AKMH Launches Telecardiology Program

Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital (AKMH) has partnered with Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) to enhance its cardiology services and give patients access to a cardiologist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The new Telecardiology program launched today links patients to the CIS office in Opelousas, and the services of Cardiologist Kris Lindsay, M.D.

Telecardiology is a form of telemedicine connecting patients in rural areas to an offsite specialist through the use of digital tools and communication. Telecardiology not only benefits patients by allowing them to stay home in their own community, but also Kaplan physicians by improving their access to specialists, improving continuity of care. Telemedicine has also proven to reduce medical costs. CIS’s telecardiology program allows patients to enjoy the same cardiology services offered at some of the largest hospitals in Acadiana.

The CIS telecardiology consists of the following services:

• Real-time ER consultations where CIS cardiologists can see patients in a timely manner 24/7
• CIS cardiologists providing inpatient consults five days per week

Lafayette General Health (LGH) is the local leader in bringing telemedicine services to Acadiana. Telemedicine services were established through LGH in the Lafayette and St. Martin Parish school systems linking schools to health clinics; at the main office of Lafayette Consolidated Government to serve its 3,000 employees; and at Stuller, Inc., one of Acadiana’s largest private employers, to serve its 1,200 employees without having to leave work.

First developed for NASA astronauts, telemedicine can help prevent long-term health problems in communities by making it easier for people to access professional treatment. With telecardiology, patients can expect better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction results.

Dr. Lindsay is board certified in Internal Medicine and cardiology. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and his bachelor’s degree in biology from McNeese State University. Dr. Lindsay completed his residency in Internal Medicine at LSU in Baton Rouge and his fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, TX.