While mobile apps on smart phones and tablets are a staple of device use, using apps in the workplace is also gaining steam. According to a 2015 Research Now Group survey of 500 U.S. physicians, 16% of the physicians currently use mobile health apps in their professional practice, while 46% plan to in the next five years. With more than 100,000 mobile health apps on the market, it is a daunting task sorting through them all.For this piece, we consulted popularity lists and independent research to find the most interesting and useful apps for radiologists. Also, check out Diagnostic Imaging’s list of best apps of 2013 and 2014.Did we miss one? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
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Lumify:
Using a special transducer that plugs into your device, this Philips Healthcare app turns your smart phone or tablet into an ultrasound scanner. Download the app on Google
Play.
and they’ll send you the transducer. The service is available on a monthly subscription basis starting at $199. It received FDA 501(k) clearance and entered the U.S. market in November 2015. Image courtesy of Philips Healthcare.
Figure 1:
It has been called “Instagram for Doctors.” While Instagram is a fun app, this one has some solid medical cred behind it. The photo sharing app requires users to remove identifiable information before uploading it. Users find it to be a helpful learning forum, and doctors can get feedback on their questions. Uploads and comments are limited to health care professionals in all specialties. It’s available on both
Apple
and
Android
products for free. Image courtesy of Figure 1.
Radiology Toolbox Pro:
This app was developed by radiologist Eric Baumel, who wanted easier access to information he was continually looking up. The app includes calculators, anatomy diagrams, diagnostic guidelines, charts and contrast dye information. The app is $3.99 in the
iTunes
store.
Thoracic Radiology Differential Diagnosis Lists:
This app helps identify and diagnose chest CT findings, using 100 CT images and 80 thoracic differential diagnosis lists. They’re organized alphabetically as well as by organ system, and they’re searchable. It’s a free
iTunes
download.
Docphin:
Get your journals online and read medical news in one place. They stock more than 5,000 journals plus landmark articles in various fields. The Docphin app is free at
iTunes
and Google
Play
, but you may need an institutional library subscription to fully use it.
Radiology Consult:
This app isn’t for radiologists, but is a good one to recommend to referring physicians. The app helps physicians determine the best radiology procedures and work-up to order, given the symptoms. It covers 34 common clinical issues, like acute chest pain, pulmonary embolism and fever of unknown origin. The app costs $9.99 on
iTunes
.
Lung Nodule Follow-Up Guidelines:
This app helps with follow-up on incidental lung nodules, using the Fleishner Society criteria. The app divides up nodules by type and size, giving follow-up recommendations. It’s free on
iTunes
.
