West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Goes Mobile With ITriage
Online, August 18, 2011 (Newswire.com) - With U.S. smartphone ownership above 35%, more consumers than ever before are using their mobile devices to access information online, according to a recent Pew Internet study. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital announced today that it has increased its presence in the growing mobile market by launching iTriage®, a smartphone application developed by Healthagen®.
iTriage is a free consumer healthcare application that gives users quick and easy access to medical information, as well as nearby treatment facilities and doctors from any location. To access iTriage, consumers can download the free application from the app stores for their iPhone® or Android™ mobile devices or access it through any Internet-enabled device at www.iTriageHealth.com.
Schumacher Group, the nation's third largest emergency and hospital medicine management firm, has brought iTriage to West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. This technology provides the Southwest Louisiana community with the resources to help make informed medical decisions about the most appropriate healthcare facility for their condition. Users can also use the interactive iTriage mobile technology to:
• Search medical symptoms
• Learn about possible causes and treatment options
• Obtain medication information for treatment of a specific condition
• Find specific West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital information like services, specialties, hours of operation and turn-by-turn directions.
"As more and more consumers turn to their smartphones for medical information, it's crucial to provide the resources and technology to help patients make informed decisions when illnesses and accidents occur," said Janie Fruge', Chief Operating/Nursing Officer at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.
"When healthcare providers put useful medical information into the palm of their patient's hands with iTriage, consumers are empowered to make informed decisions about where they will seek care for their medical condition," said Peter Hudson, M.D., CEO of Healthagen, developer of iTriage. "We live in a new world that requires patients to be more informed and responsible for their health and iTriage allows them to play a larger role in their healthcare."
About West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
Since 1953, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) has provided Southwest Louisiana residents with local access to experienced physicians, skilled healthcare professionals, the latest medical technology and an unsurpassed tradition of caring. WCCH, a 109 bed healthcare facility, is accredited by the Joint Commission and is committed to providing advanced quality healthcare with attention to patient satisfaction and clinical excellence. For more information, please visit http://www.wcch.com.