In the new wave of recent technology, dermatologists now can provide continued support for their patients outside of their office with an easy to use personalized mobile application.
The app, InfoRX, was created by Vivacare and is personalized with individual dermatologist’s name, photo, logo and practice information (Figure 1). The dermatologist can add or remove titles as well as edit the information in his or her own words. Each practice is assigned a unique code to provide to patients in order to access their personalized resources.
Figure 1. The app, InfoRX, was created by Vivacare and is personalized with individual dermatologist’s name, photo, logo and practice information
Available in the Apple App Store for patient download, InfoRX provides skin care references, videos, and self-management tools customized by each individual dermatologist. Content delivered via the app is provided by a variety of trusted sources, including federal health agencies and disease advocacy organization, such as the National Rosacea Society.
In an interview with The Dermatologist, Vivacare President Mark Becker, MD, (Figure 2) recently explained how dermatologists have responded to InfoRX and how the app has improved physician-patient communication for users.
Q. How does the phone app improve communication between physicians and patients?
A. Patients receive skin care resources from their own dermatologist that they can view before the appointment for a more productive doctor’s visit, as well as after the appointment to better follow their treatment plan.
For instance, a teenage boy with acne can view information to understand acne treatment options, such as isotretinoin. Afterwards, he may receive acne care reminders, such tips on acne skin care.
Overall, the app is designed to improve clinical care and support the physician-patient relationship.
Q. How does the app allow physicians to better serve patients?
A. The app helps patients better understand and manage their condition. For instance, a patient can opt-in to receive monthly skin cancer check reminders. These reminders prompt patients to perform a skin self-exam and provide access to a how-to video and mole mapping resource. The app also provides medication rebate and savings which patients greatly appreciate.
Most dermatologists have their own “pearls of wisdom” developed over years of clinical experience that they like to share with patients. These might include tips on selecting sunscreen, or opinions regarding the use of biologics. Dermatologist can share these expert opinions via the app, further personalizing the care they deliver.
Q. Please describe the usage rates of the app—are physicians picking up on using InfoRx quickly? What are some of the barriers you or physicians have encountered related to use of the app?
A. Dermatologists have been very enthusiastic about the app, as have their patients. In a survey of 88 patients using the app, 77% reported that receiving the patient education resources from their own doctor through the app was of “high” or “very high” value.
However, adoption by patients requires action on the part of the physician or the practice. Simply mentioning the app on the practice website does not lead to a significant number of patient downloads. We have seen an increase in patient adoption within practices that announce the mobile app in eNewsletters along with promoting its availability in waiting rooms. The most positive impact on patient usage comes from the doctor and front office staff simply telling their patients they have a mobile app and recommend that they download it to access helpful resources.
Q. What lies ahead?
A. Vivacare will soon be upgrading its mobile app with additional features. Physicians will be able to opt-in for practice marketing functions and patients will gain access to additional self-care tools, such as the ability to refill their prescription via the app. The app will be available on Android devices, however, the date has yet to be determined.
Dermatologists who are interested in InfoRX begin using a free account with an option to upgrade to a premium service. The premium service is $40/month. The app setup is available at no cost, and the annual fee is based on the number of medical professionals at each practice.
Figure 2. Mark Becker
For more information please visit, vivacare.com
In the new wave of recent technology, dermatologists now can provide continued support for their patients outside of their office with an easy to use personalized mobile application.
The app, InfoRX, was created by Vivacare and is personalized with individual dermatologist’s name, photo, logo and practice information (Figure 1). The dermatologist can add or remove titles as well as edit the information in his or her own words. Each practice is assigned a unique code to provide to patients in order to access their personalized resources.
Figure 1. The app, InfoRX, was created by Vivacare and is personalized with individual dermatologist’s name, photo, logo and practice information
Available in the Apple App Store for patient download, InfoRX provides skin care references, videos, and self-management tools customized by each individual dermatologist. Content delivered via the app is provided by a variety of trusted sources, including federal health agencies and disease advocacy organization, such as the National Rosacea Society.
In an interview with The Dermatologist, Vivacare President Mark Becker, MD, (Figure 2) recently explained how dermatologists have responded to InfoRX and how the app has improved physician-patient communication for users.
Q. How does the phone app improve communication between physicians and patients?
A. Patients receive skin care resources from their own dermatologist that they can view before the appointment for a more productive doctor’s visit, as well as after the appointment to better follow their treatment plan.
For instance, a teenage boy with acne can view information to understand acne treatment options, such as isotretinoin. Afterwards, he may receive acne care reminders, such tips on acne skin care.
Overall, the app is designed to improve clinical care and support the physician-patient relationship.
Q. How does the app allow physicians to better serve patients?
A. The app helps patients better understand and manage their condition. For instance, a patient can opt-in to receive monthly skin cancer check reminders. These reminders prompt patients to perform a skin self-exam and provide access to a how-to video and mole mapping resource. The app also provides medication rebate and savings which patients greatly appreciate.
Most dermatologists have their own “pearls of wisdom” developed over years of clinical experience that they like to share with patients. These might include tips on selecting sunscreen, or opinions regarding the use of biologics. Dermatologist can share these expert opinions via the app, further personalizing the care they deliver.
Q. Please describe the usage rates of the app—are physicians picking up on using InfoRx quickly? What are some of the barriers you or physicians have encountered related to use of the app?
A. Dermatologists have been very enthusiastic about the app, as have their patients. In a survey of 88 patients using the app, 77% reported that receiving the patient education resources from their own doctor through the app was of “high” or “very high” value.
However, adoption by patients requires action on the part of the physician or the practice. Simply mentioning the app on the practice website does not lead to a significant number of patient downloads. We have seen an increase in patient adoption within practices that announce the mobile app in eNewsletters along with promoting its availability in waiting rooms. The most positive impact on patient usage comes from the doctor and front office staff simply telling their patients they have a mobile app and recommend that they download it to access helpful resources.
Q. What lies ahead?
A. Vivacare will soon be upgrading its mobile app with additional features. Physicians will be able to opt-in for practice marketing functions and patients will gain access to additional self-care tools, such as the ability to refill their prescription via the app. The app will be available on Android devices, however, the date has yet to be determined.
Dermatologists who are interested in InfoRX begin using a free account with an option to upgrade to a premium service. The premium service is $40/month. The app setup is available at no cost, and the annual fee is based on the number of medical professionals at each practice.
Figure 2. Mark Becker
For more information please visit, vivacare.com
In the new wave of recent technology, dermatologists now can provide continued support for their patients outside of their office with an easy to use personalized mobile application.
The app, InfoRX, was created by Vivacare and is personalized with individual dermatologist’s name, photo, logo and practice information (Figure 1). The dermatologist can add or remove titles as well as edit the information in his or her own words. Each practice is assigned a unique code to provide to patients in order to access their personalized resources.
Figure 1. The app, InfoRX, was created by Vivacare and is personalized with individual dermatologist’s name, photo, logo and practice information
Available in the Apple App Store for patient download, InfoRX provides skin care references, videos, and self-management tools customized by each individual dermatologist. Content delivered via the app is provided by a variety of trusted sources, including federal health agencies and disease advocacy organization, such as the National Rosacea Society.
In an interview with The Dermatologist, Vivacare President Mark Becker, MD, (Figure 2) recently explained how dermatologists have responded to InfoRX and how the app has improved physician-patient communication for users.
Q. How does the phone app improve communication between physicians and patients?
A. Patients receive skin care resources from their own dermatologist that they can view before the appointment for a more productive doctor’s visit, as well as after the appointment to better follow their treatment plan.
For instance, a teenage boy with acne can view information to understand acne treatment options, such as isotretinoin. Afterwards, he may receive acne care reminders, such tips on acne skin care.
Overall, the app is designed to improve clinical care and support the physician-patient relationship.
Q. How does the app allow physicians to better serve patients?
A. The app helps patients better understand and manage their condition. For instance, a patient can opt-in to receive monthly skin cancer check reminders. These reminders prompt patients to perform a skin self-exam and provide access to a how-to video and mole mapping resource. The app also provides medication rebate and savings which patients greatly appreciate.
Most dermatologists have their own “pearls of wisdom” developed over years of clinical experience that they like to share with patients. These might include tips on selecting sunscreen, or opinions regarding the use of biologics. Dermatologist can share these expert opinions via the app, further personalizing the care they deliver.
Q. Please describe the usage rates of the app—are physicians picking up on using InfoRx quickly? What are some of the barriers you or physicians have encountered related to use of the app?
A. Dermatologists have been very enthusiastic about the app, as have their patients. In a survey of 88 patients using the app, 77% reported that receiving the patient education resources from their own doctor through the app was of “high” or “very high” value.
However, adoption by patients requires action on the part of the physician or the practice. Simply mentioning the app on the practice website does not lead to a significant number of patient downloads. We have seen an increase in patient adoption within practices that announce the mobile app in eNewsletters along with promoting its availability in waiting rooms. The most positive impact on patient usage comes from the doctor and front office staff simply telling their patients they have a mobile app and recommend that they download it to access helpful resources.
Q. What lies ahead?
A. Vivacare will soon be upgrading its mobile app with additional features. Physicians will be able to opt-in for practice marketing functions and patients will gain access to additional self-care tools, such as the ability to refill their prescription via the app. The app will be available on Android devices, however, the date has yet to be determined.
Dermatologists who are interested in InfoRX begin using a free account with an option to upgrade to a premium service. The premium service is $40/month. The app setup is available at no cost, and the annual fee is based on the number of medical professionals at each practice.
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