Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association (ASHNHA) selected Alaska Communications to provide the Alaska Rural Telehealth Network (ARTN).
With the help of telemedicine services, which includes teleradiology and digital imaging, the Alaska Rural Telehealth Network provides its six member hospitals and clinics with access to specialty physicians and state-of-the-art healthcare. ARTN’s members across Alaska will now get transport for imaging and teleradiology, videoconferencing, Internet, voice over Internet and other managed services from Alaska Communications.
The company provides access to a vast network of medical services through a single broadband connection. Alaska Communications' high-speed network uses traffic acceleration technology, so clients can receive test results, download medical records and consult specialists faster than ever before.
“The ARTN network is a great example of how technology can transform the delivery of healthcare,” said Michael Wynschenk, Alaska Communications senior vice president of sales, in a press release. “Our medical network takes advantage of all of our business data solutions – connectivity, videoconferencing and professional IT services from our partner, TekMate. Combining those with medical-grade data security and around-the-clock network monitoring and customer service, we effectively increase the access to healthcare for patients.”
Even when a doctor or specialist is not available on site, the services provided by Alaska Communications enable ARTN’s member hospitals and clinics to connect patients in rural Alaska to healthcare providers. Additionally, the services facilitate ongoing distance education for workers in the rural clinics. Alaska Communications will also provide services such as customer service, managing complex data networks, high-definition videoconferencing capabilities and expansive medical networks.
In March 2007, the company launched its goVocal Internet phone service, which provides Alaskans with an easy-to-use VoIP solution. Through simple-to-install goVocal equipment, calls can be made with standard telephones connected to the Internet. A new Alaska telephone number comes with the service. While a second telephone number with the area code and city of the customer's choice is also provided by the company, customers can also keep their existing and familiar telephone number.
Raju Shanbhag is a contributing editor for HealthTechZone. To read more of Raju’s articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Jaclyn Allard
