Barwon Health’s University Hospital Geelong (UHG) offers a Cardiac Device Remote Monitoring Service that enables your implanted cardiac device to be checked virtually.

This remote monitor allows your implanted device to securely transmit data directly to our team from the comfort of your own home. The benefits of this monitor enables us to detect any significant heart rhythm information and monitor the performance of your device such as battery life.

Participation in remote monitoring service is voluntary. The monitor is an additional feature and is continuously monitoring your implanted device, reducing the amount of routine in-clinic device checks required.

If you choose not to participate in remote monitoring, please inform the clinic so we can update our system.

Please note: If you are not remote monitored, you will not receive the benefits associated with remote monitoring and you will be required to have more frequent in-clinic checks, at least every six months. Your follow-up schedule will be individually tailored according to your clinical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please plug the monitor into power beside your bed. From there, the remote monitor is fully automatic, meaning it can send transmissions automatically. There is no need to do anything else with the monitor. Please do not send a manual transmission unless instructed to do so by staff.

The monitor works by using the mobile phone reception towers in your local area to send data transmissions. Be aware that if you live in an area with poor phone service, the monitor may not be able to transmit the data to us. The monitor does not require internet or wifi, however, if you live in an area with poor phone service wifi can be an option. Please contact us to discuss.

The cardiac remote monitoring service provided by us is bulk billed through Medicare.

No, we cannot. If any programming changes are needed they can only be made at your in-clinic device checks.

If you notice the monitor is unplugged from the power source, plug the monitor back into power and it will continue to work automatically. If the power goes out, once power is restored the monitor will continue to work automatically. Please note the remote monitor does not affect the functioning of your implanted device.

Yes, you will still be required to attend face to face for device checks but these will be less frequent if you are remote monitored.

It is up to you if you take your monitor with you or not. Your monitor will work anywhere in Australia where there is mobile phone reception (and overseas). Your remote monitor does not affect the functioning of your implanted device so it is not essential that you take it with you. We recommend only to consider taking the monitor with you if going for more than 4 weeks. If you are unsure, discuss it with your cardiologist.

If you choose to take your monitor and something happens when you are away, our clinic will still be able to see the data from your device.

If you leave the monitor at home and you go away for more than 4 weeks, please let us know so we don’t call you about your monitor being disconnected. If you are unwell whilst away your device can be checked by a nearby hospital or on your return home.

Due to the large numbers of patients using this service, we request that you do not contact the remote monitoring team to obtain the results from your transmission. You will be contacted by our team if clinically necessary.

IMPORTANT! This remote service DOES NOT replace emergency services.

If you are concerned with an urgent health matter please contact your GP or in an Emergency CALL 000.

This service is not 24/7. Our staff review remote transmissions during the morning Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays). Any transmissions received are reviewed within a timely manner and you will only be contacted if necessary.

Firstly, check the monitor has not been unplugged from power.

If you are still concerned, call our remote clinic to discuss troubleshooting.

Phone contacts

  • UHG Cardiac Remote Monitor Clinic: ph (03) 4215 0994,  Mon-Fri, 9am to 11.30am (excluding public holidays)
  • Medtronic Technical Support: Free call 1800 644 128  Mon-Fri, 8:30am- 5pm
  • Latitude Communicator Technical Support: 1800 528 488,  Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm
  • Abbott/St Jude Medical Technical Support: Free call 1800 899 081, Mon-Fri, 8am to 7pm

Page last updated: August 1, 2024