Madison Reporter

Patients of UW Health now have a new tool to help them navigate their healthcare experiences more conveniently. The mobile app, named UW Health Nexus, serves as a central hub for patients to enhance their connection with their care. Crystal Albrent, director of digital health and emerging technologies at UW Health, stated, “We’re investing in innovative technology to make it easier for our patients to navigate an often-complex health care system.”

Since its launch in September, the app has surpassed 15,000 downloads by July. In June alone, nearly 5,000 users engaged with the app. Available on both the Apple Store and Google Play, UW Health Nexus offers several features aimed at improving patient experience.

The app provides directions to immediate care sites such as urgent care and emergency departments by displaying maps with locations and current wait times. Users can then access navigation apps for further directions. Beyond immediate care sites, the map feature allows users to find any UW Health location including hospitals, labs, primary care facilities, and pharmacies.

Patients can also use the app for navigating through specific medical centers like Eastpark Medical Center using step-by-step instructions from home to their appointment destination. This feature is under evaluation for expansion to other locations like University Hospital.

Among the most accessed features of UW Health Nexus is MyChart. Additionally, users can view profiles of their care team members and participate in Care Anywhere video visits for telehealth services. The app also enables bill payments and provides access to resources such as uwhealth.org and patient visitor guidelines.

Albrent noted that previously patients had multiple websites or apps as part of their healthcare experience but said that “Nexus is our solution to that challenge,” consolidating everything into one platform.

Throughout 2025, additional features are being considered for integration into UW Health Nexus including prescription refills and virtual care options.