Comparing health apps

What is considered a health app?

Health apps, too Health Apps These are digital web or smartphone applications for preventing or alleviating diseases and their consequences.

A legally binding definition does not yet exist. that Federal Ministry of Health describes health apps as applications that “provide functionalities for the areas of health, medicine, medicine or wellness” (Opportunities and risks of health apps 2016).

In principle, a distinction can be made between digital health applications (DiGA) and digital care applications (DiPA).

What are DiGA?

Digital health applications, also DiGA apps or “apps on prescription,” are health apps that can be prescribed. This means that the patient does not have to pay for the app himself, but the legalHealth insurance covers the costs or part of it. The basis for this is the Digital Supply Act (DVG), which came into force in 2019.

DiGA does not replace doctors or therapies. But you can the patient Accompany during therapy and support. For example, they help to adjust your lifestyle, answer questions and track and classify symptoms.

In principle, the reimbursement of costs by health insurance is also possible without a prescription, but the patient must be able to prove a medical or psychotherapeutic diagnosis. The health app must be approved by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). Approved apps appear in the official DIGA directory.

How does approval in the DIGA directory work?

All details of the DIGA directory are regulated in the Health Applications Ordinance (DiGAV) of 2020. In order to be included in the BfArM DIGA directory, the health app must be secure, compliant with data protection regulations and compatible with various systems. In addition, it must proven to have a positive effect on patient care deliver.

If an app is still being tested while being included in the DIGA directory, it can be removed from the directory if the positive supply effect is unsuccessful. Affected apps are in the directory by the link “Preliminary recording” marked.

This also applies if corresponding studies were not completed in the planned testing period, or if the Evidence classified as insufficient in retrospect were. Examples of canceled apps include CANKADO Pro-react Onco and ESYSTA app for digital diabetes management.

What are DiPA?

Based on digital health applications, legislators want digital care applications Make (DiPA) refundable. The basis for this is the Participation Strengthening Act (TeilHStG), which came into force in 2021, which entitles people in need of care to receive care support through digital technologies.

For example, DiPA should help those affected with housekeeping, train cognitive and communication skills, or improve mobility through exercise instructions.

The BfArM is currently planning a DIPA directory build up. Patients should then be able to apply for reimbursement of up to 50, - € per month from the care insurance fund.

Comparing approved health apps

that DIGA directory currently contains 56 health apps (as of 27.03.2024). These include many apps that have not yet been permanently approved, as well as apps that have already been canceled. In our comparison, we limit ourselves exclusively to Health apps permanently included in the DIGA directory.

The stated price will be covered by health insurance companies if prescribed or provided proof of diagnosis. The apps in our overview also include no additional costs for the patient.

When in the “Contract doctor” column If the answer is “yes”, this app can only be prescribed by contract doctors or the patient can only claim diagnostic findings from contract doctors.

What other types of health apps are there?

In addition to the official “apps on prescription”, there is a huge market for a wide variety of types of fitness and health tracking apps. These apps have not been officially tested for their positive effects. Issues such as expensive in-app purchases or inaccuracies and false information should not be underestimated.

Nevertheless, even these health apps can be valuable everyday helpers when used thoughtfully. Typical species include:

• Pedometer apps: These apps track the number of steps a person takes every day and often offer additional features such as distance measurement and calories burned.
• Workout and workout apps: These apps offer ready-made workout plans, instructions, and videos for various fitness activities such as weight training, yoga, running, cycling, etc.
• Nutrition and calorie counter apps: They make it possible to log meals, track calories and nutrients, and set dietary goals.
• Sleep tracking apps: These apps monitor sleep cycle, sleep duration, and sleep quality to give users insights into their sleep habits.
• Heart rate apps: They measure heart rate and provide information about how the heart reacts to various activities.
• Mental health apps: These apps focus on monitoring and promoting mental wellbeing, including meditation, stress management, and mindfulness exercises.
• Weight management apps: They help set weight goals, track progress, and provide support for weight loss or gain.

Health information apps: These apps provide access to medical information, allow health data to be saved, and offer features such as medication reminders.

Conclusion: The right app for every need

Whether it's healthier leisure activities or therapeutic support — health apps now offer a impressive range of functionalities and tailor-made solutions for individual health goals.

Especially in the area of mental illness There are a variety of tried and tested health apps available that can help people with therapy. And health apps can also make an effective contribution to cancer prevention or the accompanying treatment of diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, these apps do not replace medical treatment and can usually only be used as a supportive measure.

Basically, we're standing first at the start of continuous developments and innovations. As a result of the opportunity for recognition by health insurance companies and a corresponding free budget, it is expected that future apps will become more and more sophisticated and that there will soon be new apps for a wide range of diseases.

The personal names used in this article always refer equally to all persons. Dual naming and alternate names are omitted in order to improve readability.