Defective Battery

• by Garbo
• 2012-10-01 05:10:11
• Batteries & Leads
• 1337 views
• 1 comments

I had my Biotronik Model EVIA DR-T implanted under emergency conditions on July 5, 2012. Had the unit checked by my cardiologist and Biotronik rep 10 days later - all was fine. Have had several other doctor visits since then all confirming heartrate of 60 - as recently as 9/5. On 9/21 during a regular 3 month check up with my pulmonary doctor, they informed me my heartrate was 36 and was rushed to the ER where I was again seen by my cardiologist and the same pacer mfgr rep. He could NOT get a reading from my unit using his equipment. He summoned his superior who was nearby and he also checked using a different monitor. They both admitted the battery was faulty and I needed to undergo another procedure to replace the battery. Fortunately the leads were not effected however, the surgery was the same - opening me up replacing the battery and closure. Am wondering if anyone else has had a similar situation. My concern is not primarily for the anquish I went thru but more to the point, why should Medicare and my secondary insurance honor the hospital and surgeon charges when in fact the unit was uneffective due to the faulty battery. I was assured by Biotronik that I would receive the results of the battery manufacturers test results but that could take months and my insurance carriers may be charged well in advance of my receiving the results. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who may have had a similar situation and/or thoughts on whether of not I should notify my insurance carriers. Thanks.