Alongside the usual pills and therapies, German doctors are increasingly prescribing smartphone health apps, marking a growing trend towards digital healthcare. "From a health perspective, patients are treated earlier," says Johannes Patze, a doctor in the city of Frankfurt, who adds that app use also "helps reduce costs". One such patient is IBS-sufferer Mona Noe, whose doctor prescribed her a diet tracking app Cara Care, where she receives wellness tips and keeps a food diary to help identify pain triggers. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES N°74KL2WE