Purpose of the App Review:
- Which calculators does the app include?
- Is the app searchable to help find a specific calculator?
- Does the app include references?
- What if the app gives me a different calculation than what I got using another calculator? Can I see the formula used?
On a daily basis, we need to calculate many things to help us interpret our patients’ lab values and vital signs.
Although it is easy to Google a medical calculator for your specific need, it’s even easier to have a one-stop app that houses most medical calculators you would need.
From the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation to calcium correction to BMI, MediCalc quickly and conveniently gives you access to hundreds of medical calculators.
MediCalc was produced by SkyMed, a medical app company. MediCalc is not to be confused with MedCalc, which we have previously reviewed. Oddly, SkyMed chose to develop a medical calculations app with essentially the same name as MedCalc — not very original.
User Interface:
The app opens with a list of systems.
When a user advances through the systems, they will be able to find a listing of all available medical calculators in that system.
The calculator is easy to use. Simply input the values the equation calls for in the input section. Then, the values in the output section will populate when the user clicks calculate. Abnormal values will have red text.
The app is also searchable.
The app includes references as well. They are broken down by system for convenience.
Price:
- Free (for a limited time)
Likes:
- App includes hundreds of medical calculators
- The app is searchable so users can find their calculator of choice quickly
- This medical app includes references broken down by systems with the associated links and citations
- The formulas and equations are broken down by system
Dislikes:
- None
Healthcare providers that would benefit from the app:
- All medical professionals, including physicians, residents, and medical students
Conclusion:
- MediCalc is a free iOS medical app that includes hundreds of medical calculators
- The app is searchable, so it is easy to find the equation you are looking for
- There are references included in the app; additionally, for each calculator, the user can see the base equation from which the calculations are derived
- MediCalc is not to be confused with MedCalc, which we have reviewed in the past
- It’s disappointing that this app is relatively new but isn’t even formatted for the iPhone 5 yet — so if you’re deciding between this app and MedCalc, that might be the tipping factor. However, this app is free, unlike MedCalc, and as long as it remains free, it’s worth downloading.
- This app is currently not available on the Android platform
iMedicalApps Recommended?
- Yes
Rating:
Overall: 4.75/5 Stars
User Interface: 5/5 Stars. The app is plain and easy to navigate. The calculators are very easy to use. References and base equations are a little tough to find but are included in the app.
Multimedia Coverage: 4/5 Stars. The scope of the app does not call for multimedia utilization, but the app is searchable.
Price: 5/5 Stars. This app is currently free.
Real World Applicability: 5/5 Stars. This app can easily be used daily.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad (compatible), iPod Touch (3rd generation and later)
Requires: iOS 5.1 or later
Tested on: iPhone 4S
Disclaimer:
This post does not establish, nor is it intended to establish, a patient physician relationship with anyone. It does not substitute for professional advice, and does not substitute for an in person evaluation with your health care provider. It does not provide the definitive statement on the subject addressed. Before using these apps please consult with your own physician or health care provider as to the apps validity and accuracy as this post is not intended to affirm the validity or accuracy of the apps in question. The app(s) mentioned in this post should not be used without discussing the app first with your health care provider.
