An implantable medical device (IMD) communication system and associated method for controlling the telemetry link status between an IMD and associated programmer during a telemetry session are provided. The system includes control circuitry for detecting conditions during predetermined time intervals for determining if a telemetry session is active or inactive. If a telemetry session is determined to be inactive for a specified interval of time, the telemetry link may be terminated or converted to a low-output, stand-by mode. Patient or device identity verification may be required prior to allowing programmer-IMD communication. A patient alert signal may be generated in response to programmer-IMD communication occurring after a predetermined time of telemetry session inactivity.