Review of Digital Health Apps That Are Redefining Care

Health care apps like MyChart, mySugr, GoodRx, and Smoke Free can enhance patient care through accessibility, convenience, and engagement, but further discussion is warranted on the optimal use of these apps. | Image Credit: elenabsl - stock.adobe.com

The health care landscape has transformed patient care delivery through the adoption of technology, and health care services and technology business are projected to continue to grow.¹

Popular health care web-based applications, or apps, are among the newest forms of patient care and represent a growing market in our increasingly digital world.² Health care apps offer greater accessibility and convenience to patients, while stakeholders can engage directly with consumers to bypass traditional intermediaries. Additionally, direct-to-consumer (DTC) models have gained traction and are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 20.03%.

Health systems that utilize DTC models can enhance patient care through streamlined processes, reduced wait times, and cheaper costs. Digital platforms can be leveraged to engage with patients directly, providing them with more control over their distribution channels and relationships.

This article analyzes several popular health care apps designed to improve patient access to care, all of which are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.

MyChart

MyChart aims to organize patient medications, test results, upcoming appointments, medical bills, and price estimates all in one place.³ Medical records can also be shared safely, securely, and instantly. This feature extends the level of communication providers have with their patients beyond repeated phone calls through a Message Center.⁴

The app strives to make scheduling appointments quicker based on patient convenience, the option to complete previsit tasks at home, and providing the locations of the closest urgent care or emergency rooms when needed.³ In some instances, follow-up is arranged with a doctor in person, depending on level of care necessary.

MyChart can also be used to request prescription refills to avoid delays and review test results.⁴ Additionally, the application lets users pay their bills online, create payment plans, receive procedure estimates, and access a copy of their health insurance card.

The application is beneficial in multiple ways, but it is important to understand the best situations to utilize MyChart vs other situations when it may not be.⁵ Urgent, life-threatening questions should not be taken to MyChart because depending on the question, a response may not be received for a few days. The message feature is also limited to 500 characters or less.

Messages are filtered into separate categories: refill a medication, schedule an appointment, medical advice request, and customer service request. If the patient’s message does not fit these categories, exceeds character limits, and/or is urgent, MyChart messaging is not recommended for those situations.

mySugr

People with diabetes created the app mySugr, which allows patients to log data such as blood sugar, meals, activity, and insulin levels.⁶ Diabetes devices can also connect to mySugr to automatically read blood sugar levels and save this information for easy accessibility.

The app has been described as easy to read, customizable, and provides simple search features to find specifics or identify trends or patterns.⁷ The free version of mySugr includes personalized logging, an overview of progress reports, secure data backup, and basic challenges/tags.⁸

The pro version of mySugr is priced at $2.99 a month but patients who use Accu-Chek meters and other compatible glucose devices can sync their data at least once a month to access all pro features.⁹ Pro features include PDF/Excel reports, meal photos, blood sugar reminders, a basal rate for pump users, and more.⁸

Data entry can be done efficiently with Accu-Chek devices, but patients who use different brands must enter this information manually. Direct integration with glucose monitors like Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre is not offered either.

GoodRx

Offered as a free mobile app and website, GoodRx aims to find Americans the lowest prescription prices that will help them save money.¹⁰ GoodRx gathers prices, coupons, and savings tips for prescriptions across almost every pharmacy in the US. The app also lets users know when a pharmacy has a lower cash or membership program price, or if there are any available manufacturer offers. GoodRx touts its provision of unbiased price and coupon information to help users compare and save the most money on prescriptions.

Some reports have found GoodRx saves about 80% or more on all prescriptions and is accepted at an estimated 70,000 retail pharmacies in the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. GoodRx can be accessed by patients who are insured or uninsured as well.¹⁰ Patients insured under Medicare and Medicaid may not be able to use GoodRx because these payers have their own fee structures.¹¹

Between the high deductibles and limited formularies that most insurance companies do not cover, patients are eager to save money at the pharmacy counter.¹⁰ Some reports believe GoodRx is more beneficial for uninsured patients because these populations are paying larger out-of-pocket costs.¹¹ However, these discounted prices and coupons are not guaranteed long term and could often vary. 

Smoke Free

Smoke Free lets users review the length of time they have been smoke free, the money saved, and health improvements made in 15 different parts of their body.¹² Additionally, advisors and other participants attempting smoking cessation can engage with each other in a chat while suggesting tips and other forms of advice.

The app has each individual enter their personal motivation for quitting, which is then used as a consistent reminder. Smoke Free also suggests adding a treat to buy with the money saved from quitting to emphasize the overall benefits, with an included countdown until the participant can purchase the treat.

Cravings can also be entered into the app to track severity, as well as solutions that were successful vs the ones that were not. Potential triggers can also be tracked based on marking “smoked” and “did not smoke” to further identify the circumstances and moods associated with cessation for the individual.

The Smoke Free app has been described as beneficial for providing social support through coaches and research-based techniques/strategies.¹³ However, some reports indicated lost progress and quit status may be better maintained through the app rather than using it to initiate quitting.

Overview

The health care app industry is rapidly growing. Companies developing health care apps must prioritize Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance and user experience, experts say.¹⁴ To ensure success, developers should consider factors such as target audience, features, and technology stack.

The future of health care apps holds promise with increased artificial intelligence integration, expanded telehealth options, and user-centric designs.¹⁵ However, challenges such as data accuracy, user adoption, and integration with health care systems must be addressed.

As the health care landscape continues to evolve, the integration of technology will remain crucial in enhancing patient care. By harnessing the power of digital platforms, health care providers can improve access, efficiency, and patient engagement. It is essential to address the challenges associated with these advancements to ensure that technology truly benefits patients and providers alike.

References

1. Patel N, Singhal S. What to expect in US healthcare in 2024 and beyond. McKinsey & Company. January 5, 2024. October 31, 2024. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/what-to-expect-in-us-healthcare-in-2024-and-beyond
2. Staff P. 2024 outlook: key trends shaping the healthcare landscape for health systems, payers, and life sciences. Propeller Health. December 11, 2023. Accessed October 31, 2024. https://propellerhealth.com/press/clinical-blog/2024-outlook-key-trends-shaping-the-healthcare-landscape-for-health-systems-payers-and-life-sciences/
3. MyChart is Epic. 2024. Epic. Accessed October 31, 2024. https://www.mychart.org/
4. Benefits of MyChart. Washington University Physicians. February 1, 2023. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://physicians.wustl.edu/benefits-of-mychart/
5. Making the most of MyChart messaging: dos and don’ts. South Shore Health. April 25, 2023. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.southshorehealth.org/wellness/blog/making-most-mychart-messaging-dos-and-donts
6. The mySugr app. mySugr Global. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.mysugr.com/en/diabetes-app
7. mySugr app review: taming my diabetes monster. Healthline. September 6, 2021. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/mysugr-app-review-taming-diabetes-monster#pros-and-cons
8. mySugr US - make diabetes suck less. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.mysugr.com/en-us
9. Supported diabetes devices. mySugr. 2022. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.mysugr.com/en/supported-diabetes-devices/
10. What is GoodRx? How does it work? GoodRx. Published 2016. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://support.goodrx.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004944026-What-is-GoodRx-How-does-it-work
11. Mitchell K. What to know about prescription cost-saving programs like GoodRx. Cbs News. October 15, 2024. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/prescription-cost-saving-programs/
12. Crane D. Smoke free - quit smoking now. Smokefree. 2019. November 4, 2024. https://smokefreeapp.com/
13. Cuncic A. The best apps to help you quit smoking. Verywell Mind. February 22, 2023. November 4, 2024. https://www.verywellmind.com/best-quit-smoking-apps-5092426
14. Sohail S. Top 15 healthcare apps of 2023. TekRevol. August 26, 2022. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.tekrevol.com/blogs/top-healthcare-apps/
15. Schwager S. Chronic disease management apps. SuperBill. April 23, 2024. Accessed November 4, 2024.https://www.thesuperbill.com/blog/surveying-the-most-important-chronic-disease-management-apps