MERCER COUNTY, OHIO: A national survey shows many Americans do not have an established primary care provider, but local data indicates access is higher among Mercer County residents.

The survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found 1 in 7 Americans does not have a primary care doctor. It also found approximately 1 in 3 had not received a checkup during the previous year.

Mercer County’s 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment found 87.6% of county adults have a primary care provider.

The percentage increases among older residents. More than 90% of adults age 50 and older reported having a provider, with the highest rate found among adults ages 60 through 69 at 95%.

Approximately two-thirds of Mercer County adults reported receiving an annual wellness examination from their primary care provider.

Mercer Health physician Dr. Megan Core said primary care allows providers to monitor a patient’s overall health rather than focusing only on an immediate illness or concern.

Regular primary care visits can include wellness screenings and monitoring for conditions such as high blood pressure, depression and anxiety. Providers can also discuss sleep, nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle habits that affect long-term health.

Mercer Health offers primary care services for patients throughout the region.