FamilyCare Health Releases Mobile App

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

GoLocalPDX Health Team

A view of the app; courtesy of FamilyCare Health

FamilyCare Health today debuted a new app for members, available for free in the iTunes store or on Google play.

The app aims to make managing health care much easier. It includes an easy to use interface, including quick access menus that allow members to search for a doctor, schedule appointments and rides, and find the closest urgent care center, integrated with Google Maps.

Members can also view and store their digital id card and tap to call FamilyCare at any time for help.

"The FamilyCare App is taking wellness and convenience for our members to the next level," said Jeff Heatherington, CEO and President of FamilyCare Health. "We're providing a unique consumer experience and embracing smartphone technology as a means for our members to improve their healthcare outcomes. It's a win-win situation."

FamilyCare Health is one of the first Coordinated Care Organizations in Oregon to release their own app. FamilyCare representatives said they decided to build the app because smartphones are everywhere and offer a unique user-experience which websites can't always provide. Over 60% of Americans own a smartphone. Recent studies show that despite their lower incomes, high-need, high-cost Medicaid beneficiaries are increasingly 'plugged in.' An estimated 34% of individuals with an annual household income of less than $30,000 have smartphones--a number that holds steady across race, ethnicity, and level of education.

Related Slideshow: The 7 Best Health and Fitness Apps

Here is a list of some of the most obsession worthy health apps.

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MapMyRun

MapMyRun is the number one selling running app for a reason: it is easy to use, offers community support if you want it, and tracks and stores your exact routes for you. If you are training for a race or a serious runner, users say that the extra perks in the upgraded paid version are well worth it.

Made for iPhone, Android and Blackberry

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MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal seems to be the clear favorite amongst everyone polled. It is helpful not only for the fitness tracking aspect, but everyone polled mentioned how much they loved the food/diet aspect as well. From carb counting for diabetics to recipe ideas to complement your fitness goals, users love this app.

Made for iPhone and Android

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JeFit

JeFit is another fitness app that has rave reviews. It not only tracks progress for you, but offers a huge database of workouts. While many apps offer community support, JeFit allows you to sync workouts with friends who use the app, offering a (real) virtual buddy system.

Made for iPhone and Android

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Strava

Strava gets the highest mark of all the cycling apps. While it is also great for runners, the cyclers seem particularly inclined towards the fierce competition that can be ignited by this app. You can track all of your rides via GPS, then you can compare your efforts to those logged by others in the community on the same stretch of road. You can also join ongoing challenges that can net you great prizes (in addition to bragging rights).

Made for iPhone and Android

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YogaStudio

YogaStudio gets the top vote for Yoga apps. It has a lengthy collection of full class-length videos available at your fingertips. Unlike many other apps, this one also allows you to customize your own video yoga class. All of the poses are done by qualified yoga instructors, and you can find classes suitable for all levels of yogis.

Made for iPhone only

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SimplyBeing

SimplyBeing meditation app offers the best of both worlds. You can choose to run this app as a background for your meditation with soothing music or natural sounds that run for a set amount of time. Conversely, for those of you who have trouble focusing during meditation, you can choose a soothing voice-guided meditation.

Made for iPhone and Android

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Fooducate

Fooducate is an app all about educating people so that they make healthier food choices. Although not perfect, this app is easy to use (you can even take pictures of bar codes to instantly find foods in their database). It gives food a letter grade, tells you the pluses and minuses, and gives you better ranked alternatives. You can also use it as a weight loss tool by tracking your daily calories.

Made for iPhone and Android