Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/07/2010 -- St. Louis Children’s Hospital is giving parents a new, helpful resource and promoting business at the same time. The health system is one of the first to debut an iPhone app for their brand. The app, Kid Care, tells parents what injuries are emergency room worthy and which can be treated at home. It even gives remedies, doses and hospital contact information.

“This app is ingenious for a couple of reasons. First, this technology is portable, giving parents information even when they aren’t close to their home computer,” says Jamie Verkamp, partner at (e)Merge Medical Marketing. “Second, St. Louis Children’s Hospital is marketing in a way that is actually useful to their clientele. They’re connecting with the new generation of parents the way they want to engage.”

Many startup companies are designing apps for a bargain these days, making this technology available to most decent-sized businesses. But there are rules to keep in mind before you pop up your own app. First, the app must be useful, or it will never be used once it is downloaded. Cook Children’s out of Texas has a large index of medical emergencies, conditions, even directions and maps to the nearest location. This comprehensive resource will be used far more often than an app with a flimsy catalog. Your app must also be affordable. Verkamp suggests letting consumers download for free. “This app will keep your company’s name on a patient’s phone 24/7, increasing top of mind awareness, building brand loyalty and boosting consumer confidence. That’s return enough on your investment.”

“If done correctly, your business will become the go-to for their health questions and needs year round. Even when they can’t find something in the app, they will have enough faith in your brand to call you for their next appointment.”

(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. Call 1.877.362.6584 or visit http://www.emergewithus.com.