Medtronic customer service

I called Medtronic's customer service department on Friday to ask a question about one of my settings. I was told that they are not medical doctors and they couldn't give me any advice. I tried to explain that I wasn't looking for advice that I was looking for information about a setting. I was told to call my doctor and he would explain everything I needed. The reason I was calling Medtronic is because my doctor wasn't explaining it. Any suggestions on how to get the customer service department to help me? I was under the impression that they could answer questions like what I was calling for.

Thanks,
Tammy

9 Comments

PM Settings

by donb - 2012-03-31 11:03:02

Hi Tammy, What you are describing is like normal for them not to give you advice. I've had 3 Medtronic PMs' and have had good response with normal do's & don't.
Recently I had a St. Jude Lady rep check my St. Jude and she was very informative as to the setttings change.

We have a well informed member, ElectricFrank who can answer some of your setting questions. If you have a recent read out of your settings would help. Also, any PM question is good as it's always valuable to so many members.

donb

settings

by kiml1123 - 2012-04-01 01:04:29

I would try to contact your pacemaker ''rep'' the person who checks it. Mine is every six months, so I save all questions for them. I 've never found my Dr. To be helpful. But they know all the settings. Hope this helps

Part of the Medical Culture

by ElectricFrank - 2012-04-01 02:04:26

I have been wondering how long we would be able to get info from the manufacturers. The Doctors get real upset if anyone gives medical information to us lowly patients. I also suspect that with pacemakers becoming a near commodity tech support will go the way it has with computers and software.

If you have questions about the settings post them here and we will try to answer.

frank

Legal problem?

by golden_snitch - 2012-04-01 04:04:18

Could be a legal issue. In Germany the manufacturers are not allowed to give any information to patients, same when you call a pharmaceutical company and ask specific questions on one of their drugs. It's forbidden by law. I never completely understood the reason why. Always thought, just like you, that the companies should be able to answer questions regarding their products best. Doctors do not always have time, and there are also some doctors who don't want well informed patients.

Best
Inga

Medtronic's Customer Service

by Casper - 2012-04-01 05:04:54

As Snitch mentioned earlier, I believe that some doctors and staff members don't particulary like informed patient.

They seem to take a high handed approach to the "lowly patients",( if I may borrow Electric Frank's discription) as somehow not being able to grasp the reports.

Nonetheless, it won't keep me from requesting my readouts.

Right on AngrySparrow!

BTW, I find it's hit or miss when I call Medtronic's Hotline, I get better info right here in the clubhouse.

Thanks!!

by tammy11 - 2012-04-01 08:04:55

Thank you for all the comments!! Frank I was trying to get more information about my AAIR setting. I had it changed from DDDR to AAIRDDDR. All I was told is that it was more beneficial to me to have it set to AAIR. I did have someone else on here comment about it and gave me some information. I haven't felt good since the change and I'm trying to find out if this is why. Thanks everyone for all the help...greatly appreciated!!

Customer Service

by ElectricFrank - 2012-04-02 01:04:34

I agree that customer service is getting worse in almost every field. However, it doesn't make sense to change pacer make just be cause you are angry. You could wind up worse.

I have an office check coming up in about a week. I'll see how the Medtronic rep seems and post it here. I expect to have their computer recalc my age and try to lower my upper limit. If you see a big cloud of smoke coming from Calif you will know frank is at it again.

frank

Good Luck

by Casper - 2012-04-02 02:04:01

Hi Electric Frank,

I have faith in you, DON'T let them talk you into lowering your upper limit on you.

Who needs to be painted with a broad brush.

Casper

Tammy

by ElectricFrank - 2012-04-02 12:04:07

The AAIR>DDDR mode attempts to reduce ventricular pacing if you only need it intermittently. It does it by extending the time delay before pacing the ventricles to allow time for normal conduction. If not it supplies pacing.

This is a simplification as there are several adjustments within the mode that affect how many beats you can skip before resuming pacing. This can be uncomfortable if not set properly.

My suggestion is to make another appointment and make it clear you aren't feeling good since the change. Personally I wouldn't worry about the increased pacing. Give them the choice of either tweaking the settings or going back to DDDR. You could at least get a sense of whether you feel better.

frank

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