What are some High Tech tools I can use to increase my healthcare independence?

There are many different types of high tech tools that could possibly increase your healthcare independence. It is okay if you do not have access to all of the tools available but it is important for you to utilize the tools you do have to their full potential as well as be aware of their capabilities when making future decisions.

Mobile Applications
Smart Watches
Telehealth
Patient Portal

Mobile Applications

Smartphones have the ability to operate apps. Apps are great tools to help assist in healthcare. Many smartphones even have health apps, that come with the purchase of the phone, that track and store medical data including emergency contacts.

Apps that do not come on your smartphone can be accessed via the Apple Store or the Google Play Store (depending on the type of phone you have), 

Calendar Apps, which typically come with a smartphone or can be downloaded if a different calendar app is preferred, can have built-in reminders for medications and/or appointments. When you make an appointment.

  • Set a reminder in your calendar for a designated time before your appointment that allows you enough time to get to your appointment, so you will never be late for any of your appointments
  • It is even okay to make multiple reminders, with an alarm, for one appointment; you could set an alarm for the day before, two hours before, and then the actual time you need to be at the appointment

Note Apps, which typically come with a smartphone or can be downloaded if a different note app is preferred, are great for creating lists of things/questions you want to remember. This can be in advance or during an appointment. Lists prepared ahead of time, can provide you with the pertinent information you need to remember at a moment’s notice or during a stressful time. The one great thing about creating a list on your phone is that it is always with you.

Timer App, which typically comes with a smartphone or can be downloaded if a different timer app is preferred, is helpful if you need to use the bathroom or eat in certain durations. You can set your timer after you are finished using the bathroom or finished eating for the next time that you need to complete this task. 

Abridge is a free and innovative app that records and transcribes your doctor appointments. It translates a doctor’s language into simple words so you can understand everything, even if you do not have a medical background. Abridge also highlights keywords that may be specific to your care and allows you to look up the definition of those words right on the app.

Medisafe allows you to log your medication time and the app will remind you when you need to take your medications. This free app is incredibly helpful to anyone whether you live with memory loss or you are a person who gets busy throughout the day. Medisafe may especially be helpful for you if you need to take different medications at different times throughout the day, not just in the morning and/or at night.

GoodRx is beneficial for anyone looking to save money. This free app allows you to search the medications you take and it lists the pharmacies that sell that medication as well as how much it costs. This will ensure that you are able to purchase the medication you need at the best price possible. GoodRx sometimes provides coupons as well.

Your Insurance Company App may be helpful to you. Depending on your insurance company, they may have an app that allows you to: 

  • See your ID information
  • See the remainder of your deductible
  • See all claims
  • See all coverage
  • Access a teledoctor
  • Search for in-network doctors and specialists
  • COVID-19 care

Smart Watches

There are multiple smartwatches, which are mobile devices that have touchscreen displays, that are designed to be worn on a person’s wrist.

The FitBit is a watch that is designed to track health and fitness data such as heart rate, distance walked (in steps or miles), and sleep patterns. This piece of technology is especially helpful when the type of data it tracks is the type of data your doctor would like you to record. Wear this piece of technology and it will track the information for you.

The Apple Watch is a smartphone extension that can be worn on your wrist. It can do almost every general thing your smartphone does. This means that apps that are utilized on your phone can most likely be utilized on your watch as well. Your Apple Watch can track health and fitness data such as heart rate, distance walked (in steps or miles), and sleep patterns with the perk of it also being a phone extension among other things. 

Telehealth

Telehealth, also known as telemed, is a valuable resource as it provides better access for many who may not always feel well enough to leave their house or have the access to get to their health professional. 

Telehealth is a virtual way of communicating with your doctor. You can make an appointment and meet with your doctor without having to leave your house.

Telehealth was not common until COVID-19 and the need for a disease prevention protocol. Healthcare professionals began to think outside the box which has greatly benefited the disability community.

Teletherapy 

Teletherapy is a valuable resource as it provides better access for many who may not always feel well enough to leave their house or have the access to get to their therapist. 

Teletherapy is a virtual way of communicating with your therapist. You can make an appointment and meet with your therapist without having to leave your house. 

Teletherapy was not common until COVID-19 and the need for a disease prevention protocol. Healthcare professionals began to think outside the box which has greatly benefited the disability community.

Patient Portal

Patient Portal is a platform for you to stay organized and discuss your healthcare needs with your doctor. All portals are different depending on your doctor/hospital. Here is a non-exhaustive list of things that a patient portal may provide:

  • Two-way communication, like email
  • Make/cancel your appointments online
  • View your medications list
  • View your medical records
  • View lab and test results
  • View your immunization record