A system and method for repeating radio frequency (RF) transmissions between a programmer and an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an RF repeater. According to various embodiments, the repeater includes a first antenna and a first communication circuit electrically connected to the first antenna. The first communication circuit is adapted to communicate with an IMD, the IMD including a built-in active telemetry transceiver, over a first channel. The device also includes a second antenna and a second communication circuit electrically connected to the second antenna. The second communication circuit is adapted to communicate with a programmer over a second channel different from the first channel. The device also includes a control circuit coupled to the first and second communication circuits. The control circuit is adapted to enable or disable the first and second communication circuits. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.