Healthcare Bookings Show Americans are Preparing for a Hot Vax Summer

Zocdoc trends point to dramatic year-over-year rises in cosmetic, sexual health, preventative, and catch-up care appointments

With more than 65% of American adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and pandemic-related restrictions lifted in many areas, Americans are preparing to emerge from their cocoons and embark upon a hot vax summer.

To put a healthcare lens on how people are readying themselves to re-enter the world outside their homes as summer begins, we took a look at Zocdoc appointment booking trends from May 2020 and May 2021. Our analysis uncovered some insights about what’s changed since this time last year, and the healthcare needs that top Americans’ list as they celebrate the shift toward normalcy with some summer fun.

Safety first for sex, sports, and travel

After more than a year of travel restrictions, modified sports activities, and limitations on contact with people outside an individual’s household, Americans are being thoughtful about getting physical again. Between May 2020 and May 2021:

• Birth control / contraception appointments went up by nearly 37%
• STD testing and prevention appointments rose by more than 58%
• Sports readiness appointments increased by more than 142%
• Travel readiness appointments went up by nearly 110%

Building confidence is king (and queen)

In many American households, the last 14 months included hair dryers collecting dust, razors rusting, and mirrors getting less action than ever before as close physical examination of smiles and skin became less frequent. Now, people are tackling everything from halitosis to hair loss, Botox to braces, body confidence, weight management and beyond. Between May 2020 and May 2021, Zocdoc bookings dramatically increased year-over-year in the following categories.

In oral health:

• Bad breath/halitosis appointments went up by more than 128%
• Invisible braces / Invisalign consultation appointments rose by nearly 66%
• Cosmetic dentist consultation appointments increased by more than 72%

In dermatology:

• Laser skin treatment appointments rose by more than 137%
• Acne related appointments went up by almost 63%
• Botox treatment appointments increased by nearly 66%
• Cosmetic dermatology consultation appointments rose by more than 152%
• Hair removal appointments increased by nearly 270%
• Hair loss, transplant, and replacement surgery appointments went up by almost 49%
• Spider and varicose vein treatment appointments went up by more than 214%

In weight loss and body enhancement:

• Nutrition and therapy based weight loss appointments went up by more than 93%
• Weight loss surgery appointments increased by more than 233%
• Body sculpting treatment appointments rose by more than 245%
• Cosmetic surgery appointments rose by more than 86%

Preventative and catch-up care is back

During the pandemic, many people put off non-urgent care; appointments like annual exams, routine testing and other non-acute treatments fell off the “must do” list while people prioritized staying at home. Now, preventative care is back as a priority. Between May 2020 and May 2021:

• Adult new patient dental exam appointments rose by more than 360%
• Annual doctor’s visit appointments went up by nearly 230%
• Annual skin and mole screening appointments increased by more than 240%
• Blood work appointments rose by more than 122%
• Acupuncture appointments went up by more than 632%

Foresight is 20/20

A lot can change in 14 months, including vision prescriptions. With summer fun on the horizon that’s best enjoyed through clear eyes, Americans are heading back to their optometrist and ophthalmologist. Between May 2020 and May 2021:

• Lasik surgery appointments went up by nearly 98%
• Eyeglasses appointments rose by nearly 77%
• Contact lens appointments increased by nearly 77%

Here’s to a summer where healthcare, self-care, and happiness are hot!

For more information, contact press@zocdoc.com. If you are a healthcare provider who wants to reach new patients and offer seamless access to care — in-person or virtually — you can learn more at zocdoc.com/join.