Getting The Right Estimate For Healthcare App Development Cost

In an increasingly digital world, mobile health applications are one sector that’s witnessing remarkable transformation through mobile apps. Whether you’re a medical practitioner aiming to provide efficient care or an entrepreneur looking to tap into the lucrative healthcare industry, healthcare mobile app development is the right decision. But how much does it cost to develop a healthcare app? That’s the question we’re going to answer in this comprehensive guide about healthcare app development cost.

The shift towards digital health has been nothing short of revolutionary. Today, we live in a world where you can monitor your heart rate with a simple tap on your screen, schedule a doctor’s appointment in seconds, and have prescription medications delivered to your doorstep, all thanks to health tracking application development. These advancements have not only made healthcare more accessible but also more efficient, saving time for both patients and healthcare providers.

In this article, Savvycom will delve deep into the details of healthcare app development costs, providing you with a thorough understanding that can help you make an informed decision. Let’s pave the way for a healthier and more connected future by understanding the healthcare app development cost involved.

Healthcare app market overview

Total global mHealth market forecast 2016 – 2025 (Statista)

Healthcare apps are now essential tools for both patients and healthcare professionals due to the rising need for affordable and effective healthcare services.

• The digital health market is expected to hit 660 billion USD by 2025. (Statista)
• The total global mHealth market forecast in 2025 will reach 332.7 billion USD (Statista), with a CAGR of 11.6% from 2023 to 2030 (Grand View Research).
• User penetration will be 13.42% in 2023 and is expected to hit 16.25% by 2027. (Statista)
• Telehealth will have a whopping 83% increase in total annual revenues in 2021 compared to 2019. (McKinsey)
• Two-thirds of the largest US hospitals offer mobile health applications. (Accenture)
• 90% of physicians now use mobile phones at work to access electronic health records, connect with other doctors, look up information, or manage their schedules. 
• Half of health app users use the app once per day (23%) or multiple times per day (27%). (Morning Consult’s)
• Wearables and other mHealth solutions assist 74% of patients in dealing with and controlling their conditions. (Boston Technology Corporation)

Factors influence healthcare app development cost

Similar to other apps, healthcare app development is also influenced by certain factors. You should be aware of all these factors before heading to the cost estimation.

1. App purpose & complexity

When estimating the cost of a healthcare app, it’s crucial to take into account its specific functions. Apps designed for patients, for instance, may need extra features like secure logins or payment processing, which can increase the time and cost of development. More intricate apps, such as customizable EHR system development, will naturally require more resources to create than simpler ones. Specific hardware components may be required for apps that serve specific tasks, increasing prices based on the size of the project.

2. Mobile platform choice

The choice between iOS, Android, or cross-platform development will significantly influence the cost. Native apps (separate apps for iOS and Android) typically cost more to develop because you essentially build two different apps. Cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native can reduce cost but might not deliver the same performance or user experience.

3. Functionality test

The cost of developing a healthcare app is influenced by the number and complexity of requested features. Advanced features that utilize AI for symptom assessment, telemedicine options, and interaction with IoT devices require additional resources and result in higher development costs.

Core functions	Advanced features
User profile	AI-powered symptom checker
Geolocation	Remote patient monitoring
Appointment booking	Prescription renewal
Health tracking	Health analytics
EHR integration	Electronic prescription service (EPS) integration
Push notifications/reminders	In-app consultations
Emergency assistance	Wearable device integration
Online consultation	Lab test results
Health tips & education	Insurance integration

4. UI/UX design

The design of an interface is critical to the success of a healthcare mobile app. Its primary goal is to create an interface that is easy to use and aesthetically appealing, increasing the user experience.

The design service cost is impacted by the following factors:

• Design complexity
• Number of screens
• Customization & branding
• User research & testing
• Responsive design
• Collaboration & communication

A well-executed design can positively impact the healthcare app development cost by ensuring less rework, especially in the domain of UX/UI for medical apps. The two principles affect user satisfaction, engagement, and performance. Our designers understand healthcare app design standards and best practices, allowing them to construct an interface that matches your company’s demands.

5. Development team

The method of collaboration may affect costs. When looking at healthcare app development companies, it’s beneficial to evaluate their expertise and portfolio. However, if you opt to outsource healthcare software development, you may reduce your app-building costs while still receiving a high-quality product from your vendor.

If you seek assistance from an outsourcing healthcare software developer, you should be aware that their service payment calculation is based on hourly earnings, which vary depending on the outsourced destination. The following are the average hourly rates for outsourcing the services of healthcare app developers:

Popular outsourcing region	Hourly rate ($/hour)
Southeast Asia	$20 – $50/hour
Western Europe	$72 – $500/hour
Central/North Europe	$50 – $60/hour
North America	$50 – $200/hour
Africa	$20 – $45hour

6. Developer expertise 

Evaluating a developer’s experience, skill, and familiarity with healthcare industry standards and regulations is essential when selecting them for a project to create a healthcare app. A professional and diverse team of developers capable of providing technical advice can improve the development process and provide a healthcare app that satisfies specific needs.

The cost of developing a healthcare app is also affected by the developers’ experience. Your team can include junior, mid-level, and senior developers.

You should understand that developers are not the only team members that should be assembled to create a healthcare application. The following people should be on the project team: Project Manager, Business Analyst, UI/UX Designer, Frontend Developer, Backend Developer, Mobile App Developer, QA Engineers, Solution Architect, and DevOps Engineer.

7. Compliance & regulation

The creation of healthcare apps is highly regulated and subject to strict compliance criteria. Creating a healthcare app requires an extensive understanding of the regulations that govern the business and an awareness of how they must be applied in practice. In the United States, this entails adhering to HIPAA standards (as well as GDPR requirements in EU regions), which govern, among other things, how protected health information should be handled.

In addition to comprehending the regulations, healthcare app developers must factor in compliance costs when pricing their services. These expenditures include fees for getting certification from regulatory bodies such as the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and completing other legal obligations. They may also include costs for continuous maintenance and upgrades to the healthcare app to maintain compliance.

8. Maintenance and Updates

Ongoing maintenance and required updates will contribute to the ongoing healthcare app development cost post-launch, with healthcare app maintenance costs playing a significant role.

Healthcare App Development Cost Estimation By Types

Now that we’ve discussed the factors that influence healthcare app development costs, we’ll provide estimates for each type of healthcare app. You should expect a huge variance amongst the six most popular app kinds.

1. Telemedicine applications

Telehealth applications connect patients and healthcare providers via smartphones, tablets, or laptops, allowing for easy remote consultations. Thanks to such revolutionary virtual visits, patients and physicians may connect effortlessly for diagnosis, treatment, and medication delivery.

When creating telemedicine software, it’s important to explore established apps like Babylon Health and Doctor on Demand. It may cost from $75,000 to $250,000 to build these solutions. 

2. EHR/EMR systems

Electronic health record (EHR) or electronic medical record (EMR) systems enable healthcare practitioners to develop, retain, and retrieve patient health information electronically. These systems serve in place of traditional paper-based medical records while providing a more simplified and effective way of handling healthcare data. The only difference is that EHR data is designed to be used by physicians from several clinics, whereas EMR data is intended to be used by clinicians from a single medical organisation.

To develop a system like NextGen Healthcare or eClinicalWorks, you need to pay around $100,000 – $500,000.

3. Mental health apps

A mental health app is a piece of medical software that helps people manage their mental health by providing resources, tools, and support for self-care, treatment, and emotional well-being.

The budget to build a solution similar to Calm, Woebot, ranges somewhere between $60,000 – $150,000.

4. Remote monitoring apps

Remote monitoring systems (such as Medtronic MyCareLink and Phillips eCareCoordinator) are software solutions that enable healthcare providers to collect and transmit patients’ health data from remote locations to facilitate timely interventions. The cost of a remote monitoring system is determined by the complexity of the product, the software development services it offers, and the team’s location. As a result, the price might range from $50,000 to $500,000+.

5. Patient portals

A patient portal is a computer program that allows patients to access their health information, which includes medical records, personal profiles, health billing management, and healthcare service histories. It is designed to promote self-care, improve health literacy, and facilitate communication between patients and medical service providers.

For sample apps, see successful apps like NextGen Patient Portal and Follow My Health. The cost will span from $75,000 to $250,000 to build a similar solution.

6. Hospital & clinics management apps

A cutting-edge hospital and clinic management tool will change how you run your healthcare organisation. Difficult administrative duties are a thing of the past as a result. This robust tool enables healthcare practitioners to organise patient appointments, keep medical data, arrange staff schedules, handle billing and invoicing, and communicate seamlessly between departments. Hospital and clinic management systems include eHospital Systems and SoftClinic.

On average, one will spend between $100,000 to $300,000 to build hospital management software.

How do healthcare app make money?

Healthcare apps can generate revenue in several ways, depending on their specific business models. Here are some common ways healthcare apps make money:

1. Subscription Fees: Users can pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to access the app’s features. This is common for telemedicine apps, digital health record systems, and premium wellness and fitness apps.
2. Pay Per Consultation: Some healthcare apps charge a fee for each virtual consultation with a healthcare professional. This fee could be fixed or could vary based on the type of professional (e.g., general practitioner vs. specialist).
3. In-app Purchases: Certain features or functionalities might be available for purchase within the app. This might include premium content, personalized health plans, or special services.
4. Partnerships with Healthcare Providers or Insurers: Some apps make money through partnerships with hospitals, healthcare providers, or insurance companies. For example, an insurance company might pay the app to encourage policyholders to use it for virtual consultations.
5. Selling Anonymized Data: If privacy regulations permit, healthcare apps can sell anonymized, aggregate user data to third parties such as pharmaceutical companies or research institutions. This data can be valuable for research or for developing new healthcare solutions.
6. Advertising: Though less common due to privacy concerns and regulations, some healthcare apps may feature advertisements or sponsored content. However, any such advertising must typically adhere to strict guidelines to ensure it is not misleading and does not compromise user health or privacy.
7. Commission on Pharmacy Orders: Apps that have partnerships with pharmacies can earn a commission on orders placed through the app. For example, if the app facilitates prescription refills and the order is filled by a partner pharmacy, the app might receive a portion of the proceeds.
8. Hardware Sales: Some apps are tied to specific hardware like health tracking devices. The app itself might be free, but the company makes money by selling the associated hardware.

Exploring Innovative Trends

Additionally, the landscape of custom health app development is growing, enabling healthcare providers to offer more tailored services. There is increasing interest in blockchain in healthcare, particularly for enhancing data security and interoperability. The trend of outsourcing in healthcare is gaining momentum, allowing organizations to focus on core services while relying on external expertise for app development.

Brainstorming Healthcare App Ideas

For those looking to build their applications, it’s essential to explore various healthcare app ideas that cater to the needs of users and comply with regulatory standards. Whether you are developing a wellness app or a telemedicine platform, addressing real-world issues is vital for success.

Conclusion

Understanding the healthcare app development cost is important, as it can differ greatly depending on factors such as the app’s complexity, the technology stack used, and the development team. To ensure accurate cost estimates, it’s crucial to clearly understand your project needs and work with a reliable and experienced software development company that specializes in custom healthcare software. They can help you navigate the healthcare app development cost landscape effectively, especially if you aim for healthcare technology expenses that are aligned with your budget.

By grasping these various aspects, you can better plan for the overall healthcare app development cost involved in bringing your vision to life.