Interrogation frequency

Hello all,
Really just a quick question. I had a Medtronic A2DR01 implanted for bradycardia back in June of 2014. I'm 58 and in the US. The electrophysiologist has me scheduled for interrogations done every 3 months remotely. My job and insurance has changed since then and between having to pay them almost $60 and this Rythm Management group (does the remote data reading to send to electrophysiologist) $30 out of pocket is really breaking my budget. I paid pretty much nothing out of pocket back with the old job/ insurance.
Question is, does everyone get their device checked this frequently or am I a victim of greed? Everything has checked out fine since the implantation. Should I push back on the Dr. on the check up frequency?
Thanks
Kevin

5 Comments

Every 3 months

by bluebowtye - 2015-12-31 05:12:26

I am in the US and also have a Medtronic and have to do my remote transmissions every 3 months. Mine cost $170 each time and last time my insurance only paid about $5. I will see what happens in 2016 but I'm thinking about actually going to the office to have it done because then I only have to pay a $20 copay.

~Sheila

Annually

by IAN MC - 2015-12-31 05:12:54

Like you i have a Medtronic implanted for bradycardia.

Here in the UK remote monitoring is not commonly used and is not considered necessary for the vast majority of people with pacemakers.

I have an interrogation at a pacemaker clinic once a year.

If you have the optimum PM settings to suit your requirements then there is usually no need to be interrogated more often.

I suspect that the profit motive may sometimes be more important than patient-need your side of the pond.

Ian

interrogation

by Gotrhythm - 2015-12-31 05:12:55

I have no idea how frequently your device should be interrogated.

I can only tell you I have bradycardia, and I am scheduled for interrogation once every six months.

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2015-12-31 06:12:45

If I were you, I'd have a word with the doctor about your changed circumstances and just ask if it can be checked less often.

I think when you are well insured, they may (or not) make use of it more frequently.

This, I base on my own experience with dental insurance. My dentist has not found a cavity since our insurance ended.

Most people in Ontario have their pacemakers checked annually.



every 6 months

by Good Dog - 2015-12-31 07:12:10

I doubt that the Doc is being greedy. However, one never really know for sure. While the Doc should always be conscious of your expenses, I don't think that some docs even give it a thought.
I agree with the previous post that you should have a word with your doc and explain that once every 3 months is costing you too much. Can you do it every 6 months? When I first received my PM and there were no complications, I was checked every 6 months. That was early-on before there was any concern about battery life.

David

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.