When possible for scheduled visits it is much better to get the labs drawn ahead of the visit. Better to discuss the results face to face than on the phone later. If meds need changing or more patent education, this works best.
Obviously does not work for everyone, some labs needed for acute problems or some patients have trouble with travel and we do everything we can at the visit, but then chasing down lab results later is harder.
As far as refills, I try to keep them refilled at the visit but will refill them outside of a visit. For compliant patients will try to give them a years worth of refills. Other patients may not show up if the don't need to come in for refills and we use that leverage.
Greg
