Generating value with mental health apps

BACKGROUND: Although apps are increasingly being used to support the diagnosis, treatment and management of mental illness, there is no single means through which costs associated with mental apps are being reimbursed. Furthermore, different apps are amenable to different means of reimbursement as not all apps generate value in the same way. AIMS: To provide insights into how apps are currently generating value and being reimbursed across the world, with a particular focus on the situation in the USA. METHOD: An international team performed secondary research on how apps are being used and on common pathways to remuneration. RESULTS: The uses of apps today and in the future are reviewed, the nature of the value delivered by apps is summarised and an overview of app reimbursement in the USA and other countries is provided. Recommendations regarding how payments might be made for apps in the future are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, apps are being reimbursed through channels with other original purposes. There may be a need to develop an app-specific channel for reimbursement which is analogous to the channels used for devices, drugs and laboratory tests.