In a method and a system for initiating communication with an implantable medical device to conduct a wireless communication session between the implantable medical device and an external programmer device. A directional antenna is employed for initiating communication between a programmer device and an implantable medical device (IMD). The IMD is targeted by the programmer device by having an operator of the programmer device orient the directional antenna toward the IMD and transmitting a communication-initiating signal from the programmer to the IMD via the directional antenna. The directional antenna has a directional characteristic and communication range. the IMD responds to the communication-initiating signal by sending identification information to the programmer. the programmer may then use this identification to establish a communication session with the IMD targeted by the directional antenna.
