The increase is also partially due to the poor economy and pressure this puts people under. Many employers are especially cruel to their employees when in comes to physician appointments (excuse notes, or just sometime 'no you cant take off") and there is the attitude of saving what leave time they have for vacation. So they try to make this YOUR problem and get upset if you tell them "no". There also seems to be an attitude specifically directed towards private physician offices of being nasty and causing a scene if you cater to their demands--even if it is obvious to them that you should not do so. To some extent I agree this is associated with the age demographics of the patients, just that its not the only thing.
