# Patient Controller RC - US

> Smartphone app for managing Abbott neuromodulation devices and remote patient-clinician interaction. (iPhone/iPad app by Abbott.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patient-controller-rc-us/id6444318464 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Abbott](https://appshunter.io/developer/402314324)
- Category: Medical
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.05/5 from 112 App Store ratings · 92 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 15.6.1 · 79 MB
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Released: 2023-01-06
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patient-controller-rc-us/id6444318464/reviews.md

## What is Patient Controller RC?

This app is for use with Abbott rechargeable devices including the Eterna™ Spinal Cord Stimulation system and the Liberta RC™ DBS system. 
The Patient Controller (PC) Application was developed by Abbott for people living with chronic pain and movement disorders who are treated by Abbott neuromodulation devices.  This application helps patients conveniently manage the programs prescribed by their physicians and uses Bluetooth® wireless technology to communicate between the implanted stimulator, Charger and the Patient Controller App. The Patient Controller Application runs on Abbott recommended devices (as mentioned below) and is easy to use, while the wireless interface provides patients the convenience of managing prescribed stimulation settings from a familiar iOS device.

Some of the key functions available for patients include:
- Turn stimulation ON/OFF
- Select stimulation programs for changing therapy needs
- Adjust stimulation amplitude
- Check device battery
- Monitor charging of the implanted stimulator
- Adjust charger settings
- Turn on MRI mode for MR Conditional systems
- Activate and de-activate Surgery Mode

In addition, NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic on the PC app enables users to connect with their clinicians for routine programming adjustments remotely. Secure in-app video chat enables telehealth sessions directly from within the PC application.

THIS APP DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE, NOR SHOULD BE REGARDED AS COMPRISING MEDICAL ADVICE OF ANY NATURE. THE APP IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT AND TREATMENT BY A PHYSICIAN OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. PATIENTS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR PHYSICIAN PRIOR TO MAKING ANY MEDICAL DECISIONS. IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT EMERGENCY SERVICES OR YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.

Note:
- This application will work on select Appleⱡ iPhoneⱡ devices running iOS 15.6.1 or later.
- For a list of compatible devices see https://www.NMmobiledevicesync.com/cp 
- For the Privacy Policy see https://www.virtualclinic.abbott/policies
- For the Terms of Use see https://www.virtualclinic.abbott/policies
- ⱡ iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
- Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG

## Key features

- Turn stimulation ON/OFF
- Select stimulation programs
- Adjust stimulation amplitude
- Check device battery
- Monitor charging
- Remote clinician connection
- Secure in-app video chat

## What do users think of Patient Controller RC?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- ✅ Effective pain relief and device functionality
- 👍 User-friendly interface and easy control
- 🔧 Works well on supported iPhone models
- 💪 Reliable implant performance for chronic pain management
- 🤝 Good customer support in some regions
- ⚡ Improved app compared to previous versions

**Cons**

- ❌ Severely outdated iPhone compatibility (lags 2-3+ years behind current models)
- 📱 Forces users to carry multiple phones simultaneously
- 🐢 Extremely slow update cycle for new device support
- 🔌 Provided iPhone SE controller has poor battery life
- 🔗 Frequent app disconnections requiring restarts
- ❌ No Android app available despite years of requests
- 📵 App crashes and won't accept password updates
- 🚫 Misleading compatibility information before download
- 😤 Lack of communication from Abbott regarding update timelines

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App incompatible with iPhone 15, 16, 17 series
- Frequent disconnections from device requiring app restart
- App crashes and won't open
- Password update rejection
- Incompatibility with iOS 18.3.2 and newer
- Battery indicator not displaying correctly on newer phones

**Most requested features**

- Support for iPhone 15, 16, 17 and newer models
- Android app version
- Apple Watch app integration
- Sleep timer functionality
- User-adjustable intermittent pulse programs
- Screen brightness control for nighttime use
- Remote programming capability
- Faster Bluetooth connection speed
- Monthly bug fix and security patches

## Recent user reviews (10 of 92)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patient-controller-rc-us/id6444318464/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Ridiculous it only goes to an iphone 14

*2026-07-19, version 2.0.4*

These are insanely expensive thr least you could do is make it usable for us. Cheap.

### 1/5 — iphone 17

*2026-07-15, version 2.0.4*

Non compatbility with newer devices

### 4/5 — Unable to use

*2026-07-15, version 2.0.4*

I recently upgraded my iPhone and now I cannot access this app.  I would love to see an upgrade.

### 2/5 — Updates for iPhone 15 and newer.

*2026-07-12, version 2.0.4*

The fact that I can’t have the remote on my phone is beyond aggravating. Abbott you are making loads of money from your patients from something implanted in our bodies. The least you could do is make the app(remote) for all newer phones. It’s absurd to be be in the year 2026 and still carrying around two electronic devices because the remote isn’t available for my phone. Do better Abbott!

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work with IPhone 17 Pro Max

*2026-06-11, version 2.0.4*

This worked fine with my IPhone 14 but no longer works with my new phone. Please fix this. Thank you.

### 4/5 — Update

*2026-05-19, version 2.0.4*

This app needs to be updated to work with current devices.

### 1/5 — iPhone 17 pro max

*2026-03-24, version 2.0.4*

I have the same problem that the previous reviewer has. When are you going to do an update?

### 2/5 — Update please

*2026-03-22, version 2.0.4*

There are over 7 new iPhones that this doesn’t even support.  Makes zero sense.

### 1/5 — iPhone 17MaxPro

*2026-02-28, version 2.0.4*

Unfortunately this app is not updated to coexist with iPhone 17 ProMax

### 2/5 — App Update needed

*2026-02-21, version 2.0.4*

I must agree with spunsugar2001 that this app should be updated to work in newer iOS devices.  I was surprised to find that it would not work on my new iPhone 17 Pro.

## Frequently asked questions about Patient Controller RC

### What does the Patient Controller RC app do?

This app allows patients to manage their Abbott neuromodulation devices, such as the Eterna™ Spinal Cord Stimulation system and Liberta RC™ DBS system. It enables control over stimulation programs, amplitude, and device status, and facilitates remote connection with clinicians.

### What are the key features of the Patient Controller RC app?

Key features include turning stimulation on/off, selecting programs, adjusting amplitude, checking battery status, monitoring charging, and enabling MRI mode. It also offers remote programming adjustments and secure video chat with clinicians through NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic.

### Is the Patient Controller RC app free to use?

Yes, the application is free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned.

### What devices are compatible with the Patient Controller RC app?

The app is designed for use with Abbott rechargeable devices like the Eterna™ Spinal Cord Stimulation system and Liberta RC™ DBS system. It requires select Apple iPhone devices running iOS 15.6.1 or later. A list of compatible devices can be found at https://www.NMmobiledevicesync.com/cp.

### Can this app provide medical advice?

No, this app explicitly states that it does not provide medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional judgment or treatment by a physician. Patients should always consult their physician for any medical decisions or concerns.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.4 — 2025-04-15

Minor bug and UI fixes to optimize user experience

### 2.0.2 — 2024-08-09

Software includes support for Liberta RC(TM) DBS IPG system update.

### 2.0.1 — 2024-02-21

•	For those with the Eterna™ SCS System, addition of general system updates to optimize user experience. New programming features include enabling BurstDR™ programs with multiple areas for the Eterna™ SCS System as well as adding the NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic Remote Care Feature. 
•	For those with the Liberta RC™ DBS System, launch of app compatibility with the Liberta RC™ DBS System and NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic Remote Care.

### 1.1 — 2023-12-06

Addition of general system updates to optimize user experience.

### 1.0.3 — 2023-05-30

The Eterna™ SCS System with TotalScan™ MRI technology paired with either of the following lead models is now MR Conditional: TriCentrus™ paddle lead model 3292 or 90cm Octrode™ stimulation lead model 3189. Additionally, the Penta™ 5-column paddle lead has new expanded MR Conditional labeling.

## Apps similar to Patient Controller RC

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Nalu Remote Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nalu-remote-control/id1440585137) | 4.3 (11) | Free | Medical |
| [Torq Vendor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/torq-vendor/id1439819022) | 5.0 (19) | Free | Medical |
| [mySCS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/myscs/id1410856564) | 3.9 (72) | Free | Medical |
| [myMerlinPulse™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mymerlinpulse/id1491399428) | 3.7 (57) | Free | Medical |
| [Patient Controller NR - US](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patient-controller-nr-us/id1059237634) | 2.4 (732) | Free | Medical |
| [Neuspera Patient Controller](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/neuspera-patient-controller/id1565625492) | — | Free | Medical |

## More apps by Abbott

- [Abbott FISH Chromosome Search](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abbott-fish-chromosome-search/id422488613)
- [myStarlims](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mystarlims/id986852877)
- [Liver Is Life](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/liver-is-life/id1031252116)
- [VertiGo Exercise (AR)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vertigo-exercise-ar/id1089091063)
- [e-WhatsUp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/e-whatsup/id1195625548)
- [myMerlin™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mymerlin/id1210169978)

All apps by Abbott: https://appshunter.io/developer/402314324

## Related topics

[abbott patient controller](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/abbott-patient-controller) · [neurosphere digital health app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/neurosphere-digital-health-app) · [abbott neurosphere](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/abbott-neurosphere) · [neurosphere](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/neurosphere) · [sjm](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sjm) · [spinal cord stimulator](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/spinal-cord-stimulator) · [abbott](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/abbott)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*