Pacemaker company -- doctor economics?

I read a message here that Medtronic technicians can come use a treadmill to help fine tune a pacemaker if tweaking it has been difficult, but the doctor has to request this. So I talked to the nurse about this possibility because I have been at 4 different settings of rate response, including turning it off, and can't get it right, having had problems both with acceleration and deceleration. She was defensive and at one time in the conversation said "it is expensive you know". Now, according to Medtronic, it doesn't cost me more than a doctor visit. So it isn't any more expensive for me. Does it cost the doctor something (besides maybe making them look like they aren't trained sufficiently) and utilizing the medical facilities?

Wantok

3 Comments

Tried that

by wantok - 2012-04-25 10:04:53

I actually sort of tried that, at least I initially called the hospital in town (where I got the pacemaker and where, before my cardiac ablation a year later, I was having my pacemaker checked) and asked them to do this as they have the treadmills right and the cardiac rehab right next to the place where they check the pacemakers. But that technician said "oh, no, no, no. If you have been having your pacemaker checked by your EP, you need to stay with them. I wouldn't want to step in." ?!?!? So do I just wait until I move to another city (which I am doing in two months and try there?

Change now

by ebfox - 2012-04-26 08:04:57

I agree with Don- at least change the pacer tech. There are good techs and not so good techs and if they won't take the time to adjust yours correctly (or if they don't know how) then you need to take your business elsewhere.

EB

You are a nuisance ...

by donr - 2012-04-26 12:04:08

...to that cardio!

He no more wants to make a special trip to the hosp to muck around w/ you & what he considers to be trivial little problems than he wants a case of __________ (youi fill in the blank w/ some horrible disease).

That's the real problem, not you.

Change doctors to one who cares a bit more about you.

BTW: My #2daughter ids an ER Doc & has a booklet on CME (Continual Medical Education) This one has a big article on "Malpractice." The problem you are having is one of the main causes for people to file claims - they think the dr. just plain doesn't give a hoot for them. They don't necessarily file a clai over the particular incident, but something wil come up & they will be so angry they file a suit.

Don

You know you're wired when...

You’re a battery-operated lover.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.