How Healthcare Apps Are Changing People's Lives

Smartphones have brought change to just about every aspect of everyday life, and healthcare is no exception to that trend.

10:48 15 May 2020

With telenursing apps, programs that allow you to schedule a visit or view your records and a wide variety of other medical apps available, the impact of telehealth on daily life is significant and comes in various forms.

Medical Appointments Right From Home

People delay medical visits for a variety of reasons, including fear, lack of time or concern over the cost. Many times, they're even not sure which doctor to see because of their health insurance's rules and requirements.

Now, there's apps that address both of these issues. One of the benefits of telehealth apps is that you can have an appointment via smartphone and video, making it less time-consuming and potentially less expensive than a traditional in-office visit. In addition, you can use an app to find the type of doctor you need in your own insurance network.

More Access to Medical Records

In the era before telenursing, your medical records were on paper and stored in archives. Today, you can access some or all of your own records via an app from your provider, or you can enter the information yourself into a record management and health tracking app. This way, you always have the information on hand in an emergency. You can also use your health data to track your health conditions and other characteristics, such as historical weight or blood pressure readings.

Increased Medication Management

Many adults buy medicines over-the-counter for their illnesses. This is not surprising, as going to a store to pick up medicine is faster, more convenient and cheaper than visiting a doctor's office and getting a prescription.

However, when you go to a store and buy medication yourself, it also opens up the door to mixing medications inappropriately or exceeding the proper dose. This can happen with prescriptions you received from a doctor, too. It's easy to forget to take the medication, mix it with something you shouldn't or take less than the recommended dose.

With medication apps, you can track your medicines, access a dosage schedule with reminders and even check your medications against something else you are considering taking for reactions or contradictions.

Better Chronic Illness Control

Living with a chronic illness is often challenging, but medical apps for chronic illness management can make managing the condition easier. For people with diabetes, for example, there are apps that allow them to log their blood sugar readings and calculate insulin. Those with asthma can use an app to track their attacks and record triggers. Even people with seasonal allergies can access an app to track allergens in the air daily.

Of course, there are still times when a visit to a doctor is necessary. However, thanks to the many benefits of telehealth, people can now take more control over their health using just their mobile device. These apps are truly revolutionizing how patients and doctors interact every day, and it's a trend that shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.