A programmer system for implantable devices including a programmer and a telemetry wand joined by a telemetry cable or via wireless. The telemetry wand includes at least partial display and control functionality for the system. The telemetry wand and telemetry cable are encapsulated to facilitate ready sterilization of the same and may be removably connected to the programmer. The system enables a clinician to remain within a sterile field, such as during an implantation procedure, and employ the programmer system while maintaining the sterile field without requiring that the entire programmer system be sterilized.