At least they emailed you so you didn't waste your time showing up for a non-interview.

I have no idea whether it's true or not, but it certainly may be. Email is very popular, as you know – it's fast, easy, leaves a paper trail for records and, in the case of an unpleasantness, such as someone not getting a job, it removes the potentiality of a verbal confrontation or questioning. My former coworkers in recruitment do a lot of their communications via email – sometimes in combination with a phone message, sometimes without – and the healthcare professionals they work with seem, in many cases, to prefer it for convenience sake.

Of course, this doesn't mean that you can't ask questions. So if you are still interested in the employer, call and let them know, and ask if you could be considered for another position – or for the same one, should the person hired not work out.

Good luck in your job search.