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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medtronic CareLink® Network?
A. The Medtronic CareLink Network is the first Internet-based remote monitoring service for patients with Medtronic implanted cardiac devices that is comparable to an in-office check. Patients send their device data from the comfort of their homes, and their clinicians access it using the Internet. Today over 80,000 patients use the Medtronic CareLink Network to send information fromtheir device to their clinic -- without needing to drive to the clinic.
How does it work?
A. The Medtronic CareLink Monitor is designed to be an easy way to send information for your doctor to review. At your scheduled time to send information, you will connect the Medtronic CareLink Monitor to a standard telephone line and press the “Power” button. You will then place the monitor “antenna” on your chest over your implanted device. The monitor will read and store the information from your device. Your physician may also instruct you to transmit at an unscheduled time if you are symptomatic.
The monitor automatically dials a toll-free, pre-programmed telephone number and then sends the data to a secure server. The entire reading process typically takes less than three minutes but may take up to 12 minutes. (For times when you are in a hotel or business where you need to dial “9” or some other digit for an outside line, simply flip a switch on the side of the monitor.)
Your clinic will then use the Internet to view and analyze the information from your device. Your clinic will contact you as needed, depending on their procedures and your situation. Check with your clinic for more information.
Which devices are connected?
A. The Medtronic CareLink Network supports a wide range of Medtronic implanted cardiac devices. The following devices are currently connected to the Medtronic CareLink Network, and others will be available soon.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
- Virtuoso™
- Intrinsic®
- EnTrust®
- Maximo® DR/VR ICD
- Marquis® DR/VR
- GEM® III DR/VR
- GEM® II DR/VR
- GEM® DR/VR
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Defibrillators
- Concerto™
- InSync Sentry®
- InSync Maximo®
- InSync II Marquis™
- InSync Marquis™
- InSync ICD®
Does having the Medtronic CareLink Monitor mean that I never have to see my doctor again?
A. Having the Medtronic CareLink Monitor means that some of your routine follow-up visits can be done remotely—without your needing to visit the clinic. This means that you will have the convenience of staying connected with your clinic from home or while traveling.
However, remote monitoring does not replace all clinic visits. Your clinic will let you know when you should send your device information with the Medtronic CareLink Monitor or when you should visit the clinic. Follow your clinic’s instructions regarding when to use the monitor. For emergencies, always dial 911 or follow other instructions from your clinic.
How much will this cost me?
A. Clinics subscribe to the Medtronic CareLink Network on behalf of their patients, so aside from the standard co-pay, this service is free to patients.
What if I need to see my doctor?
A. The Medtronic CareLink Network and monitor are not meant to replace all clinic visits. If you feel that you need to see your doctor, contact your clinic. In some cases, your clinic may direct you to transmit via the Medtronic CareLink Monitor to quickly determine the right course of action for you.
What if I’m out of town during my scheduled follow-up?
A. If you happen to be out of town when you would normally be scheduled for a routine device check, you can still be “seen” with the Medtronic CareLink Monitor. The monitor is easy to take with you. It weighs about a pound and fits in a suitcase. If you are in a hotel, you’ll need to change the setting on the side of the monitor so you can reach an outside line. See the patient manual for more information.
What if I have other questions about my device?
A. Your clinic is your primary source for information about your care and your device.
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