Medical lead insertion detection by monitoring for electrical continuity between adjacent electrical contacts of a medical device

Medical devices and systems provide for detection of proper lead insertion by monitoring for electrical continuity between adjacent electrical contacts. The electrical contacts are spaced so that an electrical connector of a medical lead being inserted will span the distance between the electrical contacts and thereby maintain a physical connection with both electrical contacts at one time. Upon the medical device detecting that continuity is achieved between the adjacent electrical contacts, the medical device may provide an indication such as a visual and/or audible cue to a clinician who is inserting the lead and/or by providing a telemetry signal to an external device such as a programmer so that the programmer may then provide a visual and/or audible cue to a technician operating the programmer.