This article covers some innovative apps that are helpful to both patients and physicians. Knowledge resource apps and apps that aid in smoothing the clinical experience and disease management process are discussed.
Yosi – Patient Registration
By Yosi
This app is designed to facilitate the patient check in process at doctors’ offices by auto filling the registration forms. Once a patient creates a profile, Yosi maps all of their personal information onto the registration forms automatically using a patent-pending technology. This app is only available right now in Manhattan, but is available in thousands of doctor offices there. Yosi has implemented e-signatures for patients to electronically sign. There is an automated smart search to find doctors, pharmacies, etc. You can store your insurance card digitally by snapping a picture of it. The information is protected with encryption standards and is HIPAA compliant. Yosi also sends patients an appointment reminder and the app updates EMR/PM systems with the patients’ information. The app is free and was updated in March 2016 to version 1.2. It is 16.7 MB, requires iOS 8.0 or later, and is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is also available for Android.
GoodRx
This app allows physicians or patients to compare prescription drug prices and find coupons to save up to 80 percent, even with insurance. The app provides current cash and sale prices, manufacturer coupons, pharmacy discounts and savings tips for thousands of prescriptions at pharmacies near to you. GoodRx identifies pharmacies that have many popular generic drugs for less than $4 per fill and some where prescriptions are free. Some of the coupons can be used within the app so there is no need to print the coupons. The app is free and was updated in April 2016 to version 4.5.5. It is 24.9 MB, requires iOS 7.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is also available for Android.
Atlas of Ophthalmology by Onjoph
By Voigtmann GmbH
This is an EyeAtlas app that presents a variety of clinical images that is linked to the database of the Atlas of Ophthalmology. This database includes over 6,000 ophthalmic diagnoses and images from basics to uncommonly seen issues covering the gamut of subspecialties. All images are peer-reviewed, allowing a reliable tool for both patients and health care providers. All images are presented in two different resolutions and are coupled with a diagnosis. There are ICD-10 codes with a short comment on the disease process. The Atlas of Ophthalmology is free through the AppStore, but to use all of the features of this app a $0.99 annual subscription is necessary that renews automatically until cancelled. The search function allows images to be searched by diagnosis, keywords or ICD-10. This app allows one to change the size of the characters, save favorite images or email images to others. The app was last updated in August 2015 to version 2.2.17. It is 21.1 MB and requires iOS7.0 or later. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
The Ophthalmologist
By Texere Publishing Limited
The Ophthalmologist is a monthly magazine tailored toward our specialty. This publication explores the hopes, fears, motivations and aspirations of the key clinical and industrial figures in our field. Each issue contains several key sections: 1. Upfront, which covers the latest clinic research, professional, practice and pharmaceutical areas. 2. Feature, which is an illustrated in-depth journalistic investigation of a topic of central importance to ophthalmologists. 3. In Practice – represents articles from leading ophthalmologists regarding the best clinical practice patterns. 4. NextGen highlights where clinical practice will be in the next decade, with interviews and articles from leading ophthalmologists. 5. Profession is a combination of articles that pertain to practice management, including the latest political and regulatory issues to advice on building, running and improving and marketing a practice. The app was last updated in February 2016 to version 2.1.1. It is 1.8 M and requires iOS 8.0 or later. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Ophthalmology Pocket
By Borm Bruckmeier Publishing LLC
This is a quick reference guide containing a collection of information related to various medical conditions encountered in the field of ophthalmology. Highlights include eye anatomy, refraction errors and management, temporal artitis, endophthalmitis, central vein occlusion, central artery occlusion and retinal detachment. Symptoms, diagnosis and therapy of glaucoma, macular degeneration, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and uveitis are covered. Classification and therapy of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema are included. There are algorithms for the management of acute pupillary block and primary open angle glaucoma. The app includes images to test for color blindness and a visual acuity test chart. The app was last updated in July 2015 to version 2.1. It is 28.6 MB, requires iOS 7.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is also available for Android.