If ever there was a killer app for patients, this is it. Best of all, it’s free. iTriage is an iPhone app (now available for Android, too) that empowers you to get the most appropriate, affordable, timely, and quality care possible. This app, created by an ER doc, proves paternalistic medicine is so 20th century.

iTriage removes the frustrating roadblocks you typically encounter when you experience symptoms you’re not quite sure what to do about. First, it allows you to make a preliminary diagnosis without getting lost in an endless forest of symptoms and diseases (ever tried to use Wrongdiagnosis.com?)

Simply scroll through a list of symptoms — or better yet, use the search function because there are hundreds listed — then find the common causes. Read the descriptions of likely causes, and research the associated symptoms, tests, and treatments. You can even look at images and watch related videos of procedures etc, all on your phone, in real time, whereever you happen to be.

If you decide you need treatment, you then click to find medical treatment facilities near you, by GPS or address. Here’s where it gets really cool: the app indicates the most appropriate facilities for treatment, based on the disease or condition you have. So if an ER is appropriate, it will tell you. If you can get better care at an urgent care center, a retail clinic or a government-funded discount clinic, it will tell you that too. That saves you money.

If you need to go to the ER, the app gives you waiting times at nearby ERs, updated every 15 minutes. Some facilities partner with iTriage to give you even more information, like a consultation line to call and speak with a nurse. Then just click to get a map and directions.

If you want to find a doctor that treats your suspected condition, the app tells you the appropriate specialties and gives you a list of doctors in your area. You can even download HealthGrades quality ratings and reports for any doctors or hospitals you are interested in, to make sure you get the highest quality care possible.

This app is understandably exploding in popularity. It was one of 17 invited software programs at a joint Institute of Medicine/Department of Health and Human Services community health data forum this month. In 2010, Healthagen, the company behind iTriage, expects to see 2,000% revenue growth. Not too shabby.

Check out the iTriage demo and download the app at healthagen.com. You can find out more in a recent Milwaukee Business Journal story. Then tell your friends, because this is one app that truly empowers patients to navigate US healthcare roadblocks, one health issue at a time.

© 2010 Actively Fused LLC