Mobile apps that support health continue to be wildly popular among consumers looking for ways to access and track health information and resources. Today, one health organization — Kaiser Permanente — unveiled a new and improved mobile app for its members that promises improved ease of use and functionality.
KP’s original member app was launched in 2012 and so far has been downloaded 600,000 times. The app made it possible for users to securely email their doctors, refill prescriptions and check lab results from anywhere with a smartphone. All of those features continue to be available in the refreshed version.
But this app has definitely had a face lift — most noticeable is the colorful and streamlined interface. According to Brian Gardner, executive director of KP’s mobility center of excellence — it was purposely designed so that users can find what they are looking for in “the first few swipes” of the app.
According to the press release, the new design works with smartphone technology, greatly improving functionality. Now when KP members schedule an appointment using the mobile app, that can be saved right to the device’s own calendar. And on the appointment screen, a map with driving directions is included. The upgraded interface is also ADA-compliant for the vision and hearing impaired.
The app is available to the 4 million registered users of Kaiser Permanente’s PHR, My Health Manager, on kp.org, and it can be downloaded for free at the Apple App Store.
