Telemedicine is the process of communicating medical information through mobile phones or email. It can be used for consultations and examinations; for example photos of ailments sent via mobile phones or web cams. If geography is a problem then one or more consultants can review a case remotely without expenditure of precious funds or time spent travelling.

Another effective application of telemedicine is video conferencing. Time sensitive and complex cases require a detailed conversation, video conferencing is more appropriate than email or text messages as it allows for a real time conversation, as opposed to turn based questions and answers.

Absentia care, or care from a distance, has existed for decades. In some cases medical communications and prescriptions have been sent via post. As technology has evolved so have the medical professionals.

Mobile marketing in the form of SMS is perfect for telemedicine for the following reasons:

1. Surgery registrants can be added to the gateway on mass
2. Patient details can be attached to phone numbers within the interface
3. Text messages are quick and easy to compose
4. Messaging is cost effective and instant
5. Automated messages can be set up for regular check ups and feedback

Direct marketing to patients is frowned upon so if you decide to set up a campaign make sure all of the recipients are aware that they will receive promotional messages and avoid sending to many messages. Allow people to unsubscribe from marketing messages without being excluded from telemedicine subscriptions.

If in doubt do surveys and research on the internet, look at successful case studies and avoid repeating other companies marketing faux pas.