Medibank's Symptom Checker app has been one of the most downloaded apps in the Medical category of the iTunes App Store in Australia since its national launch in May.
The innovative app, which spent a number of weeks at number one and is currently within the top five, helps users identify symptoms and offers best practice management options, ranging from providing advice on caring for minor injuries and illnesses to recommending that users seek medical help.
Symptom Checker is just part of Medibank's range of mobile offerings. The health insurance and health services organisation also offers the Energy Balancer app. This helps users assess and better manage their energy intake / output ratio (food input versus exercise output) in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, to offer greater efficiency and convenience, members can use the Medibank Mobile app, which facilitates claiming.
Alex Young, Channel Manager, Mobile, Digital Sales & Service at Medibank, explains "Apps are increasingly becoming an integral part of daily life, both on a personal level and for business. Here at Medibank, we want to play our part of the mobile revolution and, in turn, be able to provide our members and all Australians with tools to lead a healthier life and be more proactive in looking after their health."
Although the apps are available to anyone with a smartphone, they are part of Medibank's pioneering range of health support and advice services called Mi Health, which showcases the latest innovations in telephonic and online health.
Available to Medibank Private members with resident hospital cover, Mi Health offers members access to new services including a 24 hour health advice line, a hospital support service for members with an overnight stay in hospital, and access to the Health Hub, an online portal which provides health information and personalised wellness records.
Laz Cotsios, Group Executive - Medibank Private Health Insurance, says, "Mi Health is just one example of Medibank's business transformation from health insurance to being a health assurance company. We now have a sophisticated health services capability adjacent to our health insurance core business and provide innovative solutions that deliver better outcomes for individuals and families."