A method includes detecting, by an implantable medical device (IMD), attachment to the IMD of at least one implantable medical lead with at least one electrode; and triggering by the IMD, based on the detecting of the attachment to the IMD of the at least one medical lead, a device test sequence in which the IMD performs the following qualification tests over an evaluation period: detecting an impedance for at least one electrical path that includes the at least one electrode to determine a connection status of the IMD to the at least one electrode; and comparing EGM (electrogram) amplitudes of the patient over an EGM test period against a predetermined threshold.