A medical information communication system and corresponding methods are described. The system can permit monitoring the performance of an implantable medical device (IMD) implanted within a body of a patient, monitoring the health of the patient, and/or remotely delivering a therapy to the patient through the IMD. The IMD can be capable of bi-directional communication with a clinician. Further, the system can comprise a communication availability indicator to indicate whether the IMD is available for communication.