When you are on maintenance meds, generally you only need to see doctor when refills run out or something changes correct?

It depends: Some doctors insist on monthly med checks. Others are fine practicing as you suggest. In my practice it varies from once a week to once a year depending the patient's condition and my. Familiarity with them as well as the relative predictability of the illness, the complexity of their medication regimen etc. Many of my patients have been in treatment with me for 21 years.