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AMA joins the app race

From the mHealthNews archive
By Molly Merrill

Need to quickly find Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) billing codes Now there's an app for that, thanks to the American Medical Association, which has also launched a challenge that seeks to develop a new medical app.

Developed by the AMA for physicians, the CPT Evaluation and Management Quick Reference features both decision-tree logic and quick search options, allowing physicians to digitally track CPT codes and email them anywhere. Physicians can also save their most frequently used codes by location or type of service to allow for even more ease of use. Compatible with Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad, the AMA's app is available for free through the iTunes store.

"Quick access to accurate information physicians use daily was the goal behind creating the CPT app," said AMA Board Secretary Steven J. Stack, MD.

Open to all U.S. physicians, residents and medical students, the 2011 AMA App Challenge calls on those on the front lines of medicine to submit their unique app idea for a chance to have the AMA develop it. Submissions will be accepted through June 30th, 2011.

"We are eager to discover which other medical apps physicians, residents and medical students would find useful through their App Challenge idea submissions," said Stack. "To find the next great medical app idea we are going right to the source by inviting physicians, residents and medical students to participate in the first-ever AMA App Challenge."

Two winners will be selected, one from the resident/fellow or medical student category and one from the physician category. The winners will each receive $2,500 in cash and prizes and a trip for two to New Orleans for the grand unveiling of their winning idea at the AMA's meeting in November.