# Bates' Pocket Guide — Physical Exam & History Taking

> Pocket guide for physical examination and history taking with updated content. (iPhone/iPad app by Unbound Medicine, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bates-pocket-guide/id650795652 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Unbound Medicine, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/300420400)
- Category: Medical, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 300 App Store ratings · 22 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 10 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-05-30
- Data updated: 2026-08-22
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bates-pocket-guide/id650795652/reviews.md

## What is Bates' Pocket Guide?

*Featuring the latest content from the latest edition*

ABOUT THE BATES' GUIDE:
The Bates’ Pocket Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking contains the critical information needed to obtain a meaningful health history, conduct a thorough physical exam, and interpret the findings quickly and accurately. Locate answers fast and review step-by-step techniques and possible findings using the distinctive two-column format with updated images. Bates’ Pocket Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking is the ideal quick-reference resource for today’s medical, PA, pharmacy, and nursing students.

FEATURES:
• Over 130 detailed topics with step-by-step instructions
• Updated photographs, illustrations, and references reinforce key content based on  
   the latest evidence-based information
• Two-column layout optimized for smartphones and tablets
• New Algorithms provide helpful starting approaches for patients with common   
   presenting symptoms.
• Differential diagnoses for common, normal, and abnormal findings
• Highlight and take notes within any entry
• Advanced Search helps find topics quickly
• “Favorites” for bookmarking important entries

Authors: Lynn S. Bickley MD, FACP, Peter G. Szilagyi MD, MPH, Richard M. Hoffman MD, MPH, FACP, Rainier P. Soriano MD

Publisher: Wolters Kluwer | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Powered by: Unbound Medicine

Unbound Privacy Policy: www.unboundmedicine.com/privacy
Unbound Terms of Use: https://www.unboundmedicine.com/end_user_license_agreement

## Key features

- Over 130 detailed topics
- Step-by-step instructions
- Updated photographs and illustrations
- Two-column layout
- New Algorithms for symptom approaches
- Differential diagnoses
- Highlighting and note-taking
- Advanced search

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bates' Pocket Guide 9th ed. | $69.99 | one-time |


## Chart rankings

- #197 in Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 22)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bates-pocket-guide/id650795652/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Good references

*2026-07-20, version 1.13*

Reliable reference

### 1/5 — Sectional information wrong

*2026-02-22, version 1.12*

Some topics do not correlate to the information provided. Asterixis information provides you to cranial nerve testing / neurological responses and same goes for Babinski response.. the app information needs to be updated and reviewed as it is not factual and misleading

### 5/5 — Very Helpful

*2025-11-08, version 1.11*

It’s an amazing resource with lots of pictures to help understand the exact clinical diagnosis. I’m using it for many-many years. He will naughty

### 2/5 — outdated software - glitchy and not user friendly

*2025-10-18, version 1.11*

For such a pricey app, would've hoped it could have a better design and content layout. So hard to navigate between topics.

### 3/5 — Money grab

*2024-01-01, version 1.9*

You have to keep paying again and again for this app.

### 3/5 — Wrong Algorithms

*2023-01-31, version 1.9*

In the app, Algorithm 23-2 is titled Approach to Shoulder Pain — except the image shown is for Back Pain. Algorithm 23-3 is the reverse - it’s titled Approach to Back Pain — except the image shown is for Shoulder Pain. This is concerning…

### 1/5 — Too pricey

*2022-03-16, version 1.9*

Honestly after buying the textbook, the physical pocket guide and the video access I think that should count toward this app. Won’t be purchasing

### 5/5 — Ok-ish

*2020-11-21, version 1.7*

Plenty of detail but not the easiest to digest and read. It’s a shame as there is a lot of info there.

### 1/5 — Useless

*2017-12-04, version 1.6*

This app is useless... just an app to get you to buy the $75 version.

### 1/5 — Don't waste your money

*2016-08-27, version 1.3*

I wish I could give this a negative rating!!!! To purchase this app for $50+ dollars then ask for more $$$ is total crap!!! Total waste!!! DO NOT BUY THIS APP

## Frequently asked questions about Bates' Pocket Guide

### What is Bates' Pocket Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking?

This app offers critical information for obtaining health histories, conducting thorough physical exams, and interpreting findings. It includes step-by-step techniques, updated images, and differential diagnoses, serving as a quick reference for students and professionals.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include over 130 detailed topics with step-by-step instructions, updated photographs and illustrations, a two-column layout optimized for mobile devices, new algorithms for symptom approaches, differential diagnoses, note-taking capabilities, and an advanced search function.

### How is this app monetized?

The application is free to download and use, but it offers in-app purchases for additional content or features. It also displays advertisements.

### Who is the target audience for this app?

The app is designed for medical, PA, pharmacy, and nursing students. It is also an ideal quick-reference resource for today's healthcare professionals who need to obtain a meaningful health history and conduct a thorough physical exam.

### What kind of information can I find for differential diagnoses?

The app provides differential diagnoses for common, normal, and abnormal findings encountered during a physical examination. This helps users understand potential conditions based on observed symptoms and signs.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.13 — 2026-05-13

We’ve upgraded our purchase process. We implemented Apple’s latest payment technology to make buying and restoring purchases smoother than ever.
   - Instant Access: Your premium features unlock immediately after purchase.
   - Better Reliability: No more "Restore Purchase" errors.
   - Seamless Management: Easier control over your subscription status directly within the app

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Unbound Medicine Support.

### 1.12 — 2025-12-22

Updated the app information to be in compliance with the latest regulatory changes.

### 1.11 — 2024-08-21

* New Notes design with more highlighting colors.
* Improved performance for faster access to critical medical information. 

If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to the Unbound Medicine support team.

### 1.10 — 2024-03-11

Thank you for using Bates' Pocket Guide app powered by Unbound Medicine. In this latest update, we've enhanced the Notes feature with additional highlighting options and a refreshed design. Should you have any questions or wish to share feedback, please reach out to Unbound Medicine Support.

### 1.9 — 2021-08-12

* Bug fixes 

Please contact Unbound Support with any questions regarding this latest update.

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All apps by Unbound Medicine, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/300420400

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-22.*