Abstract: An implantable medical and related cardiac rhythm management system include a device having a housing, means disposed within the housing for performing a function, and a header operatively associated with the housing, containing a first coil communicating with the means for facilitating a function, wherein the first coil is adapted and configured to facilitate bi-directional inductive telemetry with a second coil associated with an external programming device. Alternatively, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, the external programming device includes a second coil adapted and configured to form an inductive link with the first coil to facilitate uni-directional inductive telemetry between the external programming device and the pacemaker, with return communications being transmitted separately from the pacemaker to the external programming device.