What Are Digital Therapeutics? The #1 Best Patient Definition
Digital therapeutics are changing the way healthcare is delivered and experienced. These clinically validated, software-based treatments are designed to prevent, manage, or treat health conditions—and unlike wellness apps or fitness trackers, they’re backed by rigorous scientific evidence.
Definition of Digital Therapeutics
The definition of digital therapeutics centers on one thing: proven health outcomes. These tools are often prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional and work alongside, or sometimes in place of, traditional treatments. They use technology—often through mobile apps, websites, or connected devices—to deliver personalized, ongoing care.
Think of them as the next step in healthcare technology, where your treatment plan can live in your pocket, adapt to your progress, and share data directly with your care team.
Digital Therapeutics Examples
- Telehealth-integrated programs that combine virtual visits with at-home symptom tracking.
- Remote patient monitoring systems for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension, where devices send real-time health data to your provider.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy apps for mental health support, backed by clinical trials.
- Chronic disease management platforms that provide reminders, education, and progress tracking to keep you engaged in your care.
How Digital Therapeutics Fit Into Modern Care
The growth of virtual care and connected health has made digital therapeutics more accessible than ever. Whether through telemedicine visits, continuous monitoring from home, or smart devices that connect to your medical record, these tools help close the gap between appointments.
Patient engagement is at the heart of their success. The more actively you participate in your care—tracking symptoms, following recommendations, and sharing updates—the more effective digital therapeutics can be.
Questions Non-Medical People Can Ask About Digital Therapeutics
If you’re new to this type of care, here are some simple, conversation-starting questions you can ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider:
- What are digital therapeutics, and how do they work for my condition?
- Do you recommend any digital therapeutics for my specific health goals?
- How is my health data used and protected in a digital therapeutic program?
- Will a digital therapeutic replace any of my current medications or treatments?
- Does my insurance cover digital therapeutics or remote patient monitoring?
- How often will my care team review the data from my device or app?
- What kind of results should I expect, and how will we track progress?
- What happens if I miss using the app or device for a few days?
Why They Matter for Patients and Providers
For patients, digital therapeutics offer convenience, personalized feedback, and a sense of control over their health journey. For providers, they enable better decision-making through continuous data and help improve outcomes for large patient populations—especially in chronic disease management.
Bottom line: Digital therapeutics aren’t just the future of healthcare—they’re here now, helping people stay connected, supported, and healthier than ever before.
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Disclaimer: This education was brought to you today by The Patient Better Project Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to reshaping the way patients and caregivers navigate care. We are committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to take control of their health journeys, ensuring that everyone can access the care they need with confidence and clarity.
The information provided here is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
