Being physically limited from going out makes managing even the simplest activities of daily living difficult. This includes tasks like accessing healthcare and buying prescription medications.
With lockdown policies in place worldwide, mobile technology like smartphone apps are becoming especially handy. Developers continuously improve their apps to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare, despite the pandemic.
Below are some of the best medical apps that can help you navigate the pandemic using your phone.
1. Lemonaid
Lemonaid gives you easy access to affordable telehealth services and quickly connects you online to a doctor or nurse. Lemonaid treats patients across the 50 US states, as well as Washington DC.
The app offers services for a variety of conditions such as asthma, acid reflux, and migraines. You can also use it to order lab tests online, including those for blood typing, blood sugar, and even COVID-19 antibody testing.
Consultations typically cost $25. This covers a practitioner’s evaluation and corresponding prescription. However, your insurance does not cover the services.
Additionally, if you plan to order medicines from the service, they'll be charged to your card on file. Lemonaid offers free delivery as well as expedited shipping. Otherwise, you can opt to have your prescription sent to your local pharmacy.
You must be at least 18 years old to use the app. It requires you to show a photo ID; you might also need to send a photo of yourself as part of the regulations in some states.
To use Lemonaid, choose a service that you need for your virtual appointment. After an online assessment, you'll be able to wait for an appointment.
Download: Lemonaid for iOS | Android (Free)
2. Maven Clinic
Maven Clinic aims to help women and families by offering high-quality 24/7 care to people who are planning to start or are already raising their own families. It provides support for fertility, family planning, adoption, parenting, and pediatrics by connecting you with a same-day appointment to more than 25 different specialists.
Maven offers its services to both individuals and teams (employer-sponsored). As an individual user, you can simply book an appointment and pay as you go.
On the other hand, employer-sponsored accounts have access to daily tips, provider-led classes, and doctor-approved resources on various topics. They can also utilize a dedicated Care Advocate, who can explain your benefits and recommend you a personalized care plan.
In addition, users with an employer account can use their free membership to Maven’s numerous programs, including parenting, pregnancy, general wellness, egg freezing, and IUI/IVF.
Download: Maven Clinic for iOS | Android (Free)
3. Blink Health
Blink Health aims to provide lower prescription prices for all Americans. You can get your medications using the app through two methods:
- Paying a discounted price through the app and picking it up at your local pharmacy
- Having it delivered to your doorstep with Blink Pharmacy
Blink Health has 35,000+ participating pharmacies nationwide, including Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Safeway, and Smith’s. Using Blink Pharmacy, you can have the service work with your doctor to handle and transfer your prescriptions.
The service has standby pharmacists to provide assistance and answer your questions. It also accepts insurance for all patients; Blink is equipped with technology to analyze your insurance, copay, and deductible.
If you don’t have a prescription yet, the app can set you up for an online visit with a US licensed medical professional.
Download: Blink Health for iOS | Android (Free)
4. SingleCare
SingleCare is a prescription savings card that allows you to save big. It does this by giving out free coupons accepted at all major pharmacies. The app offers free signup and provides discounts on more than 10,000 FDA-approved prescription medications. Reduced rates are applicable for everyone, whether you are insured, uninsured, or underinsured.
Signing up for an account gives five percent off your next eligible refill. You can also get an additional five percent off if you sign up for the loyalty program.
You can reuse coupons on every refill. Plus, these coupons don’t have strict eligibility requirement or limited-time restrictions. You can also use the app’s Drug Basket feature, which acts as a virtual pillbox that saves your prescription coupons for future refills.
The app also has a Prescription Discount Finder feature that helps you find a participating pharmacy near you, simply by inputting your ZIP code.
When you search for your prescriptions, you can easily compare discounts across various participating pharmacies. Present the provided free coupon card at the pharmacy counter.
Download: SingleCare for iOS | Android (Free)
5. GlassesOn
GlassesOn is a medical-grade app that uses AR technology to measure your pupillary distance (PD), or the measurement from one pupil to another. This is essential for good comfort and fit for your prescription glasses.
Aside from this, the app has a paid feature that can measure glass parameters, including power (astigmatism), axis, and sphere (power).
Below is a short video tutorial on how to use it:
To use the app, you will need the following:
- Any standard magnetic card (light-colored ones are preferred)
- Good lighting
Download: GlassesOn for iOS | Android (Free)
6. BetterHelp
With the pandemic taking its toll on people’s mental health, BetterHelp helps you get professional help. The app offers access to over 10,000 experienced licensed therapists and accredited counselors.
Its service matches you with a professional that best fits your objectives, issues, preferences, and needs. BetterHelp's professionals are thoroughly vetted and have the necessary training, qualifications, and certifications, as well as a Master’s degree or doctorate in their respective fields.
The app offers 24/7 counseling for individuals, teens, and couples. It also provides resources and advice on mental health.
Here's how to get started:
- Sign up and choose the type of counseling you need (individual, couple, etc.).
- Complete a short questionnaire to create your private account.
- Get matched with a counselor. This can take a few hours to a few days.
- You and your counselor will be given a secure “room” that can be accessed 24/7.
You can communicate with your counselor through messaging, phone calls, chats, and video conferencing. To get counselors’ services using the app, you must sign up for a membership that will be charged to your credit card or PayPal. Fees range from $60-$90 and are billed every four weeks. These services are not covered by insurance.
The app also utilizes technology to ensure confidentiality and privacy. You can even opt for a preferred nickname, as BetterHelp will not require you to fill in your full name or contact information.
Download: BetterHelp for iOS | Android (Free)
Navigate the Pandemic From Home
With these apps, you'll have solutions to your medical needs at the tip of your fingers without even leaving home. While apps can never replace face-to-face consultations, they are still a good option, especially with a pandemic in place.