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Building an RPM App: Cost, Features & Budget Planning Explained

Healthcare is changing fast, and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) apps are leading the way.

These apps help doctors and patients stay connected, no matter where they are.

With tools like data analytics, IoT devices, and telecommunication, RPM makes healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-friendly.

For example, patients with chronic conditions can track their vital signs at home, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.

This is especially helpful for people in rural or remote areas, where healthcare access is limited.

RPM also helps doctors catch health issues early, leading to better outcomes and fewer hospital readmissions.

But how much does it cost to build an RPM app?

The price can vary widely—from $50,000 to $400,000 or more—depending on the features, technology, and level of customization.

If you’re planning to build an RPM app, this guide will help you budget smartly and make informed decisions.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Build an RPM System

Building a Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) app isn’t just about coding—it’s about balancing features, security, and budget. Let’s break down the key factors that impact development costs.

1. Customization Level

Do you need a basic RPM app or a fully tailored solution? Customization increases costs.

If your app needs to connect with specific medical devices, support complex workflows, or have a sleek UI for both patients and doctors, expect a bigger price tag.

Ongoing updates and maintenance also add to the budget.

2. Features & Complexity

The more features, the higher the cost. Basic apps track vitals and send alerts, while advanced RPM apps offer real-time monitoring, AI-driven insights, and interactive patient dashboards.

If you want predictive analytics or telehealth features, be ready for more development hours and testing.

3. Compliance & Security

Healthcare data security is non-negotiable. Your app must follow laws like HIPAA (USA) and PIPEDA (Canada).

That means data encryption, secure storage, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits—all of which add to the cost.

4. Integration with Healthcare Systems

Your RPM app needs to sync with EHRs (Electronic Health Records) smoothly. But integrating with different systems can be tricky.

If your app needs deep EHR connectivity, lab data access, or doctor-patient communication, expect higher development and testing costs.

Must Read: Ultimate Guide to Achieving EHR Interoperability with Ease

5. Software Complexity

There are three levels of RPM apps:

  • Basic: Tracks vitals, sends alerts (low-cost).
  • Medium: Adds better analytics, patient engagement (moderate-cost).
  • Advanced: Includes AI, predictive health insights, telemedicine (high-cost).

6. Development Team Location

Where your developers are based affects pricing. For example:

  • USA/Canada: $95–$100/hour
  • UAE: $60–$65/hour
  • Asia (e.g., India): $25–$40/hour

7. Team Size

A small team means lower cost but slower development. A large team means faster delivery but higher expenses. Key team members include:

  • Developers ($28–$30/hour)
  • UI/UX Designers ($20–$25/hour)
  • Tech Leads ($30+/hour)

By understanding these cost factors, you can plan your RPM app budget wisely.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an RPM App? A Detailed Cost Breakdown

Building an RPM app is an investment, and the cost depends on the features, complexity, and compliance requirements. Let’s break it down.

MVP vs. Full-Scale RPM App

  • MVP (Basic Features): If you’re starting small, an MVP is the way to go. It includes core features like data collection (vitals, symptoms), basic analysis, and patient alerts. Development takes 800–1200 hours, costing around $50,000–$100,000.
  • Full-Scale App (Advanced Features): If you need real-time data tracking, AI-driven analytics, telehealth features, and EHR integration, the cost goes up. A fully customized RPM app can range from $100,000 to $400,000+.

Cost Breakdown by Development Phase

1. Planning & Requirement Analysis – Understanding features, integrations, and compliance needs.

2. UI/UX Design & Architecture – Creating user-friendly interfaces and backend structures. Basic designs cost $10,000–$20,000, while advanced designs can go beyond $50,000.

3. Core Development – Coding the app, integrating devices, and adding features. Development alone takes 2000+ hours, with hourly rates ranging from $20 (Asia) to $150 (North America).

4. Medical Device & EHR Integration – Basic integrations cost $10,000–$30,000; complex ones go up to $100,000.

5. Security & Compliance – Implementing HIPAA/PIPEDA security measures can add $10,000–$30,000+.

6. Testing & Deployment – Ensuring smooth functionality before launching. QA costs vary based on testing scope.

7. Ongoing Maintenance – Expect to spend 15-20% of the initial cost annually on updates, security patches, and compliance upgrades.

Sharing images of a telemedicine app we recently developed for a client.

telemedicine app

Smart Budgeting Tips to Build an RPM App Without Overspending

Building an RPM (Remote Patient Monitoring) app is a big investment. But with the right approach, you can control costs without cutting corners. Here’s how:

How to Keep Costs Low Without Losing Quality

  • Start with an MVP – A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) includes only essential features to test your idea.
  • Try a White-Label Solution – Want a faster and cheaper option? White-label platforms are pre-built and can save 70–80% of the cost of custom development.
  • Go Cross-Platform – If you need both iOS and Android apps, cross-platform development can cut costs by 50% compared to building separate native apps.
  • Prioritize Key Features – Avoid adding complex features in the first version. Keep it simple and focus on what truly matters.
  • Consider a PWA (Progressive Web App) – These browser-based apps work like mobile apps but are cheaper, with development costs starting around $20,000.
  • Outsource Smartly – Hiring developers from regions with lower rates, like Asia, can save money. But make sure they understand healthcare regulations and compliance.
  • Develop in Phases – Build your app in stages. This spreads costs over time and allows for adjustments as you go.

Choosing the Right Development Partner

  • Define Your Needs Clearly – A well-defined scope helps developers give you accurate cost estimates.
  • Look for Healthcare Expertise – Choose a team that knows healthcare software and compliance like HIPAA and PIPEDA.
  • Ask for a Detailed Proposal – Get a clear breakdown of costs, timelines, and development phases.
  • Check Reviews & References – Talk to past clients. Were they happy with the quality, communication, and deadlines?
  • Clarify Intellectual Property Rights – If you’re going for custom development, ensure you own the source code.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

  • Ongoing Maintenance – Software needs regular updates and security patches. This usually costs 15–20% of the initial budget annually.
  • Compliance & Security – Healthcare apps must meet strict security standards like HIPAA. Compliance audits can add extra costs.
  • Integration Costs – Connecting with EHR systems, medical devices, or payment gateways can range from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on complexity.
  • Scaling Costs – More users mean more server resources, which increases costs.
  • Testing & Quality Assurance – Budget for thorough testing to catch bugs and security flaws before launch.
  • Training & Support – Healthcare providers and patients need guidance on how to use the app.
  • Marketing & User Acquisition – No matter how good your app is, you’ll need to invest in marketing to get users.

Planning your budget wisely helps you build a great RPM app without overspending.

RPM app without overspending

Why Choose SyS Creations for Your RPM App?

Building an RPM app requires the right technology partner—one with deep healthcare IT experience and flexible solutions. That’s where SyS Creations comes in.

Our Expertise in Healthcare IT

We’ve been in the healthcare IT space for 10+ years, developing custom mobile and web apps for healthcare providers.

Our team understands the unique challenges of healthcare technology, including compliance with HIPAA and PIPEDA.

Custom & White-Label RPM Solutions

We offer two development approaches to fit your budget and timeline:

1. Custom RPM App Development

  • Built from scratch for your specific needs.
  • Offers full flexibility and ownership of the source code.
  • Best for unique workflows and advanced features.
  • Requires more investment but provides long-term value.

2. White-Label RPM Solutions

  • Pre-built, fully customizable healthcare app.
  • 70-80% more affordable than custom development.
  • Launch-ready in 60 business days after customization.
  • Includes multi-user portals for patients, providers, and admins.
  • Easily integrates with existing pharmacy or EHR systems.

Whether you need a custom-built RPM app or a cost-effective white-label solution, SyS Creations ensures you get a secure, scalable, and user-friendly platform.

Meet our tech experts and explore the precise tech stack, cost, and ROI of your app.