Computerword, a technology news publication, reported in this month’s issue that a newly launched iPhone application allows members of Sermo, an online physician services network, the capability to communicate and consult with one another.

“Sermo Mobile allows members quick and easy access to the knowledge and expertise of leading PCPs and specialists throughout the country, anytime, anywhere,” said Daniel Palestrant, MD, founder and CEO of Sermo, in a press release. “Turning the concept of real-time medicine into reality has been our vision for some time, and this technology allows physicians to immediately impact patient care.”

iConsult, according to the Sermo’s press release, is a major draw for physicians. The feature has the capability to take and add photographs of physical findings, x-rays and laboratory results. Physicians then choose a question from a list and are able to immediately send to relevant specialists in the Sermo network. Physician-to-physician exchanges are in real-time.

Of Sermo’s 130,000 physician members, about 5,000 are already utilizing and benefiting from Sermo Mobile, in particular the iConsult feature.

“The ability to consult with my colleagues in real-time, from the patient’s bedside or my exam room, addresses an unmet need and will be of tremendous benefit, particularly for urgent clinical cases when I need an immediate response,” said Dr. Christopher Y. Chang.

“Similarly, the capacity to instantly post images and explanations about a patient case and share this information with colleagues through Sermo Mobile helps me provide the best care possible to my patients.”

Sermo Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Availability for Droid cell phones is expected to roll out by the end of this year.