6 Medical Apps Every Doctor Needs
Since just about everyone—healthcare providers included—carries their smartphone everywhere they go these days, having the best medical apps can give doctors the resources they need right at their fingertips. This in-your-pocket access is especially beneficial during the coronavirus pandemic, as many clinicians are working remotely, and face-to-face patient interactions may be limited.
Here are six apps that many consider “must haves” for clinical decision support, medical news and literature, continuing medical education (CME), and mobile e-prescribing:
Epocrates
With more than 1 million downloads since it came on the scene more than 20 years ago, Epocrates is one of the leading point-of-care apps for physicians. Its continually researched and updated content includes drug information, a pill ID feature, clinical guidelines, and a dose calculator. While most of the app’s content is free, a paid subscription is required for Epocrates+ to access premium content. Available on iOS and Android.
iPrescribe
We admit that we’re partial to iPrescribe, and as the top-rated mobile prescribing app, healthcare providers are fans, too. A “digital prescription pad” for doctors on the go, iPrescribe replaces traditional methods like paper prescription pads, phone calls, and faxes and can be used anywhere with just a few taps. The app includes safety features found in desktop prescribing systems, such as alerts for potential drug interactions and allergies, based on patients’ medication history.
iPrescribe also allows e-prescribing for controlled substances and has in-app checks of states’ prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), now required by law in many states. And because prescribing is just one part of patient care, iPrescribe includes elements of DrFirst’s care collaboration platform, Backline, so providers can send HIPAA-compliant messages to patients and other clinicians. Available on iOS and Android.
Medscape
In addition to free access to its tailored news feed for more than 30 specialties, Medscape offers clinical decision tools, medical calculators, free CME, video tutorials, and more. Its database includes information on more than 8,000 medications, as well as a pill identifier tool and drug interaction checker. Available on iOS and Android.
Prevention TaskForce
This app, previously known as AHRQ ePSS, was developed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to help primary care doctors identify appropriate screening, counseling, and preventive medication services for patients. The free app is based on recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and users can search by patient characteristics, such as age, sex, and several behavioral risk factors. Available on iOS and Android.
Read by QxMD
Keep up with the latest medical literature in an easy-to-read format, downloading the specific articles you want to read. While the app is free, users may need individual or institutional subscriptions to access some journals or PubMed. Read by QxMD allows users to browse numerous topics, organize personal collections, download with one tap, and share articles with colleagues. Available for iOS and Android.
UpToDate
Users can keep up to date with the latest clinical support information, as the app’s name promises. Nearly 2 million doctors worldwide use UpToDate for quick answers to their medical questions and as a resource for continuing education. Query results include options to sort by adult and pediatric patients, patient-oriented information, and graphics and illustrations. The app offers several subscription levels and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Available for iOS and Android.