We used to get ~50 refill requests through our paper fax machine daily. This was causing a huge headache for the staff and wasting tons of paper. Since we have switched to electronic fax, our policy has changed greatly. I see almost 80% of my patients every 3 months (1 month supply with 2 refills). We will only renew a prescription for a 1 week supply for well-known, long-established, compliant patients. They then have to make an appointment to come in when we authorize an extra 1 week supply. Everyone else needs an appointment for RX renewal, unless it is a serious matter (coumadin, insulin, etc).
Pharmacies in our area LOVE to send refill requests for long discontinued medications, so we ignore ALL pharmacy faxed requests now. They also love to tell Hispanic and low-income patients their insurance does not cover a certain med or that they only have the brand-name in stock. I have caught pharmacists in the middle of a lie several times, but that is another story.
