implantable device 39 s processor 204 starts in step 411 in step 402 the processor 302 initiates an inquiry operation by sending a command to the implantable device requesting the implantable device to transmit its model and serial number in step 403 the processor 302 receives the model and serial number information and stores it for future identification of the implantable device in step 404 the processor 302 sends a request to the implantable device for the implantable device to transmit one or more of its configuration parameters the parameter request may be a partial request in which only certain specified parameters are requested or a full request in which a download of all the configuration parameters is requested in a typical initial inquiry operation the parameter request is a full request in step 405 the processor 302 receives the transmitted configuration parameters and stores them in memory for analysis and possible alteration by the user of the programming device 110 this may complete the inquiry operation or as a further part of the inquiry operation the processor 302 may request and receive stored physiological data from the implantable device after a user examines the configuration parameters and analyzes any downloaded data.