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

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