Second Pacemaker Implant Time

I will have my second pacemaker implanted in Thailand and the VA is paying 100%. Interesting story about correct information given to patients. I was informed in 2015, I had 6 years left on my PM Battery. This month, July 2017, I was informed my pacemaker went in the preservation mode or past it's DRI mode. I was stunned and asked. How could this be? I be told in September 2015, that I had six years on the batterby, but. In July 2017 it is past DRI which was reached in December 2016.

Now, before anyone bashes the VA. I had this PM implanted while on active duty in the Army, September 14, 2011. It was implanted at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, next door litterally to the El Paso, VA, Medical Center. After retirement in January 2013. I simply walked next door, to VA, and started receiving treatment there. The same Biotronik technicians serviced the pacemaker. There was no lapse in information or data. 

I was really shocked when the Biotronik Technician said, "I saw you were near replacement in 2015 the last time I checked you". I called them from Thailand and learned they have setup shop in Thailand as well. Strange thing about that battery statement. That technician never checked me. For four years, I always had the same technician. Anyway, seems to me the technicians would be able to give the patient, and the cardiologist, the correct information. Conincidentally, the cardiologist was surprised as well. 

So, after frantic research for funding to get it replaced, in Thailand. I found out the VA has direct billing contracts in Thailand with Phuket International Hospital and Bangkok International Hospital which also has the Bangkok Heart Hospital. I wanted to get it arranged so Bumrungrad International Hospital could do it but a Direct Billing Contract with that hospital is non-existent. And that hospital wants $16,000 USD upfront to do it. 

Points to remember: 1) The VA and Tricare does pay your medical bills while living overseas, but, upfront then file. They have clauses to cover for major-medical expenses on a case-by-case basis to allow for direct billing. 2) Be leary of what the Pacemaker Technicians are telling you and the Cardiologists. If the battery longevity sounds off then dig dipper. 3) Don't freak out when it needs to be replaced. Remain calm and go after the right information. 

4 Comments

confusion

by The real Patch - 2017-07-31 11:56:36

like many others, you are confused on the battery life. It's no different than any other battery, impossible to predict the life. Far too many variables go into the usefull life expectancy and any change, no matter how minor can affect it. The numbers they report to you are best guesstimate based on the conditions at time they give you the information. Has absolutely nothing to do with the VA, the technician, or the doctor period. Think about a flashlight. When you put fresh batteries in, you kind of sort of have a rough guess how long they'll last but often are surprised that they either seem to go on forever, or die in short order. For the record, the Biotronic tech who stated he knew you were near replacement 2 years prior was full of crap and merely trying to impress, I'd steer clear of him. A nurse practioner handles my device interrogations and refuses to tell anyone their battery life until it's time for replacement because she knows it's unpredictable. 

Tricare has it's own issues, just like any other US medical insurance

battery life vs $$$$$

by zawodniak2 - 2017-07-31 12:58:20

Ever wonder if manufacturers would increase battery life how there revenue would decrease???  Just sayin---go figure????

                         Rodger

battery life vs $$$

by The real Patch - 2017-07-31 15:18:09

The problem with that logic is:

1. The device manufacturers do not make batteries, they purchase them from a third party manufacturers

2. If you checked, you'd realize length of service on devices has infact increased over time.

3. They have been improving the battery life over the years, however, newer model devices also perform far more functions than earlier models thereby consumming more energy

4. These devices are in greater demand than the manufacturer's can meet

The real Patch

by zawodniak2 - 2017-08-01 10:54:13

Yes, those are all valid points.  However,  in reality the bean counters and stockholders do factor into the equation somewhat.  The technical guys and the financial guys are usually at odds come budget setting time.  Guess the issue may become moot when the batteryless pace maker is developed in the future??

You know you're wired when...

Your favorite poem is “Ode to a Cardiac Node”.

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Do feel free to contact the manufacturer of your device. I have found them to be quite helpful when I have had questions and concerns.