San Diego-based healthcare system Scripps Health has launched a new, eponymous app, for iOS and Android devices, that allows patients and visitors to find information about Scripps physicians, hospitals, and clinics.

“So many people use smartphones, and rely on them to access the information they need whenever and wherever they need it,” Scripps CEO Chris Van Gorder said in a statement. “The new Scripps Health app puts the best features of our website a quick click away no matter where you might be.”

Patients can search for doctors based on location, name, or specialty. The app helps patients locate hospitals, clinics, specialty centers, or a corporate office. The Scripps Health app also provides Scripps patients with a link to their patient portal and one-touch dialing for Scripps Health's toll-free information line.

Given Scripps Health's early involvement in digital health, it's almost surprising that the provider has waited this long to launch an informational app for patients.

Just this year, The Scripps Translational Science Institute (STSI), a division of Scripps Health, announced at least three clinical trials including one with Amiigo, which makes activity trackers; another with Sentrian, a remote patient monitoring company; and a trial with Vital Art and Science, developers of myVisionTrack, a vision test service for patients with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease.

STSI also received a grant this year from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to create a program that will use health sensors to improve the health outcomes of Ebola patients.