Methods and systems are provided for configuring a Multi-Electrode Lead (MEL) that includes N groups of electrodes, with each of the N groups of electrodes including at least M electrodes, where N≧2 and M≧2. Sent via the MEL is a first communication sequence of bits that includes N groups of bits, with each of the N groups of bits corresponding to a different one of the N groups of electrodes and specifying which electrode(s), if any, within the group of electrodes is to be configured as an anode. Also sent via the MEL is a second communication sequence of bits that includes N further groups of bits, with each of the N further groups of bits corresponding to a different one of the N groups of electrodes and specifying which electrode(s), if any, within the group of electrodes is to be configured as a cathode.