Which of the following is a healthcare factor that contributes to an increase in polypharmacy?

The correct choice highlights how patients seeing multiple physicians can lead to an increase in polypharmacy. When patients consult several healthcare providers for various health issues, each physician may prescribe medications based on their specialties or perspectives without complete knowledge of other prescriptions the patient is receiving. This fragmented care can result in overlapping prescriptions, interactions between drugs, and an accumulation of medications that are unnecessary or potentially harmful.

In contrast, choices like regular health check-ups and mental health assessments typically promote better management of a patient’s medication regimen. These assessments can help providers review and adjust medications annually, reducing the potential for polypharmacy. Single physician oversight is also a mitigating factor against polypharmacy, as having one provider manage all medications usually ensures comprehensive care and better coordination, minimizing the chances of prescribing unnecessary additional medications.