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Build a Successful Healthcare App: Market, Tech, Cost & Development Tips

As technology advances, most clinics and hospitals feel the need to modernize.

They are facing many challenges, including a global shortage of healthcare workers and poor use of health data.

It’s not just us; statistics are saying the same.

WHO predicts a shortage of nearly 10 million healthcare workers by 2030.

Moreover, 97% of hospital-generated health data isn’t being used effectively worldwide.

This challenge makes healthcare slow and inefficient.

But there is a solution ahead.

Mobile apps can help clinics overcome these challenges.

These apps are capable of streamlining workflows and engaging patients better.

The best part is that health data can be used efficiently to make smarter decisions.

With a decade of experience in building mobile health apps, we’ve crafted this blog to share insights and strategies that can transform your clinic’s digital journey.

The Rapid Growth of Healthcare App Development: Why It’s the Future

The Rapid Growth of Healthcare App Development: Why It’s the Future

If you talk about the number, they favor healthcare apps.

In 2023 alone, the mHealth market hit $94.5 billion, which was $80.61 billion in 2022.

And that’s not it.

Research shows it may soar to $269.31 billion by 2032, with annual growth of 12.3%.

Mobile health apps are becoming an essential part of everyday life.

Over 63% of U.S. adults now use them, and in 2020 alone, more than 90,000 new healthcare apps were launched.

The reasons behind this impressive growth are:

  • Need for Efficiency: Healthcare apps simplify processes, reduce costs, and make better use of data.
  • Emerging Technologies: AI, IoMT, AR, and VR are making apps smarter and more helpful.
  • Mobile-First Users: With smartphones in hand, patients now expect healthcare solutions at their fingertips.
  • Pandemics: COVID-19 made mobile healthcare essential, boosting health app downloads by 65%.

Beyond the trend- this rise in mobile healthcare is shaping the industry and your clinic must be a part of it.

Healthcare App Advantages: How They Benefit Providers and Patients

Benefits for Healthcare Providers

  • Better Patient Management

These apps organize patient data, manage appointments, and create treatment plans digitally. No-shows are the biggest challenge in healthcare, and mobile applications can reduce it by 50%. Save time and distribute resources better.

  • Improved Collaboration

Healthcare professionals can share real-time data and messages through apps. 74% of hospitals using apps for patient data reported higher efficiency.

  • Time and Cost Savings

Administrative tasks like billing and scheduling are automated, reducing workload and costs. Apps can also optimize inventory management, minimizing waste.

  • Instant Data Access

Providers can directly access patient records, test results, or even coding references like ICD-9 and ICD-10 through an app—that speeds up diagnosis and treatment planning.

  • Remote Patient Monitoring

Apps allow continuous health tracking, especially for chronic conditions or post-op care. It reduces hospital visits and improves outcomes while cutting costs.

  • Reduced Burnout

These apps automate the repetitive task—save providers’ time & reduce their burnout.

Benefits for Patients

  • Easy Access to Health Information

Patients can easily view medical records, book appointments, and check test results. It helps patients to make more informed decisions with convenience.

  • Better Quality of Care

Apps offer personalized care plans and reminders. These improve adherence to treatments and overall health outcomes.

  • Remote Consultations

Now, patients can get remote consultations without traveling to a doctor’s office. It’s a boon for patients who live in rural areas with mobility challenges.

  • Medication Tracking

The patient gets reminders for their medicine. It improves safety and treatment results.

  • Health Monitoring Tools

Apps let users track fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness.

Over 90,000 new healthcare apps were introduced in 2020, and health app downloads increased by 65% during the pandemic. It shows that the adoption of mobile health is growing among patients.

Exploring Different Types of Healthcare Apps

The healthcare app market is growing fast. These apps cater to both healthcare professionals and patients. Let’s look at some major types of healthcare apps.

For Healthcare Professionals

  • Medical Networking: These apps connect doctors to share knowledge and collaborate. Examples: Daily Rounds, Doximity.
  • Billing Apps: These apps help manage billing, claims, and patient registration. Examples: Advanced MD, EpicCare EMR.
  • Telehealth Apps: Enable doctors to consult with patients remotely. Examples: GoodRx Care, Doctor on Demand, Teladoc.
  • Prescription Apps: These apps simplify prescription management. Examples: RxEasy, STAT.
  • Medical Records Apps: Allow secure access to patient health records. Examples: DrChrono, RXNT, Meditab.

For Patients

  • Mental Health Apps: Help manage conditions like anxiety or depression. Features: guided meditations, mood tracking.
  • Health Monitoring Apps: Track vital signs, symptoms, and medication. Example: Medisafe Pill Reminder.
  • Medication Trackers: Remind patients to take their medicine. Examples: Mango Health, Medisafe.
  • Dieting Apps: Help with calorie tracking and meal planning. Examples: MyFitnessPal, Fooducate.

Popular Healthcare App Categories

  • Training and Fitness
  • Appointment Booking & Telemedicine
  • Nutrition and Dieting
  • Pharmacy
  • Diagnosis and Testing
  • Remote Patient Monitoring
  • Healthcare Insurance

Choosing the Right Healthcare App Solution: Custom vs. Whitelabel

Once you have decided to go digital for your clinic, you often have to choose between custom-made solutions and white-label platforms. Let’s understand their differences and find out which solution will suit you.

Understanding the Difference

  • Custom-Made Apps: These apps are explicitly built to meet your clinic’s needs. You get complete control over the features, integrations, and design.
  • Whitelabel Apps: These are pre-built platforms that can be customized as per clinic workflow and rebranded to some extent. It is an affordable option and quicker to launch, but has some limitations.

Why Choose Custom Development?

  • Flexibility and Customization: Custom apps are built to fit your clinic’s needs. You can design the user experience and add unique features per your requirements.
  • Seamless Integration: Integration with existing systems is challenging but not with custom apps. The app can be integrated seamlessly with a smooth data transition.
  • Tailored Features: Custom apps focus on what’s most important to your clinic, ensuring efficiency. Whitelabel or 3rd party apps may include features that don’t fit your needs.
  • Security and Compliance: Custom apps have robust security features and follow the compliances, but that’s impossible in white-label solutions.
  • Scalability: Custom apps grow with your clinic, adapting to future needs.

Cost of HealthCare Mobile App Development

The cost of custom healthcare apps can range from $100,000 to $300,000+, depending on the features and complexity.

For a basic mHealth app, expect costs around $45,000–$80,000. More complex apps across multiple platforms can range from $80,000–$120,000, while fully-fledged apps may cost upwards of $425,000.

Don’t forget the additional cost of HIPAA compliance, which can be around $10,000 and above.

For accurate information costs, contacting a healthcare app development company is always a good idea.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Healthcare App Development: The MVP Approach

Building a healthcare mobile app is a challenging task, including technical complexity.

One of the best ways to start is with the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach.

We suggest you begin with this basic version for your clinic. Start with essential features, then improve them based on honest user feedback.

Here, we’re breaking down the entire process in simple steps.

7 Simple Stages of Healthcare App Development for Your Clinic

1. Problem Identification

Identify what problem your app will solve and who it’s for—patients, healthcare providers, or both.

You can also do market research about existing apps. This will help you to spot the gap and build something unique.

2. Find a Credible Software Development Provider

The success of your app depends on the health tech partner you choose.

There are numerous healthcare-IT vendors, but select the one that is only healthcare-specific. It will help you to navigate through practical challenges and regulations.

3. First Contact

Reach out to the selected developers and discuss your app idea.

Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect your concept.

4. Solution Design Stage

Collaborate with your team, decide the features you want to add to your app and plan for future updates.

Meet our UI/UX designer, experienced in building apps with simple navigation, clear visuals, and a smooth user experience.

5. Discovery Phase

This phase turns your ideas into a detailed plan.

The development team gathers all the necessary technical details and ensures everyone’s on the same page.

6. Build Healthcare App MVP

As per your budget and needs, choose between native, cross-platform, or hybrid development.

Focus on building only the essential features of MVP that provide the core value of your app.

7. Collect Feedback, Update, Repeat

Test, get regulatory approvals, launch, and market your app.

Provide ongoing updates and improvements based on user feedback.