I see my pdoc every 4 - 6 weeks generally. Sometimes we go a bit longer in between. It varies.

When I need a prescription refill, I call my pharmacy and they fax a request for refills directly to my pdoc's office (if I don't have refills left on my prescription). I've never had to pay for prescriptions, but I know it is becoming more common practice, particularly with prescriptions for controlled substances that have to be hand written and picked up personally at the doctor's office. Personally I think it's a lousy practice; I don't get the logic behind it. But that seems to be becoming common practice.