A flexible patient monitoring system which interfaces a telemetry subsystem with a network by way of a telemetry transmission receiving system and a network controller. The telemetry subsystem includes one or more monitoring instruments, a multiport transmitter, a telemetry subsystem interface, a backchannel receiver module, and a telemetry docking station. The flexible patient monitoring system may be configured to operate in at least four modes: ambulatory telemetry mode, wherein the multiport transmitter is operated independently of other monitoring instruments and is powered by an internal power source; docked telemetry mode, wherein the multiport transmitter is connected to the telemetry docking station for transfer of data and power; simple instrument telemetry mode, wherein the multiport transmitter and a primary monitoring instrument or an auxiliary monitoring instrument are connected together for transfer of data; and docked instrument telemetry mode, wherein the multiport transmitter and a primary monitoring instrument or an auxiliary monitoring instrument are attached to the telemetry docking station for transfer of data (and optionally for transfer of power to the multiport transmitter). Wireless communications between the telemetry subsystem and various nodes on the network are thus enabled. Information may be provided to and from the telemetry subsystem interface via the multiport transmitter.