Hello

Hello everybody!!!!
Can anybody guide me regarding implantable pacemakers.. actually i m doing one project where i need lot of info on the same. First of all what is role of doctor u r consulting at first; do he actully perform surgery or he only consults other doc. and how these pacemaker companies are brought into action. Do patients who will undergo surgery contact these companies or doctors (cardiologists) contacts these companies for relevant pacemakers??? Please guide me. Thanks

5 Comments

pacemakers

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-22 05:09:25

Most cardiologists and electrophysiologists (cardiologist that specializes in electrical problems) have relationships with the manufacturers reps of the pacemaker manufacturers and will decide which one best suits the needs of the patient. Either type of specialist can make the diagnosis that you need a pm. The cardiologist will usually refer the patient to an EP or cardiac surgeon for the surgery, an EP will do the surgery himself. The manufacturer's rep will be present during the surgery to bring the device, turn it on and set the initial settings once the surgeon has done his part.

thanks

by shwetu.more - 2009-09-22 06:09:58

Hey thanks for your replies!!!! few more queries i have if you can help it out... if electrophysiolgist consults the relevant company for pacemaker implantation do they get any profit from these companies or so..and the primary doctor which has asked the patient to go to concerned EP.. they must be getting some amount of cut from the company right??? you said you are having pacemaker implanted can i know of which company it is???
Please help me out thanks

Zombie

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-22 08:09:10

I've never seen an EP, I think I was diagnosed before the specialty even existed! That was 1970. My cardiologist treats me and he has a relationship with St Judes. Many people with electrical problems go to an EP, but it's not necessary. A cardiologist isn't as specialized and you are correct that they are primarily plumbers, but they can treat electrical problems also.

cuts

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-22 08:09:47

I have no idea if the doctors get a cut but I doubt it. Or maybe I'm just naive, lol. My doctor has patients with pacemakers from all the major manufacturers. He suggested switching next time because I might benefit from a feature that Medtronics has that St Judes does not. I don't want to switch because my rep is awesome. The dr is leaving it up to me.

The manufacturer's reps come to his office to do the pm checks. My insurance co pays the dr, I would imagine the dr pays the manufacturer or else it's included but I really don't know. I know my insurance statements never show payments directly to St Judes so I guess the doctor is making something for the checks even though he doesn't see me. My rep came to my house once when I was having a problem right before vacation and the drs office was closed. It never went through the office or my insurance, he just took care of me.

different strokes

by slarnerd - 2009-09-22 11:09:34

I think there is no "one way" it is done. My kids have pacemakers and they see an Electrophysiologist for check-ups but a Cardiothorasic Surgeon does their pacemaker surgeries. They sometimes decide in the operating room which pacemaker they will use - depending on how it fits, the person's anatomy and also, their specific heart problem - there are many different models and no two are really exactly alike. A nurse practitioner does our in-office pacer checks and we also do them at home, with an ecg machine. I do not think there is a kick back system for pacers implanted - it isn't like which thermometers to use, the devices really differ and some models wouldn't work at all for some patients. That said, I am sure all three major manufacturers court hospital staff to keep them happy - as is normal with any medical company. When we do the phone checks - the info goes to Medtronic and then our NP or EP reviews them. So Medtronic is basically the software company after the implant is done, that the hopsital presumably contracts with. Or maybe it is like when you buy a support warranty on any other appliance - they continue to provide techincal support for a fee? You should just call one of the pacer companies and ask. Good luck with your project.

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