Physicians also have several sources for identifying which apps to recommend to their patients. According to the survey, 41 percent get advice from a friend or colleague, while 38 percent use an app store, another 38 percent use an Internet search engine, 23 percent learn of an app from another patient or patients, and 21 percent use the app themselves.

That said, the survey also notes that more than half of the physicians contacted said they don't know which apps are "good to share."

Epocrates officials point out that last year, the Food and Drug Administration approved 35 new prescription medications, one of the highest authorization levels in history. That places an increased burden on the physician who needs to keep up with the latest medications available and the patient who has to manage those medications.

"Epocrates is a very valuable tool for me as someone with chronic illness on multiple medications," said John Chaney of Pikeville, Ky., who was quoted in a Jan. 23 press release issued by Epocrates on the survey's results. "I need to closely monitor for potential interactions with my physician and (we) can immediately review results together on a smartphone."