Own diary for each condition
- Sam
- Eight conditions
- A typical diary app
- You set it up yourself
Comparison
Diary app for a condition: what fits you?
A diary app records how you are doing, day by day. Sam does this for eight conditions, each with its own diary and its own doctor report as a PDF, with Apple Health values alongside. If you want to record your own things freely, another kind of diary app often serves you better.
Sam
Diary apps
Which one should you pick?
Pick a diary app if ...
- you want to note your own things freely, like food, mood and habits
- your condition has no Sam program
- you do not have an iPhone
Pick Sam if ...
- you have one of the eight conditions and want a ready-made diary
- you want a doctor report as a PDF for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months
- you want Apple Health values next to your entries
How do diary apps and Sam differ?
All diary apps let you make entries and read them back later. The differences are how much you set up yourself and what you end up with.
| Sam | A typical diary app | |
|---|---|---|
| Own diary for each condition | Eight conditions | You set it up yourself |
| Doctor report as a PDF | For each program, 1 to 12 months | Varies, often an export |
| Apple Health values next to entries | Yes, with an Apple Watch | Varies |
| Several conditions side by side | Yes, no combined report | Varies |
| Add your own items freely | Not in Sam | Often |
| Works without an iPhone | iPhone only | Often |
Doctor report as a PDF
- Sam
- For each program, 1 to 12 months
- A typical diary app
- Varies, often an export
Apple Health values next to entries
- Sam
- Yes, with an Apple Watch
- A typical diary app
- Varies
Several conditions side by side
- Sam
- Yes, no combined report
- A typical diary app
- Varies
Add your own items freely
- Sam
- Not in Sam
- A typical diary app
- Often
Works without an iPhone
- Sam
- iPhone only
- A typical diary app
- Often
Typical means: many diary apps work like this, not all of them.
What should you bring to your appointment?
- Pick a periodThree months is enough for most practices to get a first picture. In Sam you choose 1, 3, 6 or 12 months or the whole record.
- Write down your questionsNote the three things you want to settle. A diary is the basis for the conversation; it does not replace it.
- Print it or show itA PDF on your phone or a printout is enough. In Sam this is the doctor report for your program.
Sam does not diagnose and gives no treatment advice. Sam records what you and your wearable document and lays it out clearly. Assessment belongs with your doctor.
Which diary apps are there?
- Daylio
- Migraine Buddy
A plain list of official names, with no assessment.
Questions about choosing a diary app
Do I need a diary for my condition?+
A diary can help you give your doctor an overview of weeks and months instead of relying on memory. Whether you need one is your call. You can also just ask your questions at the practice.
Can Sam run several conditions side by side?+
Yes, you can use several programs side by side, see the common combinations. Each has its own diary and its own doctor report. There is no combined report for all of them.
What if my condition has no Sam program?+
Sam has programs for high blood pressure, migraine, epilepsy, panic disorder, asthma, hay fever, reflux and gout. For other conditions there are guides but no program. Then a configurable diary is the better choice.
Do I need an Apple Watch?+
The diary and questionnaires work without a wearable. The Apple Health values Sam shows alongside come from whichever device saves them there, such as an iPhone, an Apple Watch, Oura, Garmin or Whoop.
What is in Sam's doctor report?+
Your entries from the program's diary, matching values from Apple Health and the questionnaire results, for a period you choose. The doctor report contains no diagnosis.
Bring your record to the appointment
If you want a diary for one of the eight conditions, Sam records your entries and turns them into a doctor report as a PDF.