A few months ago we reviewed the pediatric hyperbilirubinemia apps, Jaundice and Bili QuikCalc. Bili QuikCalc is by Dr Kent Bonney, the author of one of my favorite pediatric apps, Pedi QuikCalc. Bili QuikCalc includes an Apple Watch version in addition to the iPhone version for $0.99. I recently purchased an Apple Watch so thought I would take a look at this version of the medical app. Here on iMedicalApps, we have compiled a list of some of the best medical apps for Apple Watch available for Apple Watch.

Since the famous Bhutani article in 1999 on the predictive ability of a predischarge serum bilirubin level for hyperbilirubinemia, providers have shifted from the traditional physical exam (which has been proven unreliable) to blood work for screening for hyperbilirubinemia. The 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guideline remains the current gold standard for the assessment and management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn. Numerous medical apps have been produced to aid clinicians in the management of newborn hyperbilirubinemia. Bili QuikCalc is the latest addition to the increasing number of bili apps available and the only one currently offering an Apple Watch app.

Clinical Scenario

You just delivered your term continuity obstetric patient yesterday. The pregnancy was uncomplicated and the infant was born at 40 3/7 weeks gestation. Your hospital protocol follows the American Academy of Pediatrics guideline for the management of hyperbilirubinemia so a total bilirubin level is drawn at 24 hours of life.

How would you manage this patient if the level was 5.5 mg/dL? What if the result was 12.5 mg/dL? What is the threshold for phototherapy? Exchange transfusion? Let’s take a look at Bili QuikCalc in action on the Apple Watch.

Video Review

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Evidence based medicine

Bili QuikCalc for the Apple Watch incorporates the original information from the Bhutani article and follows the current AAP hyperbilirubinemia guideline and distills it down to the tiny Apple Watch screen. The medical app appears to generate accurate data and follows the accepted guidelines.

What providers would benefit from this App?

Residents, PA and NPs, Family Medicine physicians, Pediatricians, Neonatologists and mother baby unit/NICU providers.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

  • Price
    • $0.99
    • Clever, colorful, efficient interface.
    • Apple Watch version included in price of iPhone version.
    • Good use of force touch for generating graphs.
  • Dislikes
    • Slightly less functionality than the iPhone version.
    • Graphs difficult to read on Apple Watch.
    • Not available for Android.
  • Overall

    The Apple Watch version of Bili QuikCalc does one thing and seems to do it well. The medical app makes calculating a newborn’s risk score lightning quick while still providing most of the usability of the iPhone version.  I recommend this medical app and/or it’s more fully functional sister app, Pedi QuikCalc for all providers who care for newborns especially those with an Apple Watch.

  • Overall Score
  • User Interface

    Easy to use, efficient interface on Apple Watch. Better screen real estate for graphs on iPhone.

  • Multimedia Usage

    Decent graphing capabilities, but simply limited by screen size on the Apple Watch. No “management” screen on Apple Watch compared to iPhone version.

  • Price

    The iPhone app is only $0.99 and includes the companion Apple Watch app. The even more functional Pedi QuickCalc app is $1 more, but does not include the Apple Watch app.

  • Real World Applicability

    A simple app that does exactly what it claims to do on the small screen of the Apple Watch.

  • Device Used For Review

    Apple Watch App running watchOS version 2.1

  • Available for DownloadiPhoneiPad