Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) recently incorporated a state-of-the-art telephone system into its communications network at the Houma location. The Tadiran Telephone system, installed by Alliance Communications, is the first fiber-optic digital voice circuit installed in Houma. This telephone system is based on military-spec design intended to keep the lines of communication open at all times. Besides being extremely efficient and dependable during the normal business day, this system will allow communication to continue in times of crisis, such as the aftermath of a hurricane.
The fiber-optic circuit is a direct connection to BellSouth; it has no electrical properties and is not vulnerable to electrical voltage loss, lengthy distances or exposure to water.
Staff and physician cell phones are integrated with the landlines, allowing those cell numbers to act as global extensions of the system. Calls may be forwarded to the mobile units and back into the clinic. This makes physicians more accessible to office staff, which is of vital importance in an emergency situation.
Voice over IP (Internet protocol) is another advantage that can change voice to data for digital transmission. After the recent hurricanes in the area, many businesses faced the challenge of lapses in communication. Often phones were not useable, but Internet access was possible. CIS’s new IP telephones can plug into any Internet connection to facilitate communication during such a situation.
The system also has increased teleconferencing capabilities for the group. Teleconferences are a daily part of the business world today, and are extremely important during a crisis when participants may be spread across the region. A 30-party conference is possible, but in reality many more participants could be included because a portion of the original 30 can also invite participants.
“CIS is a progressive institute that implements the latest methods of communication to effectively address the unique needs of a busy healthcare provider,” explains David Konur, CIS’s chief executive officer. “We also realize that hurricanes are a part of life in south Louisiana and they pose unique challenges for all of us who live and work here. Addressing those challenges is of vital importance to the people we serve.”
For more information about the Houma location of Cardiovascular Institute of the South and its nine other clinics, visit www.cardio.com.