remote monitoring for St Judes PM

My dad got his pacemaker Jan 12th--and he's doing pretty well. In fact, I think he acts like he feels better than he did before he got it, although he just got off arm restrictions so he doesn't have a lot of perspective about that yet.

Anyway, the pacemaker is a St Jude's model and according to the tech that put the pacemaker through its paces (pun intended) in the hospital, the pacemaker can be monitored remotely. We thought that sounded great. Strangely enough, the clinic where his cardiologist is located is not affiliated with St. Jude's (another cardiologist from the clinic actually did the procedure). In order for my dad to get the remote monitoring the clinic has to "sign up" for their Merlin system. (Why the cardiologist who did the procedure used a St. Jude's pacemaker without being affiliated baffles me, but...)

So we were wondering if anyone here has a St. Jude's pacemaker with remote monitoring? If so, does the remote monitoring cost you anything? How does it work?

We're trying to decide whether to push the clinic to get this for us or not, so any info would be very helpful. :-)

Thanks!
Michelle

8 Comments

remote monitoring

by MichelleC - 2010-03-21 01:03:07

Thanks Frank.

Actually as we're 60-70 miles from the cardiologist's main office, remote monitoring would be a help. If no adjustments were necessary it would save us a trip.

Best regards,
Michelle

Carelink monitor

by robert40 - 2010-03-21 01:03:08

Hey Jessie. The Carelink Monitor from Medtronic is free, it comes along with youre pacemaker.

Remote monitoring

by ElectricFrank - 2010-03-21 01:03:21

For pacemakers the only advantage of remote monitoring is not having to travel long distances if you live in a remote area. Otherwise, the office visit has the advantage of being able to get minor adjustments done easily. As far as I know none of the remote systems are able to make changes. From my recent conversation with the Medtronic rep pacemakers remote monitoring isn't a continuous process. It is done on a scheduled basis where the patient has to run the test while connected to the phone line.

So far the continuous or or night time monitoring is only for ICD's.

frank

st jude's

by Shell - 2010-03-21 02:03:20

I have a st Jude's pm (and have for almost 4 yrs) I do the remote monitering monthy.(except every 6 months I go into the office) I was doing it every 3 months but my battery is getting lower so this way they can keep an eye on it and if neccessary have me go in to the office. The machine and motering doesn't cost me anything, insurance pays for it all. The only thing is you may want to check and see if your insurance covers it.

feeling better

by JessiWay - 2010-03-21 02:03:23

Hello Michelle!
I had my pacemaker implanted 3 weeks ago. I feel incredible! I am still a bit tired & still on arm restriction...but WOW! What a difference! I think your dad has a lot more perspective than you may realize. It makes a huge difference, almost immediately!
I also live quite a distance from my EP's office. I have a Medtronic PM & just received my remote monitor. I think it will be very convenient as far as saved trips if no changes are necessary. I am unaware of the price, as I have not received all the bills yet. You are definitely in the right place for answers, though!
I wish all of your family luck on this journey, especially your father! Best wishes!
~Jessi

Thank you!

by MichelleC - 2010-03-21 03:03:28

Everyone, thank you for your responses! We have a clearer picture of what remote monitoring is likely to cost--nothing (I was fairly certain that what was the tech said, but going 48 hours on 5 hours of sleep, I couldn't be sure)--and how it works. Sounds like we'll still need to make the 60 mile jaunt twice per year anyway, unless our small town gets enough St Jude's PM patients that the tech will come here.

I really appreciate everyone's help.

Michelle

agree w/ Shell

by Sgood - 2010-03-24 10:03:38

I also do remote monitering for my st jude's device. W/ my insurance it cost $30 everytime i use it, so not bad at all. Like Shell said, make sure your insurance covers it. But it is wonderful to have when your pacemaker gets close to needing to be replaced...saved my hundreds of dollars from going into a doctor's office and having to have it done monthly!

Thanks

by MichelleC - 2010-03-25 03:03:05

That's good information. Do you still have to have the tech check your pacemaker every 6 months in addition to the remote monitoring?

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