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Four ways Americans seek medical advice

By Gallup.com  
   February 18, 2026

As digital health tools and AI make medical information easily accessible to anyone, Americans' first stop for medical advice remains decidedly traditional — their doctor. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults, 73%, say they turn to doctors or other medical professionals at a practice they regularly visit for medical information or advice, far exceeding reliance on any of the other 10 sources measured. A smaller majority of Americans, 53%, report using medical websites associated with established medical authorities such as well-known hospitals or government health agencies. One-third of U.S. adults (33%) say they seek medical information from friends or family members who are medical professionals, while 30% rely on medical professionals at walk-in clinics or emergency rooms.

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