Methods may include detecting whether a data message alert is stored in a dedicated alert field within a memory of the medical device upon interrogating the medical device with a programmer. The methods may also include communicating the data message alert via the programmer in response to detecting the data message alert stored in the dedicated alert field. A system may include a programmer, a medical device, and a link between the programmer and the medical device. The programmer is operative to provide, detect, and communicate a data message alert stored on the medical device in a dedicated alert field. The dedicated alert field is a free form data field having the capability to store the data message alert in any data format. The programmer is also operative to communicate the data message alert in any data format in which the data message alert is stored.