A telemetry architecture is described that enables multiple programmers to concurrently interact with associated implantable medical devices within a viable telemetry range. The programmers communicate with implantable medical devices over one or more communication channels. Inter-programmer communication is accomplished over a particular communication channel that may be selected from one of the programmer-to-device channels or via an independent back channel. The programmers use the inter-programmer communication to coordinate communication between associated programmers and implantable medical devices within the viable telemetry range.