“This is a pretty nerdy one,” Dr. Choo said of Neuro Toolkit. Written by a vascular neurologist, it features classic neurological scales and algorithms. Special features include a switch for the phone’s flashlight and a button to turn your phone into a tuning fork. “The phone buzzes at 180 hertz,” she said. The app costs $2.99, but it’s only available for Apple devices.

Canopy is a translation app, funded by the National Institute of Health that offers basic medical questions in 18 languages. Select the question in English and it will display the text or speak the phrase in the language selected. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t translate the patient’s answer,” Dr. Choo said. However, the questions are geared for point-and-show responses. Often-used questions can be bookmarked. Medical interpreters can be called with one click from the app. “It helps you make decisions without waiting and waiting for the translator,” she said. It’s also helpful for obtaining update information after the translator is no longer available. The app is free and is compatible with both types of phones. “There’s zero reason not to have this app,” she said.

Watch Dr. Choo discuss her talk in the ACEP15 Daily News Day Two video

Ever wanted to use a picture to explain a concept to a patient, but you’re not that good at drawing? The Med Sketch app is for you. Choose from a number of drawings of the human anatomy then select a pen to circle, highlight or emphasize an area. Once you have reviewed the picture with the patient, it can be emailed to him or her. “It is so key to patient satisfaction,” Dr. Choo said. “Every physician should have it in their tool kit.” Med Sketch is only available for Apple products. The cost is $2.99.

In addition to the apps, Dr. Choo recommended one device, D-Eye, a portable ophthalmoscope that attaches to her phone. Images can be stored and sent through the hospital’s Epic system for a consult. The device sells for $445. “It’s a complete game changer, but it’s certainly an investment,” she said. It’s currently offered for Apple and Samsung phones, although the company is phasing out the Samsung product.

If you are just getting started using applications, Dr. Choo suggests starting with just two applications then really learn them. She’s pretty sure that it won’t be too long before you also find them indispensable for your practice, too.