5 Health Apps That Can Save You Time & Money

For many, healthcare costs are higher today than ever before, leaving many savvy people seeking out resources for saving money and time while addressing their health and wellness. Fortunately, with so many free and cheap health management apps available for download on your smartphone or tablet, the information and resources you need are now more accessible than ever before.

Remember, these apps aren’t meant to take the place of medical care, but they can provide supplemental assistance when it comes to vetting doctors, making appointments and managing your diet and exercise regiment.

With that in mind, here are five money- and time-saving health management apps you can consider using.

1. ZocDoc

Cost: Free

How much time have you wasted trying to find a medical professional who is within your insurance network and has great reviews? Now, you can make finding a new healthcare specialist easier and faster with ZocDoc. This innovative app allows you to search a desired area for doctors and specialists — and you can filter based on reviews, location, insurance network, and more. Plus, once you find the right specialist for your needs, you can even book your appointment through the app and access any necessary paperwork you’ll need to fill out before your appointment.

2. iTriage

Cost: Free

iTriage was created by two emergency room physicians, and aims to help users get a better idea of what their symptoms may be caused by. Essentially, users can enter the specific symptoms they’ve been experiencing and receive a list of potential ailments or other medical issues that could be the cause. Again, this app is not meant to be used in lieu of seeing a doctor for an official diagnosis or treatment. Instead, the app will help you find a doctor or facility in your area who can treat you. Plus, it can tell you the nearest local urgent care or ER facility if needed.

3. LoseIt!

Cost: Free

LoseIt! is a great app for tracking your daily calorie intake, as well as your energy expenditures through exercise and other activities. It even features a handy scanner that allows you to simply scan a food label barcode with your phone and then automatically enters nutritional facts to your daily log. There are also some fun user challenges and contests to help you stay accountable and continue pursuing your health and fitness goals.

4. Doctor on Demand

Cost: Free, but you’ll pay $49 for any video doctor visits you opt for

Have you ever had a question for your doctor but had to wait until your next physical or other appointment to bring it up? With Doctor on Demand, you’re never more than a few taps away from speaking one-on-one with a licensed doctor, pediatrician, or even a psychologist. These specialists can talk with you about your symptoms and even write prescriptions over the phone without you having to leave your home for an appointment. The app itself is free, but be aware that you will be charged for each “visit” with a licensed specialist.

5. Fooducate

Cost: Free

Want to make smarter choices when it comes to your diet and food intake? If so, and if you’re not sure where to start, Fooducate is a great resource. This app can provide you with everything from the calorie content of a particular food to a breakdown of the macro- and micro-nutrients. It also has a handy feature that assigns each food a “grade” from A to D, so you can get a better idea of the nutrition of the food you eat and make smarter decisions.

Health & Money

These are just a few of the health management apps out there that can save you precious time and money. Remember, of course, to read the fine print of any app you’re considering closely so you know, among other things, whether the app collects any data, how it might be stored and what actions in the app may have charges associated with them.

Keep in mind, apps are just one way to potentially improve your wellness and lower healthcare costs. You can find tips for improving your eating habits, for example, on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

If you already have medical bills, there are some steps you can consider taking to address them more readily. For instance, you could ask the provider for an itemized bill so you can confirm the charges. You can also try negotiating with a doctor’s office for a lower payment (here’s some tips for how to do so.)

Remember, unpaid medical bills can go to collections and do some big damage to your credit. You can see how any medical debts may be affecting you by viewing two of your free credit scores, updated every 14 days, on Credit.com.

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