PatternMD: Between appointments, no Veteran should be alone
I served eight years in the Army. I came home with post-traumatic stress, depression and a drinking problem. What nearly broke me was not my diagnosis. It was the silence between appointments.
My doctor saw me for 20 minutes every few months. Everything that mattered happened in between. Nobody saw it, and I had no one to tell.
So I built the tool I needed. I named it PatternMD, and it is free for every Veteran.
What is PatternMD?
PatternMD is a free app for tracking your health between visits. You log how you feel each day, including pain, sleep, mood, medications and anything you think might have triggered a bad day.
You can participate without displaying your real name or photo. Other users see an anonymous number.
The app helps you explore patterns involving your symptoms, sleep, activity, weather and air quality. Over time, these records may help you identify information to discuss with your healthcare provider.
You can also join communities of people living with the same conditions. Many Veterans tag their posts to the military community. Others share what helped them get through a rough week.
If you choose, you can connect your doctor so they can review your daily entries before your next visit. You control that connection and can disconnect at any time.
The app includes a link to the Veterans Crisis Line. For immediate crisis support, dial 988, then press 1. Support is available 24/7.
PatternMD works in English, Spanish, German and Vietnamese. There is no paid tier and nothing to buy.
Who is it for?
PatternMD is for any Veteran living with a chronic condition, pain, post-traumatic stress, depression or anxiety. It also serves family members, caregivers and survivors who manage their own health.
You do not need a referral or a diagnosis to start.
How do I sign up?
Download PatternMD for free on an iPhone or Android device. You can also start on the web at patternmd.app.
Create an account with an email address. Pick your language. Choose the conditions and communities that matter to you.
Start with a daily entry and add more detail whenever you choose.
What happens after I sign up?
You start logging how you feel each day. As you add entries, you can review your records for patterns.
You can read posts from people who understand what you are going through. You can also share your own experiences without displaying your name.
When you are ready, you can share a summary report with your doctor or bring it to your next appointment.
Before sharing health information, review the app’s privacy policy and sharing settings.
Why this matters
Too many Veterans feel alone between appointments. I know that feeling well. I lived it for years before I built this. Now I want every Veteran to have what I never had. PatternMD exists to help Veterans find support during the weeks between visits.
Learn more at patternmd.app.
