Could the future of medicine also include prescription apps to download? BlueStar is a smartphone app that helps diabetics track their glucose readings, analyze blood glucose readings and coach patients on medical and behavioral changes they can make to minimize the disease's impact.

But here's the thing: You'll never find a download link on BlueStar's site. You have to be prescribed for it.

BlueStar gives patients recommendations on the dosing and timing of their diabetes meds. The app had to be approved by the FDA and it is not a stand alone app.

The patient's doctor designs a diabetes care strategy, and the app helps keep the patient on target. And since it's prescription-only, a patient's health insurance will likely pick up the cost.

Will this be the future of specialized medical apps?

[BlueStar via IEEE Spectrum]