Frequency of PM checks

I had my pm "installed" in 2005.
During my last office PM check, I was told my insurance will no longer cover my PM checks at the same frequency I have had so far.
So, my question to you all is, what is the typical frequency for a PM check (both office and phone) ?

11 Comments

quarterly

by Tracey_E - 2008-12-29 04:12:12

Unless I'm down to the last 6 mos of battery life, I go in every 3-4 months. I've never done a phone check.

PM checks

by thomast - 2008-12-29 06:12:49

I do a phone check every 3 months, and go into the office once a year unless I have some problem.

same

by slarnerd - 2008-12-29 08:12:37

I think it depends on your issues. My son is 2.5 years old with complete av block, 100% dependent - he does a phone check every 3 months and office visit once a year. He broke a lead last year (at 15 mo old) and went to the office every 3 months after that with phone checks once a month until his replacement after 8 months. So it is probably determined on a case by case basis.

3-6 months

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-29 10:12:39

It seems like the interval is in the range of every 3 or 6 months. Mine are kind of whatever the cardio feels like. His trick is to have me do a phone check and then "notice" that my number of PVC's are up wants me to come in. It's really no problem, but since I like to gab with the Medtronics guy I go along with him.

Like Tracey mentioned I expect to be having them more often soon since my battery is showing signs of wear. Since I have a phone check device it will likely just be a phone check every month.

Interesting, I got a call from the cardio's office reminding me to do a phone check next week. The nurse mentioned she had to get off the phone with me as she had 300 calls to make. Quite a business.

frank

CHEEKY

by pete - 2008-12-30 03:12:53

Ask them if they are qualified doctors and if they are overiding the advice of your hospital. If they are go to the press to expose them and threaten to sue them.
If they are going against the advice and expertise of your doctors they are on a very sticky wicket.
Personally I think this kind of thing is disgraceful. I have no respect whatsoever for the low life creatures that inhabit medical insurance companies. Mine let me down and did not pay up. I dont bother with insurance anymore as I now realise its just a big scam to steal your money. I now put my money in a savings account and will use it when necessary. Cheers Peter

wow

by walkerd - 2008-12-30 06:12:36

Im glad i have a good insurance company then, I had bypass and pm/defib and my bill is close to 400000 and i have only had to pay a little bit which i new i would have to pay, i read things in here about insurance and doctors and i thank god i have had fantastic experience with both.
I have had to go back almost every month but mostly because of my heart condition, but 3 months is what they told me. Unless have problems.
dave

pm checks

by Pookie - 2008-12-30 11:12:10

I go every 6 months to have my pacemaker checked. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada and these appointments are covered by my medical plan. We do not have the phone checks here, wish we did.

good luck

Pookie

Don't knock the reps

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-30 11:12:14

Peter,
The Medtronic reps I see are very highly trained. I know at least one I see has EP background. They are much more knowledgeable than most cardiologists. This isn't to knock the cardiologist. They are just out of their field when it comes to electronics. Having the cardio program the pacer is kind of like having an airline pilot adjust the engines.

If it is anyone that puts them in a bind it is me. After the initial interrogation I look over the report and then discuss the new settings with him. Then he calls in the cardio and we go over them again. I've got one finely tuned little gem in my chest.

happy new year to all.

frank

6 mo. here

by bowlrbob - 2008-12-30 12:12:31

My EP does not like the phone check. He has me come in a see him every 6 months. I don't go to a tech. I see my EP.

FRANK AND REPS

by peter - 2008-12-31 03:12:15

Frank I am surprised at your post " Dont knock the Reps". You never read my comment properly as I made absoulutely no criticism whatsoever of the "Reps". In fact the word REP was never mentioned or remotely implied. As for my opinion of the REPS who I have gone out of my way to contact, I have found them absolutely brilliant. I have even been in touch with pacemaker engineers at the plant.
But I do have every right to criticise the insurance companies who find every excuse not to meet a claim. Peter

Sorry

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-31 06:12:34

Sorry I misunderstood, Peter. The post just before yours was all about reps and you started yours referring to "them". Rereading I see you were referring to the original post, which makes sense. We are on the same page. Old duffers like me get mixed up sometimes!

have an enjoyable New Years Eve

frank

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