#$%^&*AU2016201039A120160310.pdf#####ABSTRACT A method for operating an implantable medical device system, comprising: compiling, at an external controller, information to be sent to an implantable medical device； sending a first communication using a protocol from the external controller to an external charger, the first communication instructing the external charger to turn off a charging field； and thereafter sending the compiled information from the external controller to the implantable medical device using the protocol, and a method for operating an implantable medical device system, comprising: sending a first communication, using a protocol, from an external controller to an external charger to cease an operation between the external charger and an implantable medical device； transmitting data between the external controller and the implantable medical device using the protocol； and sending a second communication, using the protocol, from the external controller to the external charger to allow resumption of the operation between the external charger and the implantable medical device.
