Frequency of Checkups?

Howdy,

Since I won the lottery in having the recalled Medtronic leads my EP doc has put me on a 2 month checkup schedule from the previous 3 month appt. schedule. They also had me setup a wireless monitor in my bedroom that phones in the ICD readings once a month. I had the ICD implanted in April of '07 and was assuming that the checkup frequency would get longer over time to say once every 6 months or so. I'm wondering how frequently others are going to see their EP docs and I'm also cheap as $30 co-pays every 2 months is getting a bit annoying. :-)

Regards,
Kevin

4 Comments

The lottery...

by Swedeheart - 2008-03-25 06:03:10

It is my guess your checkup schedule has been moved to a shorter time because of your "recalled" leads... I am sure your doctor wants to keep a close watch on them... but doesn't want to have to put you through the replacement if it isn't necessary.

Remember, this is my "guess". Being safe not sorry is probably worth the extra $30 now and then.

Good luck!

more frequent checkups

by VonnieVern - 2008-03-25 06:03:40

Seems that Medtronics ought to be responsible for additional expenses you incur as a result of having their recalled leads.
Vonnie

Frequency of Checkups

by Pacing2 - 2008-03-25 07:03:46

I get a checkup every three months and have since I got this thing several years ago. Actually it was much more frequent at the beginning but I was having a bunch of trouble with it. They now alternate between phone and office visit every three months. Of course I think it has a lot to do with the patients ability to pay. Where I go they have a lot of very expensive equipment and a lot of people doing checkups. In my case these people know that between Medicare and my HMO my only expense to have the checkups is my travel expense which it getting to be considerable, I might add.

I agree with Swedeheart that Medtronic should be picking the tab for the extra checkups. Ask them or even better get a good attorney to ask them.

Pacing2

Check Ups

by kela - 2008-03-25 11:03:09

I have had my PM since May07, I had montly readings over the phone for the first 3 months now i have readings over the phone every 3 months.I have seen the doctor twice and went into the office for a device check up. Going forward i see the doctor once a year and have the device check up at the office every six months.
I have to just pay the Co Pay but it is so worth it i feel 100% better.

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