Medical Mobile Apps and Dermatology [editorial]

Mobile medical applications, or apps, are rapidly integrating into the health care system. More than 80% of physicians own a mobile device and 25% of physicians utilize both a smartphone and tablet daily in their medical practices. In response to physicians' rapid adoption of mobile technology, the mobile medical app market has exploded. Within iTunes alone, the number of health and medical apps increased 4-fold in the last 2 years. A new culture also has developed known as the bring-your-own-device policy in which physicians demand to purchase their own medical apps and utilize their own mobile devices rather than use employer-provided devices with employer-specified apps. Unique opportunities and challenges are just beginning to be discovered and addressed at the patient, provider, and federal levels.

Listen to Dr. Burkhart's audiocast on dermatology mobile apps here.