The FDA said Monday that the vast majority of these health care apps don’t pose much of a risk to consumers if they malfunction, and will not be federally regulated. Instead, the agency will focus on a handful of apps that turn smartphones into devices, like a heart monitor, or medical attachments that plug into smartphones, like arm cuffs that measure blood pressure.
Most health-related apps are free and perform simple functions, like helping users keep track of their meals or calories burned exercising. But a growing number of companies are developing more complex apps and attachments that perform tests and functions once reserved for the doctor’s office.
These tools allow users to take photos of their eardrums, monitor irregular heartbeats and even measure lung function. Many of these tools can cost $100 or more. Sales data is not widely reported so it’s not yet clear whether patients and their doctors are embracing them.
FDA officials said Monday they have already approved 75 of these “mobile medical applications,” including 25 in the last year. Agency officials estimate that 500 million smartphone users worldwide will use some type of health app by 2015.
About the Author