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 http://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.