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What happens at a pacemaker check?
A pacemaker check looks at how your device has been working since the last review. A computer called a programmer connects to the pacemaker wirelessly, so the clinician can read its stored information and test it.
The check covers the condition of the battery, the electrical connections to the heart and how often the pacemaker has needed to support the heartbeat. The clinician also goes through any rhythm episodes the device has stored and asks about your symptoms.
What is checked, and why?
Battery condition
The device estimates how much battery life is left. Regular checks mean a generator replacement can be planned before the battery runs out. A replacement is done in hospital, not during a clinic check.
Lead function
If your pacemaker has leads, electrical measurements help work out whether the wires are picking up your heart's own signals and delivering impulses as they should. The clinician can compare these measurements with previous checks to spot a change that needs attention.
Settings and recorded rhythms
Pacemaker settings are chosen for the rhythm problem being treated. They may need adjustment as your health, medicines or activity changes. Stored rhythm information can also help explain palpitations or other episodes, although it may not explain every symptom.
Tell the clinician about dizziness, breathlessness or finding exercise harder than usual, even if the pacemaker seems to be working normally. Some symptoms need looking into beyond the pacemaker itself.
20-30 minutes
How long an appointment usually takes
Bring your device card
It shows your pacemaker's make and model
Individual follow-up
The timing depends on your device and what the check finds
What happens during the appointment
The clinician will ask about symptoms, hospital visits, medicine changes and any device checks done elsewhere. Bring your pacemaker identification card and previous reports so the right details about your device are on hand.
A programmer will connect wirelessly, often using a small reader held over the implant. ECG electrodes may also be used while the device is tested. You'll usually sit or lie on an examination bed.
Some tests temporarily change the pacing rate or the strength of an impulse. You may notice a brief change in your heartbeat. Tell the clinician if you feel light-headed, uncomfortable or unwell during a test. The clinician can adjust the settings if the findings and your symptoms suggest they need changing.
Before you leave
The clinician will explain any changes and the next check. If a finding needs hospital assessment, replacement or another procedure, the cardiologist can refer you for that care. Ask who is responsible for your ongoing device monitoring, particularly if you also have appointments with a hospital device clinic.
If you've been referred to Heartscope
Your GP or specialist may refer you to the Pacemaker Clinic, or you can request an appointment for a check yourself. If you have a referral, have it handy when you confirm the appointment. The clinic will check the appointment, location and preparation with you.
Fees
Pacemaker checks are usually bulk billed. For the latest fees, see the page for your clinic under Our Locations.
Follow-up and remote monitoring
The clinic will send a report to your doctor and treating cardiologist. Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on your device type and remaining battery life.
Preparing for the appointment
- Medications and diet: Eat, drink, and take your regular medicines as normal.
- What to wear: Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit with a loose top so the technician can easily access your upper chest.
- Device ID card: Always bring your manufacturer pacemaker identification card (and any replacement cards). If you have misplaced it, please notify our clinic before your appointment.
- Recent procedures: Inform the clinic if your pacemaker has been adjusted, checked, or replaced elsewhere since your last visit.
Please note that only 1 person will be allowed into the appointment room due to space constraints. Family, children, guardians, friends and carers will only be allowed in if it's absolutely necessary. A language interpreter can come in with you.
What to bring
- Your pacemaker identification card.
- Your referral, if you have one, and your Medicare card.
- A list of your current medicines, with doses and how often you take them.
- Recent hospital letters or device reports.
- Notes about your symptoms, with the dates or what you were doing when they happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Heartscope fit or replace pacemakers at this clinic?
No. This clinic checks existing pacemakers and reviews their function and settings. Implantation, generator replacement and lead procedures take place in hospital. A cardiologist can refer you for those procedures if needed.
How often does my pacemaker need checking?
It varies from person to person. Routine checks are often several months apart, but the clinician may recommend an earlier check after implantation, if a measurement changes or as the battery runs down. Follow the schedule you've been given for your device.
Does a check replace the pacemaker battery?
No. The check estimates the battery's condition and helps plan a replacement. For a conventional pacemaker, the generator is replaced in hospital. If the leads are working and suitable, they may be left in place.
Can settings be changed without an operation?
Yes. The programmer can communicate with the device through the skin and change suitable settings. The clinician chooses any adjustment based on the device tests, your rhythm and your symptoms.
What if I have an ICD or a biventricular pacemaker?
Tell the clinic the exact device type and manufacturer when you book. Different devices need the right programming equipment and skills, so staff need to check in advance that you're booked into the right appointment.
Do I still need checks if I feel well?
Yes. Routine checks look at battery and lead measurements, which can change without you noticing.
Ready to book?
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Cardiology clinics across Melbourne.
Pacemaker Clinic
Ashburton
ashburton
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Boronia
boronia
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 7 Day ECG Holter Monitor | $250, plus a $50 refundable deposit $79.50 out of pocket with Medicare |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Coolaroo
coolaroo
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Cranbourne
cranbourne
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Dandenong
dandenong
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Keysborough
keysborough
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Lalor
lalor
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
M-City Clayton
clayton
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Melbourne
melbourne
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 7 Day ECG Holter Monitor | $250, plus a $50 refundable deposit $79.50 out of pocket with Medicare |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Moonee Ponds
moonee-ponds
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Mooroolbark
mooroolbark
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Pakenham
pakenham
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
St Albans
st-albans
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Sunnybank
sunnybank
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $100, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 |
| HeartBug | Privately billed |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Werribee
werribee
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Wheelers Hill
wheelers-hill
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
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