeing the doctor?

It's best to leave on good terms, so be polite and professional. Avoid unnecessary confrontations with the doctor and their staff. You may want to return at some point, especially if your new health care provider fails to meet your needs. Leaving the opportunity open could benefit you in the long term.

Why do people refuse to go to the doctor?

Many people avoid going to the doctor because they assume their health problems will just go away on their own. In one study, over half of participants who avoided care cited “expected symptom improvement” as a reason. They may have money problems or shy of discussing their health problems.

What is the rule 27 in Doctor Who?

Doctor Who on X: "Rule 27: Never knowingly be serious!

What is the #1 rule of medicine?

The needs of the patient must come first. This means you have to put aside your own prejudices and biases to help the patient. This clinical encounter is for the benefit of the patient—not the physician. The "platinum rule" of medicine is: treat every patient the way you would want a member of your family treated.

Do doctors have to accept patients?

Physicians should not decline patients for whom they have accepted a contractual obligation to provide care. However, physicians are not ethically required to accept all prospective patients. Physicians should be thoughtful in exercising their right to choose whom to serve.

Why do I dread going to the doctor?

There can be many reasons a person has a fear of doctors. It could be fear of certain medical procedures, the pain of certain procedures, an anticipated diagnosis, fear that developed due to a bad experience with a certain doctor or during a prior visit to a doctor.

What is it called when you don't like going to the doctor?

Iatrophobia causes you to fear doctors or medical tests. You may avoid seeking medical care even when you're very sick because you have extreme anxiety or panic attacks.

Why do so many men avoid doctor's visits?

Men give lots of reasons why they don't have schedule regular doctor visits. Here are four of the most common ones: Fear of bad news. Men often worry that a symptom they're experiencing might lead to a doomsday diagnosis, so they avoid thinking about it or consulting a doctor.

How do you tell a doctor you no longer want to see them?

Call the receptionist, the nurse or PA, or the practice manager. Let them know you're leaving the practice and inform them of what you need from them in terms of medical records. You can also send a letter. But whether in person or by letter, just state the facts, to the effect of: “I am leaving the practice.

What not to say to your doctor?

10 Lies You Should Not Tell Your Doctor
  • Yes, I'm taking my medications just like you told me. ...
  • Nope, I'm not taking any prescription drugs or supplements right now. ...
  • I didn't eat or drink anything prior to this surgery. ...
  • I actually don't drink that much alcohol. ...
  • Me, a smoker? ...
  • Oh, I don't do drugs.

What is it called when you always go to the doctor?

Hypochondria is a type of anxiety disorder. People with hypochondria frequently worry about their health, even when nothing is seriously wrong. Signs can include going to the doctor frequently without feeling reassured, talking a lot about health and spending excessive time online researching symptoms.

How long can you go without seeing a doctor?

In general, you should see a primary care doctor at least once a year for a general checkup and blood work. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, require more frequent checkups.

What percentage of people don't go to the doctor?

In 2022, 38% of Americans said they or a family member skipped or delayed medical care, amid the highest rate of inflation in more than 40 years, according to an annual health care poll from Gallup.

What age group visits the doctor the most?

They found that adolescents aged 13 to 18 years averaged 1.9 visits per year, lower than any other age-group except those aged 19 to 24 years (eg, those aged 25 to 64 years averaged 3.1, and those aged 65 years and older averaged 6.1).

Who are doctors favorite patients?

While previous studies have established that physicians had elevated liking for healthier patients [6], favorite patients in this study were often those who are sicker or had faced medical adversity together with their physician.

What doctor is the busiest?

Psychologists, dermatologists, neurologists, cardiologists, and family medicine are among the most in-demand physician specialties, according to BLS statistics. Rounding out the top 10 most in-demand doctors are pathologists, ophthalmologist surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and orthopedic surgeons.

Should you always go to the doctor?

Things to consider

Most people don't go to the doctor unless they're sick or have a problem. But you should start by seeing your doctor when you're well. By seeing your doctor routinely, you can stay on top of your health. They can provide preventive health screenings and monitor your health over time.