Battery Replacement

 I'll be in MN this coming September to visit Son and family.  This time frame also jives with when my PM battery will be near it's EOL. - It's a Medtronic VIVA XT CRT-D.  I hear it announces its battery want (with  beeping  like a backing garbage truck) at 8AM every morning.  I MAY be snooping into having the battery/pm replacement performed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochestor, MN.

Anyone here have an experience with the EP department at Mayo in MN?  Last year, I was seen by Dr. Margaret Redfield who I've found is regarded as one of the top cardiologists in the USA - but she is not an EP. Maybe I'll contact her to see who she regards as a top EP.

My concern also includes Mayo's billing. I know Mayo does not accept Medicare assignment.  Last July, I was seen in both Hematology and Cardiography at Mayo Rochester.  The bill was precise, down to the items that cost less than $1.00.  My portion of the charges were $753. Reasonable, I felt,  considering the care I received.  Few weeks later, I received checks from Medicare and my supplement, Mutual of Omaha, that totally reimbursed the $753 to me. Quite a surprise. But, I will have to dig to find how a PM or PM battery is billed.

Thanks!!

--Dave--

 

3 Comments

Medicare Assignment

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-17 09:12:17

If you do accept the responsibility for charges above what insurance will pay, you could be liable for a lot of money - virtually an unlimited amount of money.  My insurance was charged $2400 for $.50 worth of drugs, during an overnight stay, earlier this year.  Of course they didn't pay it but if I'd accepted any charges...  My insurance typically pays about 40% of what is charged.  I don't want to pay the other 60%.  You won't won't even know what you'll ne liable for, up front.  No one will tell you what the costs are.

Mayo

by Terry - 2018-06-17 19:38:56

I found that Mayo EPs do His bundle pacing. Know your baseline ejection fraction and check it at time of change out to be sure it isn't decreasing. Your heart can heal itself if you experience what your doctor calls "pacing induced heart failure" by His/Purkinjy activation. Google "His bundle pacing" or see <www.His-pacing.org>.

Terry

His pacing

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-17 21:01:25

AIUI, the more popular alternative is CRT pacing.  CRT works for people with AV block or ablation (me), as well.  A lot of people in this forum have CRT (either CRT-D or CRT-P) pacemakers.

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At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!