14 Best Online Medical Apps that Make Personal Health Easier

Doctor On Demand – Best Telehealth App

Doctor on Demand is a telemedicine service that provides care on-demand and by appointment, for various physical and mental health issues, via their highly rated iOS and Android app.

Talkspace – Best Therapy App

Talkspace is an online therapy platform that gives users access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists from any location through their mobile app, available for Android and iOS devices.

Teladoc – Most Affordable On-Demand Care

Teladoc is an on-demand telehealth service that connects patients with virtual care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries for a flat fee of $75 per appointment, or less with health insurance.

Amwell – Best for Insurance Coverage

Amwell, an online medical service that offers on-demand doctor visits via their mobile app or website, accepts many major health insurances, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and more.

Heal – Best for Doctor House Calls

Through the Heal app, available for Android and iOS, users in select U.S cities can schedule a house call with a doctor for a variety of different services.

First Derm – Best Dermatology Services App

First Derm, a free app for Android and iOS, allows users to consult an online dermatologist on-demand for convenient answers, treatment plans, and prescriptions for non-emergency skin conditions.

Maven – Best Women’s Healthcare App

Through their iOS and Android app, Maven seeks to offer an alternative “digital clinic” that is specifically designed to meet the physical and mental healthcare needs of women and families.

ZocDoc – Best Appointment Scheduling App

With the ZocDoc app, users can easily connect with a variety of healthcare providers and schedule appointments instantly online without being put on hold or waiting weeks for an appointment.

Fitbit – Best Activity Tracker App

Whether users sync their data using a Fitbit device or manually input their activity into the mobile app, this platform lets users monitor many aspects of health and wellness, including activity, workouts, heart rate, and calories.

GoodRx – Best for Prescription Discounts

Consumers can use the GoodRx app to search for prescription medications at more than 75,000 pharmacies to help them find the lowest prices for their medicine in their area.

Medisafe – Best Medication Reminder App

Those who need help remembering to take their prescriptions can use the Medisafe app to turn their smartphone into a “virtual pillbox” that sends notification reminders to take medications.

Healow – Best Health Records Management App

The Healow app is designed to give users immediate access to consolidated healthcare records from participating providers, facilitating better communication between patients and their doctors.

MyChart – Best Patient Portal App

MyChart is a patient portal app that allows users to access online appointment scheduling, electronic health records, bill pay, and patient-doctor communications from wherever they are.

WebMD – Best Medical Resource App

Based on the popular website, the WebMD app gives users access to information and resources, including a Symptom Checker, databases of different conditions and medications, and a care directory.

Online medical apps that make personal health easier is a fairly large bucket, considering how many health and wellness apps are available. We aimed to find apps that can help with many different healthcare needs and are available to the most number of users.

Platform

In order to ensure accessibility for the most number of users, we looked for apps that are available for all types of smart devices. We also prioritized apps that could also be accessed via a website for users who feel more comfortable on a desktop or laptop.

Services available

We searched for apps that provide robust services, so users are not taking up valuable space on their devices for an app that only does one very specific thing. The apps on our list serve unique purposes, but many of them offer several related, essential services.

Communication methods

One of the pros of using an app for healthcare needs is that they offer multiple ways to connect with doctors and healthcare providers. We prioritized apps that allow users to communicate in a variety of ways, including video and phone chats, secure messaging, live chat, and more.

Doctor On Demand – Best Telehealth App

Doctor on Demand is a telemedicine service that provides care both on-demand and by appointment for a variety of physical and mental health issues.

With this service, users get to have a brief video consultation with a licensed physician, who can offer guidance and treatment for several common conditions, including cold and flu, allergies, rashes, headaches, and more.

Patients with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure can also use Doctor on Demand to help them manage these issues. Doctor on Demand also offers behavioral and mental health care through available therapists and psychiatrists.

Doctor on Demand is free to download, and there are no subscription fees. Uninsured users pay a flat rate for different services. Doctor on Demand also accepts many major health insurances. Additionally, they partner with a variety of national companies, like American Airlines and Wal-mart, to offer employee discounts for their services.

Pros & Cons of Doctor On Demand Medical App

Pros:

• Doctor on Demand’s main perk is that it is a robust telehealth platform, offering medical care for both chronic and urgent conditions, as well as mental and behavioral health care via therapy and psychiatry services.
• Doctor on Demand works with many major U.S. health insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare, which allows millions of customers to use their services at lower rates than their flat fees for care.
• Another way Doctor on Demand helps save patients money is by partnering with many major employers to offer their services to employees at discounted rates. Companies that partner with Doctor on Demand include Wal-Mart, Comcast, and American Airlines.
• Doctor on Demand’s services are available in over 30 different languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic, and Farsi, giving non-English speakers access to care through this platform.

Cons:

• For non-insured individuals, Doctor on Demand’s services can be on the expensive side, especially for therapy and psychiatry sessions, which start at $129 and $299, respectively.
• Users who do not have a smartphone or don’t want to download the Doctor on Demand app can access the platform through the web app, but it is only compatible with Google Chrome. All Doctor on Demand services are offered via video chat, so users must have a device with a camera and microphone.

What Customers Are Saying

Users praise Doctor On Demand for being a quick and convenient solution to common health issues. One user who had an ear infection diagnosed said, “This app is a game changer for me. This app and this wonderful doctor saved me from flying and risking blowing an eardrum.”

Talkspace – Best Therapy App

When you struggle with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, or find coping with life changes and events difficult, counseling can be an invaluable resource when working toward recovery. For individuals who may not have the time or resources to access in-person counseling, there’s Talkspace.

This online therapy platform boasts more than 2,000 licensed therapists and psychiatrists who offer private therapy services for individuals and couples facing an array of challenges. Users get matched with a therapist and get help through unlimited text, video, and audio messaging services daily. Live online sessions are also available in premium packages.

Talkspace therapists can help patients address a number of mental and behavioral health issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, PTSD, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. Depending on the patient’s needs, they may also work with a Talkspace psychiatrist who can prescribe medication, if necessary.

Pros & Cons of Talkspace Medical App

Pros:

• A primary benefit of Talkspace is that it is an incredibly flexible and convenient platform for receiving counseling and psychiatry services. Most plans are based on unlimited audio, video, and text messaging via their mobile app, so clients can connect with their therapists anytime, from anywhere.
• The availability of both therapists and psychiatrists sets Talkspace apart from other mental health apps, as patients can have medications prescribed for them if that is part of their treatment plan.
• Talkspace is also unique among online therapy platforms in that their services are covered by a number of employee health insurance plans. Clients can check to see if their insurance is accepted by Talkspace prior to signing up with the service.
• In addition to individual therapy, Talkspace also provides specialized therapy services for couples and teens.

Cons:

• The main drawback of Talkspace is that the platform only provides live therapy sessions via its premium plans, which are more expensive. This may be a turn-off to some users, who prefer speaking with a therapist over communicating via messaging.
• Additionally, Talkspace’s live sessions are only conducted via video, so users must have a device with a microphone and camera to use this service. Also live sessions are only 30 minutes long, whereas most traditional talk therapy sessions are 45-50 minutes long.

What Customers Are Saying

Talkspace users praise the app for being an effective tool for addressing mental health issues. “I’ve been with my therapist on Talkspace for about one year and four months now, and I can’t imagine my life without it,” says one user. “This more modern platform of therapy is perfect for today’s world.”

Teladoc – Most Affordable On-Demand Care

Teladoc is another on-demand telehealth service that connects patients with immediate virtual care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. This service helps people avoid doctor or ER visits for minor health issues and questions that can easily be addressed via a video chat or phone call.

It’s fast and easy to set up an account with Teladoc, and once you input the information about your health insurance (if you are insured), you will be able to see exactly what services are available to you and how much they will cost. Without insurance, a basic “Everyday Care” appointment costs a flat fee of $75.

Teladoc users can connect with a physician via phone or video chat, as well as their mobile app. If you want to share the information about your Teladoc visit with your primary care physician, you can authorize the service to do so.

Pros & Cons of Teladoc Medical App

Pros:

• Patients can get a wide spectrum of care through Teladoc. Although the platform’s focus is urgent care for minor acute conditions, they also offer several other services, including mental health care, nutrition, and sexual health care. Teladoc also offers family plans, so that adults and their dependents can all receive care through Teladoc as needed.
• Another benefit of Teledoc is that physicians can write prescriptions for patients, if they deem it medically appropriate. Avoiding an in-person doctor’s visit to get a simple prescription can help patients save time and money, and prevent further exposure to illness if they are sick.
• Teladoc’s services are covered by any major health insurance plans. Customers can check if their health insurance covers Teladoc visits when they create an account. Teladoc also accepts Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts as forms of payment.
• Patients have the option of speaking to a Teladoc physician via a video or phone chat, so this service is accessible for users who don’t have a device with a camera.

Cons:

• In addition to controlled substances, which due to federal regulations cannot be prescribed via telehealth platforms, Teladoc’s physicians also do not prescribe non-therapeutic medications, such as Viagra and Cialis.
• While Teladoc will order any required prescriptions from the local pharmacy of your choice, they do not offer delivery of medications.
• Pricing for Teladoc’s mental health and dermatology services is only available to customers who have created an account with the service, making it hard for users to judge if they can afford these services before signing up.

What Customers Are Saying

According to Teladoc users, the app fulfills its promise to be a fast, convenient way to get medical help. “It’s a great app that is easy to use,” writes one user. “I love how knowledgeable the physicians are. Very helpful tool and service.”

Amwell – Best for Insurance Coverage

Amwell is an online medical service that offers on-demand doctor visits as well as several other services via their mobile app or website.

It is free to download the Amwell app, although they do charge fees for most of their services. However, individuals who have health insurance that covers Amwell’s services may be charged less or nothing at all.

Patients can use Amwell around the clock for minor illnesses and conditions that don’t require an in-person visit to a doctor’s office or ER. Simply log into the app or website, and you will be connected to a list of available doctors from Amwell’s network of board-certified physicians, with whom you can have an on-the-spot video chat about your issue. Amwell’s doctors can answer questions, recommend treatments, and order prescriptions if necessary.

While Amwell’s main focus is urgent care, they also offer therapy, psychiatry, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and pediatric care.

Pros & Cons of Amwell Medical App

Pros:

• One of Amwell’s biggest perks is that the platform allows patients to select their doctor or provider, as opposed to being assigned an available provider by the app. Within the app, users can review a list of available providers, along with details about their experience and reviews from past patients.
• The other significant perk of Amwell is that they accept health insurance for many of their services. Amwell accepts insurance from over 40 popular providers, representing roughly 80 million potential patients. Users are notified upon sign-up if Amwell’s services are covered by their health insurance plan.
• Amwell covers a robust spectrum of care, including urgent care for acute medical needs, pediatrics, therapy, psychiatry, women’s healthcare, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and second opinions.
• If a physician deems it medically necessary, they can write a prescription for a patient for most non-controlled medications.

Cons:

• A key limitation of Amwell is that the platform and its services are only available in English and Spanish, which may prohibit users who are more comfortable speaking to healthcare providers in another language..
• One aspect of healthcare that Amwell does not provide is long-term care for chronic conditions. While patients can use Amwell’s mental health services on an on-going basis, the medical care component of the service is only designed to be used on an as-needed basis, so there is no option to schedule appointments in advance.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who use the Amwell app report being satisfied both with the app itself, and the service they receive. “The app is very user friendly,” writes one patient. “The intake process was surprisingly super-fast, and I spoke to the doctor in less than five minutes!”

Heal – Best for Doctor House Calls

The Heal app aims to make house calls more available through technology and affordability.

Through the Heal app, you can schedule a house call visit with a doctor for a variety of different services. Patients without insurance pay just $159 per visit, and those with insurance typically pay the same price as their co-pay. Heal’s medical team can provide care for a range of situations, including acute conditions like viruses, infections, and rashes; preventative care, like flu shots and physicals, and pediatric care, including vaccines and health screenings.

Heal serves 130 million Americans in 11 different states. Heal telemedicine and house call services are available in: California, Maryland, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.

Pros & Cons of Heal Medical App

Pros:

• Heal is a unique medical app because it allows users to schedule both on-demand house calls with doctors as well as virtual appointments. These services represent a way for individuals to easily access the care that they need most, when they need it.
• Because Heal visits patients in their homes, they are able to get a complete picture of all of the factors influencing a person’s health, including their diet, environment, and lifestyle. This enables Heal’s doctors to provide more holistic care and give patients better recommendations for long-term wellness.

• When a user schedules an appointment through the Heal app, they are able to choose the provider they see from a list of available doctors. If a patient likes their physician, they can designate them a Preferred Doctor, establishing an ongoing relationship similar to a patient and their primary care physician.
• Heal’s services are covered by many major health insurance carriers, including Medicare, Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and others. Users will be told their out-of-pocket costs prior to scheduling their appointment. For non-insured individuals, Heal’s pricing is a flat $159 fee for a house call and $79 for a telemedicine visit.

Cons:

• The main drawback to Heal is that currently their telemedicine and house call services are only available in the following states: California, Maryland, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
• Currently, Heal’s app is only in English, which may be a barrier to access for users who speak a different language. However, they have doctors who speak Spanish, Mandarin, Farsi, and Hindi.

What Customers Are Saying

Heal users are pleased with the app for providing fast and effective care. “This was the best first patient experience ever,” says one user. “The doctor was amazing, and helped me with everything I needed. I will definitely be choosing Heal again.”

First Derm – Best Dermatology Services App

First Derm allows you to consult an online dermatologist on-demand, for fast, convenient answers, treatment plans, and prescriptions.

First Derm’s approach is simple: you can use their mobile or web app to take photos of your condition and describe your symptoms. That information, along with your payment, is sent securely to a board-certified dermatologist, who will review your case and respond with professional information and advice within 48 hours.

First Derm also has a variety of free resources available, including photos that can help patients identify and treat common skin conditions without needing to consult a dermatologist.

Pros & Cons of First Derm Medical App

Pros:

• First Derm’s main benefit is that just about anyone can use it. As skin conditions can affect everyone, from newborns to the elderly, First Derm makes their services available to patients of all ages.
• Another perk is that First Derm’s services are available in English, Spanish, Swedish, French, and Italian, making the service more accessible to those whose first language is not English.
• While First Derm does not accept health insurance, customers can use their Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to pay for the platform’s services.
• Patients have the option of choosing from three different time frames to get a response, ranging from 8 to 48 hours.

Cons:

• The most significant drawback of First Derm is that they do not accept health insurance, so users must pay out-of-pocket, or use an HSA or FSA to pay for services.
• Another con of First Derm is that patients cannot connect directly with dermatologists, so they are unable to ask follow-up questions about their condition or the recommended treatment steps.

What Customers Are Saying

First Derm users praise this app for coming through when in-person dermatologist appointments are not available. “I couldn’t get a dermatologist appointment for five weeks,” says one user. “I’m so glad I used this app. Easy to use and understand, and I got my results back quickly.”

Maven – Best Women’s Healthcare App

Maven offers an alternative “digital clinic” to specifically meet the physical and mental healthcare needs of women and families. With Maven, women can speak to medical providers through video chats and private messages for help with general health concerns, nutrition and physical therapy, mental health and wellness, prenatal and postpartum care and pediatric care for their family.

Virtual visits are a solution to problems such as living in a rural area where in-person care options are limited, having to bring the kids along to a face-to-face appointment and simply putting self-care on the backburner in favor of focusing on the family’s needs. Care through Maven’s digital clinic is also more affordable than most face-to-face visits covered by insurance, with appointment costs starting at just $18 .

Pros & Cons of Maven Medical App

Pros:

• The main pro of Maven is that their services are specifically geared towards women, addressing concerns that are sometimes overlooked by general practitioners. Women can use Maven to get access to care for preconception, fertility, pregnancy, mental health, and more. This platform also provides pediatric health care.
• Maven’s services are available in over 30 languages, making this an extremely accessible platform.

• Another perk of Maven is that it allows patients to pick their provider, rather than assigning them a provider based on availability. This empowers women to find the practitioner that is right for them by reviewing their specialties and qualifications.

Cons:

• A significant drawback to Maven is that for most appointment types, the length of the appointment is limited. For example a consultation with a physician, nurse practitioner or midwife is limited to 10 minutes, which may leave some patients feeling rushed.
• Additionally, some of Maven’s services have a high price point, especially given the strict time limit on appointments. They also do not accept health insurance for their services.

What Customers Are Saying

According to users, Maven delivers on its promises to make women’s healthcare more accessible. “Maven is amazing,” writes one user. “The doctor was very helpful and professional, and was even able to prescribe the medications I needed.” Another user added, “This app fits my schedule, and the doctors are great.”

ZocDoc – Best Appointment Scheduling App

ZocDoc’s purpose is simple: make it easier and faster for people to schedule appointments with doctors and healthcare providers, without waiting on hold or finding out there are no appointments available for weeks.

With the ZocDoc app, users choose the type of care they need, including primary care, dentistry, psychiatry, vision, dermatology, and more, enter basic information about their location, when they need an appointment, and what type of insurance they have. From there, the app lets patients view providers with open appointment slots in the next 24 hours and book their appointments instantly online. ZocDoc will also send you reminder notifications.

ZocDoc’s roster of practitioners is currently limited to mainly major metropolitan areas, including New York, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Seattle, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Austin, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Diego. However, new providers continue to join.

Pros & Cons of ZocDoc Medical App

Pros:

• The best feature of ZocDoc is its simplicity. It is an online directory of healthcare providers, through which patients can find available appointments for a variety of services. ZocDoc lets users search for an available physician based on their geographic location, desired appointment time, condition, star rating, and health insurance network.
• The ZocDoc app is available in many different languages, including English, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Vietnamese, French, and Italian.

• Patients can use ZocDoc to find practitioners for a variety of different healthcare needs, including primary care, dermatology, dentistry, psychiatry, and gynecology.

Cons:

• The main con of ZocDoc is that it is not yet available nationwide. Currently, only residents of 16 major metropolitan areas can use ZocDoc’s platform to connect with care.
• Users’ options are limited to practices that have specifically opted in to the ZocDoc platform, meaning they are notgetting the widest possible selection of practitioners for their particular need.

What Customers Are Saying

According to ZocDoc users, the app makes it much easier to find a doctor and schedule an appointment than other methods. “My insurance company’s website was a nightmare,” says one user. “Zocdoc takes away all of the headache. It’s easy to use and get appointments set up.”

Fitbit – Best Activity Tracker App

Since the first Classic Fitbit was released in 2009, more than 63 million of the wearable activity trackers have been sold. Today’s Fitbit trackers work with the official Fitbit app and are also compatible with a number of third-party apps that serve purposes such as expanded calorie counting, personalized workouts and brain training.

The Fitbit app itself has numerous features, from tracking steps and monitoring heart rate to logging food and measuring hydration. There is even a social component; users can share workout photos, and compete with family and friends to achieve fitness goals.

Even if you don’t own one of Fitbit’s wearable devices, health-conscious smartphone users can benefit from the Fitbit app’s MobileTrack feature, which allows you to use your phone to track basic health and activity data such as steps, distance, calories burned, weight changes and fitness goals. The Fitbit app is available for iOS and Android users.

Pros & Cons of Fitbit Medical App

Pros:

• The main selling point of the Fitbit app is how robust it is. Fitbit lets users keep an eye on many different facets of their health, including their activity, exercise regimen, sleep, nutrition, and more.
• Many individuals like using Fitbit because of the social component that connects them with friends, family, and other Fitbit users, and helps them stay motivated to achieve their health and wellness goals.
• Another potential perk is that Fitbit partners with companies to enable them to offer Fitbit devices and services as part of their corporate health and wellness initiatives. Through these partnerships, employees may be able to get Fitbit devices at a discounted price.

Cons:

• Although the Fitbit app is available for free for your smart device, in order to get the most out of the service, you need a Fitbit device, like a smartwatch or tracker. These devices range in price from $70 to $330, and can present a cost barrier to getting the most out of this app.

What Customers Are Saying

Fitbit users praise the app for helping them lead healthier, more active lives. “I am totally a person that needs constant motivation and encouragement,” writes one user. “Fitbit allows me to see my progress, and challenge myself to meet and exceed goals that I’ve set for myself.”

GoodRx – Best for Prescription Discounts

GoodRx’s mission is to help people save money on their prescriptions. Consumers can use the GoodRx app or their website to search for prescription medications at more than 75,000 pharmacies to find the lowest prices in their area. There is also a price tracker feature that lets users keep an eye on prescription prices in their area, and comparison shop among different pharmacies.

One of GoodRx’s key features is its coupon finder. The app will automatically search for free coupons for the selected prescription that users can activate simply by tapping the “Get Coupon” button. Users can then show the in-app coupon to the pharmacist when picking up their prescription.

Pros & Cons of GoodRx Medical App

Pros:

• GoodRx’s primary perk is its simplicity. Individuals don’t even need to create an account to use the service, although there are benefits for those who do. GoodRX is also set up so that customers don’t need to print coupons, but can simply show the pharmacist their GoodRx coupon on their phone at checkout.
• Another main pro of GoodRx is that it is completely free to download and use.
• For individuals who have a lot of prescriptions, or manage medications for their whole family, GoodRx offers a discount card that can be used at over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Cons:

• For the use of in-app coupons at pharmacy checkout, the app does require an active internet connection or the use of data, meaning users must have a smart phone with internet access.

What Customers Are Saying

GoodRx has a loyal following. Says one user, “This app saves my family a ton of money. I love it. Very good drug prices, and so easy to use.” Adds another user, “This helpful app is quick, easy, and painless.”

Medisafe – Best Medication Reminder App

Medisafe turns your smartphone into a “virtual pillbox” that sends you notifications at the exact time you’re supposed to take your medicine. You can import prescriptions from major pharmacy chains such as CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens or easily add prescriptions and non-prescriptions such as vitamins and supplements manually.

You can also use the app to keep track of refills and measurements, access resources on your medical condition, and get coupons to use on future prescriptions.

Pros & Cons of Medisafe Medical App

Pros:

• The main benefit of Medisafe is that it is an easy-to-use app for medication management. The app allows users to either import their prescriptions from major pharmacy chains or enter them manually, and set reminders for the exact times that they should take their medications.
• The Medisafe app also integrates with GoodRx to deliver coupons to users, so they can get discounts on prescriptions.
• The Medisafe app is free to download and use

Cons:

• Some users report that the app is prone to bugs, which may cause frustration.

What Customers Are Saying

Medisafe has had an overwhelmingly positive response from users who say the apps help them keep track of their medications. “It’s easy to use, and the notifications really help keep me on track,” writes one user. “I’ve found it helpful beyond any other reminders I’ve tried by myself.”

Healow – Best Health Records Management App

The Healow app gives users access to all of their electronic health records (EHRs) in one place.

More than 100,000 providers participate in Healow, allowing patients to have immediate access to their medical records, including laboratory test results and medications. In addition to viewing your consolidated health records, you can choose to transfer them between providers so that all of your doctors are up-to-date.

The app also offers features like appointment booking, medication reminders and refill requests, and activity trackers. You can add accounts for minor children or for a spouse or aging parent with that adult’s consent. There are also specialized Healow Kids and Healow Mom apps that focus on records from pediatricians and prenatal care providers, respectively.

Pros & Cons of Healow Medical App

Pros:

• The most significant benefit of Healow is that it allows users to store all of their electronic medical records, appointments, prescriptions, and more in one secure place.
• For caregivers who manage the health of multiple individuals, Healow lets users add other patients to their account. This makes it easier to manage the healthcare records of multiple people. Adults must give the account holder permission in order to get access to their healthcare records.
• Healow makes it easy to transfer records between providers, ensuring a continuity of care if users switch doctors or begin seeing a new specialist for treatment.

Cons:

• One con of Healow is that a patient’s healthcare provider must be signed up with the platform in order for patients to access their healthcare records through the app. Users should confirm with their healthcare providers that they use Healow before downloading the app.
• Another potential downside is that some users report experiencing errors with the app, especially when correcting errors or retrieving messages.

What Customers Are Saying

Healow users say the app makes it much easier to keep track of medical information and manage their healthcare. “This app is awesome,” says one user. “I was able to go back and see my history and even communicate with my doctor. I love this feature!”

MyChart – Best Patient Portal App

MyChart is another patient portal app that allows patients access to electronic health records, online appointment scheduling, and patient-doctor communications wherever they are.

Through the mobile app, users can view their test results, prescribed medications, immunization history and medical records on their smartphone, tablet or computer.

Appointment scheduling and bill pay features allow patients to easily set up appointments and pay for services. Users can also contact their doctors through MyChart to ask questions or share medical records from other physicians. Those who use an activity tracking app can also incorporate their health and fitness data from that tracker into their MyChart profile.

Pros & Cons of MyChart Medical App

Pros:

• The most significant benefit of the MyChart app is that it means that people can easily keep all their medical information in one place. This also applies to family members, who can all be added to the same account.
• In addition to English, MyChart is available in Spanish and French.
• Another benefit of MyChart is that it has an in-app messaging feature that lets patients consult with their doctors for simple questions and concerns.

Cons:

• A downside to the proliferation of patient portal apps is that all of a patient’s healthcare providers must use the same platform in order to integrate all their information. The app is less convenient for users whose providers are not signed up with MyChart or use a different patient portal app.

What Customers Are Saying

MyChart users rate the app highly for being an effective tool in managing their healthcare and medical records. “It’s a great way to find all your medical information easily and effortlessly,” says one user. “It’s really the only medical application you need to keep your information in one place.”

WebMD – Best Medical Resource App

The WebMD app seeks to give users even more access to information and resources. The app has a Symptom Checker feature, which lets users input information about their symptoms and the location on their body where the issue is occurring and to gain insight into potential conditions or issues. If a user needs to seek medical attention, they can use WebMD’s directory to find a physician, hospital, or pharmacy nearby.

There are also databases for different conditions and prescription and over-the-counter medications. The iPhone version of the WebMD app also lets users set up reminders to take their medication.

Pros & Cons of WebMD Medical App

Pros:

• App features a healthcare provider directory, through which users can find in-person care.
• In addition to English, WebMD’s mobile app is available in Spanish.
• It is free to download and use the WebMD mobile app,

Cons:

• WebMD is an informational resource and does not directly connect you to a physician or medical practitioner as some of the other apps in our list can. Their content is meant to inform, not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What Customers Are Saying

WebMD users turn to the app frequently for advice and information. “This is one of the most helpful apps that I have ever installed,” says one user. “It provides the most complete and reliable information about health, medicine, drugs, and more that you can find online.”

When looking for apps that can help you manage healthcare for yourself and your family, it’s important to understand the difference between the phrases “telehealth” and “telemedicine.” They are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean slightly different things. Telemedicine refers specifically to clinical services provided remotely, while telehealth includes the use of telecommunications for clinical and non-clinical purposes, like education and administration.

Most personal health apps are more a form of telehealth than telemedicine, as their services are non-clinical in nature. Therefore, it’s important to remember that personal health apps should be used to supplement the medical care and advice you receive from a primary care physician, not replace it. Additionally, if you are having a serious medical or mental health emergency, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

“Managing personal and family health can often be a daunting task for many patients with busy schedules. Personal health apps are extremely helpful in assisting these patients to manage their various health needs. Acting as virtual personal assistants, these applications can send reminders, shop for best prices, and truly empower patients to easily take control of their health. The best part is many of these tools are free,” says Mitchell Fong, Director of Telehealth for Renown Health.

If you are using a personal health app to keep track of your medical records, prescriptions, and billing information, it’s important to make sure that it is HIPAA-compliant and secure. Medical records contain sensitive information that should not be accessible to anyone except yourself and your healthcare providers. You should check security measures and information provided by developers before the download and use of any app.

The mobile health app industry is constantly evolving, with new apps being introduced, and existing ones getting updated to incorporate the latest innovations and functionality. The COVID-19 pandemic is also shaping how these apps are used, both for tracing the virus and making virtual healthcare more accessible.

• Apple and Google recently announced that they are making it easier for state governments to implement their coronavirus contact tracing technology, by sending residents an alert asking them to turn on “exposure notifications.”
• A pilot project at the University of Kansas also led to the development of a health tracking app, CVKey, that the institution is using to help safely reopen its campus in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Amazon is already facing some backlash for its Halo Band health tracker app, with critics saying its vocal tone analysis and body fat scanner features are “a body-shaming, tone-policing disaster.”

• Global mHealth Apps Market Will Reach USD 111.1 Billion By 2025: Zion Market Research | Last accessed October 2024
• What is telehealth? How is telehealth different from telemedicine? | HealthIT.gov | Last accessed October 2024
• Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule | Last accessed October 2024