A device, such as an IMD, operating in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure detects a telemetry configuration event and, in response to the telemetry configuration event, configures a telemetry module of the IMD to operate in a duty cycled operational mode. The duty cycled operational mode includes a plurality of intervals during which a transceiver of the telemetry module is powered down interleaved with intervals during which the transceiver is powered up, e.g., for transmitting or receiving communications over an established communication session. The power freed up during the intervals in which the transceiver is powered down may be allocated for use by other components of the IMD. The telemetry module maintains information regarding the established communication session during the plurality of intervals during which the transceiver is powered down such that transmit and receive operations may immediately begin during intervals in which the transceiver is powered up.