A wireless communication system is provided that includes an antenna structure adapted for coupling to a medical device antenna when the medical device is not implanted in a patient's body. The antenna structure effectively extends the medical device antenna length, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of a communication link between the medical device and a programmer or monitor outside the implanted environment. The antenna structure is fabricated from any conductive material, which may be in the form of conductive wire, tape, ink, foil, film, adhesive or the like, and is attached to a portion of a medical device packaging assembly or another accessory device or substrate such as a pouch or overlay. The antenna structure may be a monopole, dipole, slot antenna, microstrip patch, or loop antenna, and may be fixed or movable relative to the substrate on which it is implemented.