For the last century and a half, prescription medication has been a given for doctors. Patients suffer from an ailment, seek treatment from a physician and are prescribed medication if need be.<\/p>\n
However, we could be in for a change. Categorized as mobile software that diagnoses, tracks, or treats disease, mHealth apps are becoming the preferred method of treatment for some patients<\/strong>, particularly those with chronic medical conditions.<\/p>\n According to a 2,000 patient survey by Digitas Health, 90% of patients<\/a> accept a prescription for mHealth app, while only 66% would accept one for medication. This level of openness among patients has prompted the Food and Drug Administration to note mHealth\u2019s growing popularity, going as far as recently regulating<\/a> these apps.<\/p>\n So if the scenario calls for it, can mobile apps edge out more traditional medications<\/strong> as the primary tool for patient treatment once a patient leaves the exam room?<\/p>\n For one, the medium through which mHealth apps are made available is becoming increasingly popular. A Pew Report earlier this year found that 56% of American adults now have a smartphone of some kind<\/strong>, meaning these apps are becoming increasingly more accessible to patients.<\/p>\n Cost is also a factor. Some mHealth apps can range from $50 to $100, but these are normally the exception. In fact, when compared to prescription medications, which many patients complain are far too pricey.<\/p>\nWhy mHealth Apps Can Do It<\/strong><\/h3>\n