Periodic Check-ups in Australia

Have read with interest the practice with post PM insertion checkups in other countries, particularly the USA.

It seems that practices differ beteween countries and even within the same country.

I thought I would share my experience here in Melbourne, Australia.

I had a pacemaker inserted 22 months ago by a local cardiologist/electrophysiologist who is a Professor at a major university and attached to one of our major hospitals. He is a recognised authority here and overseas.

All went very well with the insertion.

I had the first check-up, with that doctor, about 2 weeks after that.

The next checkup was 9 months after that. A technician did the 'unloading' of all the PM's data and carried out various tests, then I saw the doctor briefly - all was going very well.

The next check up was 12 months later - and I have just had it. This time I saw the technician who confirmed my view that all was going well. I did not get to see the doctor, although was assured I would have if anything untoward had been detected.

My next check-up is in another 12 months time and I was told that this time I would be seeing the doctor as well as the technician.

I am quite happy with the process to date and can not see the point of having quarterly check-ups, as often reported here, if no need for them.

My experience with my St Jude pacemaker has been a totally positive one and I am so grateful I have it

3 Comments

Pacer check-ups

by golden_snitch - 2011-05-29 03:05:12

Hi,

thanks for sharing your experiences in Australia.
The people here who have quarterly check-ups have them mostly because they have an ICD or CRT. For ICD patients quarterly check-ups are exactly what the guidelines suggest. And since many ICD patients are also in some stage of heart failure, it makes sense.

Now, for the "normal" pacer patients, I'd agree with you and say it does not make any sense to have quartely check-ups - be it via telephone line/home monitoring or in the cardio's office. There is one exemption and that's that the battery has only a year or so left.

What surprised me is that you had a check-up two weeks after implant, and then 9 (!) months later. After initial implant the leads take some time to heal in; the pacer's threshold will in the first couple of weeks be much higher than later on. This is why guidelines here (Germany) say, check again after six weeks, then three months, and then every 6-12 months. In most cases the electric output can be lowered after six to eight weeks (after two weeks is too early), and maybe even again after three months. Waiting nine months is a very long time, in my opinion.

Anyways, glad you are doing well and have had nothing but good experiences with your pm. Hope you continue to do so well :)

Best wishes
Inga

Why did you have PM inserted?

by janetinak - 2011-05-29 03:05:28

If you are not pacing much that may explain the difference or it may be the country as you mention. I have a PM cehck every 3 months ( office alternatimg with a phone check) all done by a tech or a nurse in the Doc's office. As I have had no problem last 8 yrs I have seen my cardio about every 2 yrs & the EP once as I was SOB but testing OK & an adjustment to PM solved that.I am 100% paced after an AV node ablation.

Now that I am getting close to replacement am checked in office every month by the office staff. Will see EP when I go into ERT. Hope this explains some of how it is done for me at least here in Alaska.

Interesting topic & info,

Janet

Very interesting!

by pacergirl - 2011-05-29 11:05:03

We are quite possibly going to be transferred to Australia come this winter. We are in Kansas now.

At first I was getting checkup with the cardiologist every 6 months for the first year. Then it moved to once a year. Then when I came into the last year of battery life it went to 6 months, then 3 months and then I had a new pacemaker implanted. I now am back to once a year. I do have the Merlin and that is how I am monitored from home. Life is back to being awesome and I hardly remember that I have a PM.

Now, if I relocate to Australia, I am happy to learn that once a year is probably how I will be monitored again. We will most likely be living near the coast in Albany WA. I have checked and there are cardiologist there in Albany. I also understand that there is very good health care. I have checked into my US. health insurance and I am covered in Australia! How about that is what I was thinking. I do have heavy co-pays but I am covered.

Seems to me that not just different countries, but Doctors, regions and insurance companies dictate how and when we are monitored for PM or ICDs
Pacergirl

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