These features streamline administrative tasks such as registration, scheduling appointments, and patient reminders, and empower patients to easily and securely connect with their providers while on the go. HIPAA compliant email even allows patients to use their mobile devices to communicate with their providers through their patient portals. They allow patients to check test results, refill prescriptions, review their medical record, view education materials and even check in for appointments-all from their mobile devices. Mobile-enabled patient portals make it easier for providers, staff and patients to communicate. While there are concerns about the accuracy and unregulated status of mobile health apps for consumers, this is a promising and rapidly developing area. Apple, Google and Microsoft are all trying to market new products that use mobile health apps in combination with fitness trackers like Fitbit® or Nike+ FuelBand® to bring health information to a central source that can be accessed by providers. Some estimates predict 500 million patients will be using mobile health apps by the year 2015. In addition, there has been explosive growth in mobile health apps for consumers. For example, some mobile health apps use GPS technology to track a patient’s movement for a specified period, generate questions about the patient’s well-being, and include regular reminders to report or measure symptoms. Mobile health apps also help providers monitor and follow up with patients. For example, providers can use mobile health apps to perform searches or access clinical reference tools such as Epocrates®. Providers use mobile health apps for clinical decision support around the time of a patient’s visit. Mobile health apps are programs that can be uploaded onto a smartphone or tablet. Both mobile health and eHealth help providers get the information they need to improve health care outcomes and lower costs. Mobile health is part of the wider “eHealth” movement, which is using technology such as computers, mobile phones, mobile health apps and patient monitors for health services and information. Patients and providers use different types of mobile health technology, including mobile health apps, mobile-enabled patient portals and telemedicine, to improve medical care and streamline administrative tasks.
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