• Social media may be helpful but should be aligned with HIPAA considerations since this regulation is still something that will oversee all electronic communications.
• Someone mentioned Twitter. I would only recommend Twitter to remind people of their appointments if it is a private direct-to-direct message. Unfortunately, I think Twitter should not be used for any significant health communication because you cannot recall a missent message. in addition, there are not enough precautionary messages or warnings to send an unintended message.
• However, Twitter can be used for general announcements or quick notes to the public. This is a great venue.
• I think an SMS message would probably be more useful, although the question of cell coverage would mediate such efforts. Another possibility is Facebook's Fan page. I think the Fan page is much more flexible as a communication platform for a clinic. It will be a bit community oriented.

Hi Rick,
For my company I have been doing quite a lot of research on heathcare / EMRs, telemedicine and social media.
What I have researched is having a website would be a great start (contrary to popular belief, it doesn't have to be to expensive to do) and there patients (prospective new patient's too) can go to read doctor's bios, find your location(s), office hours, events you are sponsoring or attending . . . you could even go so far as letting patients schedule themselves and complete patient history forms. . . on-line. BTW; you can use Twitter as a source to advise patients you have an appointment cancellation or opening.
Blogging or setting up a blog on your site can get better exposure for you site and keep you patients / community better in touch with what is happening that may concern them in heathcare. Blogging on anything from a new healthy recipe to H1N1 and it seems to be the recommendation to do at least one blog a week. Sign-up for e-mail notice of new blog topic or other relevant info is helpful as well.
Twitter I use for a lot of my research, following those that are keeping me up to date on the information I am interested in. This can be used in reverse, of course, having people follow you for the information you provide that is interesting / informative to them. Picture yourself going to a convention, meeting with people from around the world and discussing interesting information they have, or about themselves and you to them except it is all done on-line
Facebook I don't use (yet) it is more "social" than I can become involved in right now but my team member, Angela, has the expertise in this area. Facebook I believe, from what I know, could work for a doctor / patient connection.
Youtube I find is great if you have information you want to present to people and are not shy of the camera. Embed into your website, provide the link in your e-mails. . .
Social media does take some of your time but it is the way to keep connected with the internet world. I have also found ways, using the internet, to help you connect with those non-internet folk via snail mail.
Good luck and God Bless
Poly Endrasik
www.GreenSmartLLC.com