AppScript Files IPO Prospectus: Enhancing Physician Engagement in Digital Health Through SaaS-Powered App Curation

There is an abundance of health and medical apps on the internet, which may create a misconception among patients that these apps can facilitate self-management of their health. However, how can patients determine which app is best suited for them? Can these apps and other health support tools provide accurate diagnoses, or even gain endorsement from physicians?

“One App a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”—This May Not Be a Good Thing

Michelle Moglia, a member of the Planned Parenthood organization in the small town of Easton, Pennsylvania, commented, “It is difficult for users to find high-quality apps on the market; I am not sure how they make their selections.”

I am not sure whether quality is a major concern for most consumers, as surveys show that only 33% of consumers this year expressed willingness to purchase paid apps.

As outlined by AppScript at the 2015 HIMSS Global Conference, with over 125,000 health-related apps, hundreds to thousands of wearable devices, and millions of healthcare articles (such as online health articles or blogs) available on the market, how should patients make their choices from this vast reservoir?

Can these apps and other health support tools provide accurate diagnoses, or even gain physicians’ endorsement?

For instance, is it truly all beneficial and worry-free to consult an app about the size and shape of your moles or breast lumps? This is especially relevant if it takes months to secure an in-person appointment with a doctor.

The lack of effective guidance from medical apps hinders doctors

The market for health and medical apps has reached saturation, causing some confusion for both doctors and patients. Patients seek guidance from physicians through these platforms, yet doctors share similar sentiments of uncertainty; they struggle to make informed choices due to a lack of effective guidance on selecting appropriate medical apps.

With regard to behavioral changes and improved adherence, physicians may recognize the potential benefits of medical apps. However, these are rarely considered in clinical guidelines.

Indeed, when asked to recommend medical apps, doctors share the same confusion as patients:

• Which applications are the most suitable?




• How to Precisely Recommend an App? What Is the Level of Patient Acceptance (Will It Ultimately End Up in the Trash)?




• Are these apps safe? If the app I recommend causes adverse effects, am I liable?




• Are these apps HIPAA-compliant?

All these issues, coupled with the scant experimental evidence or guidelines from medical associations, have led many physicians to adopt a cautious approach to practice rather than becoming heavily involved.

Creagh Milford, MPH, of the Massachusetts General Hospital Physicians Organization, stated, “Physicians must trust the app and the data it collects and distributes.”

What if Mobile Health Apps Could Integrate Doctors and Patients?

AppScript is a company that provides Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, leveraging proprietary algorithms to help physicians identify the most suitable apps for each patient.

AppScript has also developed an app to help patients manage diabetes. According to the team, doctors can prescribe via the app, sending a link that is delivered directly to patients’ email within 20 seconds, accessible on the app or any other device.

How does it work?

AppScript evaluates thousands of apps on the iOS and Android markets, utilizing IMS Health’s patented methodology for app ranking. By assessing functionality, peer and patient reviews, and certifications, AppScript aims to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce medical costs. Physicians can even track relevant information when patients open emails or use the application.

Image provided by IMS Health AppScript

Stefan Linn, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Global Healthcare at IMS Health, believes that there is growing awareness of the potential of mobile health, which is elevating healthcare to a new level—characterized by collaborative engagement between physicians and patients and empowering consumers with greater authority to monitor and manage their own health. Realizing this potential requires systematic evaluation of the clinical benefits of healthcare apps, the development of clear and professional guidelines for app usage, and the integration of apps covering other aspects of patient care. Leveraging new solutions, along with our market-leading practical experience in the healthcare sector and advanced technological platforms, IMS Health is establishing an intelligent and secure infrastructure for mobile health.

Compiled by: Liu Nan; Edited by: Mo Renying