St. Jude Merlin @Home Broadband Kit.....

ask them again

by Tracey_E - 2017-09-05 10:26:38

Mine didn't need anything. They set it up at the office, I brought it home and plugged it in. It'll work anywhere with a signal but does not use my wifi or cell service. 

old models

by The real Patch - 2017-09-05 12:59:38

Mine is an older model. It came with firewood and matches so I can send smoke signals.

They sent my Merlin Model EX1150 with a cellular adapter and cable that plugs into the side and the cellular adapter (EX1151) clips on back of the Merlin. You don't need cellular phone service, just be in proximity to a tower. (I suspect this is what TraceyE has)

I can't answer your question about cost, they never asked or mentioned anything just called and said it was in the mail. Took about 5 minutes to get operational, 4.75 minutes were used by me looking at the pretty pictures and .25 minutes actual work time

Check with your Doctor

by Citadel_74 - 2017-09-05 13:23:16

Had my CRT-D implanted at St Josephs Hospital in Atlanta. (Emory)

Emory worked out a deal where you receive the cellular phone adapter as part of the Merlin package. You dont have a monthly cellular fee that needs to be paid.

Pretty sure Blue Cross  Blue Shield paid for Merlin.

My Merlin

by Cutestuff@snet.net - 2017-09-05 14:12:42

I will ask Dr. next Thursday, that is when I go in.  MY transmitter is also the EX 1150, and it is just the transmitter and phone cable.  No adapter, nothing.  I have a phone and broadband internet in my bedroom, that is where my computer is located.  I will ask again, and get it sorted out.  Thanks again.

Land Line

by Artist - 2017-09-05 15:56:32

My Merlin uses my land line and it was easy, with a line splitter, to connect to and share the phone line in my bedroom.  There are  no long distance phone charges at all.  The only thing is that when the Merlin is submitting a report, my phone in use light blinks and if I accidentally pick up the phone during a transmission, there is a screeching sound.  The transmissions are usually pretty short, around 5 to 10 minutes. 

Splitter....

by Cutestuff@snet.net - 2017-09-06 11:17:25

I have bought a three way splitter, and I am having static on the phone and I'm not sure if my internet connection, phone and transmitter would be effective.  I get static on my phone from having all three on even if I'm not transmitting.  I had called my phone company and they said it would be OK.  Maybe I'm having telephone line problems?  Thank you Artist for your response.

There's a do-hicky they can give you

by Gotrhythm - 2017-09-06 14:54:42

I'm a techno-idiot. But I have a 6 year-old Merlin. When I got rid of my landline, at the cardiologist's office they ordered me a little gizmo with an adapter that plugs in where the phone line would go.

I think it's basically a stripped down cell phone that doesn't do anything but take data from the Merlin and transmit it via the closest cell tower. I turn on the Merlin, all the little lights do their thing, and my doctor's office receives the data.

The doctor's office handled everything. I wasn't billed. Nor do I pay a charge when I use it.

I think you need to get in touch with your doctor's office, or whoever is in charge of monitoring your device. You're not the first person with this issue, and you won't be the last, You don't have to figure this out by yourself.

Thank You Gotrhythm!

by Cutestuff@snet.net - 2017-09-06 15:32:10

I appreciate your help!  I go on the 14th for a check up with Cardio and that's where I get Interrogated, I will talk to the St Jude Rep and him, to get this sorted out.  I was trying to figure it out without seeming stupid.  I'm on that recall list as well, so I have to see if they will update me as well.

price

by Shell - 2017-09-06 17:20:55

I've had 3 different remote transmitters (miss the Merlin because it was the easiest) and my newest one has an adapter that uses cell towers instead of a landline. I've never paid for any of them and dont think the insurance was billed for any either. (never had a deductabile for them or seen a charge at all)

Thank you!

by Cutestuff@snet.net - 2017-09-06 17:57:02

I appreciate any feedback or advice....I will keep everyone posted!!  

Thank you!

by Cutestuff@snet.net - 2017-09-06 17:57:03

I appreciate any feedback or advice....I will keep everyone posted!!