How Much Does It Cost To Implement Telehealth?

Nidhi Thakur
02 Jul 2024
Ditstek Blogs

telehealth software development cost

The telemedicine sector continues to surge as one of healthcare's fastest-growing trends. More than half of US medical professionals and healthcare facilities have embraced telemedicine solutions, reflecting its increasing adoption and market validation. 

The benefits of telemedicine are evident: it's cost-effective, convenient, and offers swift access to healthcare professionals. If you're considering entering the telehealth market and exploring the costs of developing your own telemedicine solution, this blog is a must-read.

Telemedicine app development costs vary based on factors such as app type, number and complexity of features, team composition, technical expertise, and project timelines. However, to provide you the rough estimate  a custom telemedicine app development can cost around $40,000 to $200,000.

Curious why telemedicine app development costs vary so widely? Dive into our blog for a detailed breakdown of factors influencing costs and discover what to expect when budgeting for your telehealth solution.

In response to the increasing demand for telehealth software, we have created a guideline to help you understand the costs involved.

Looking for Telehealth App Development Solutions?

We specialize in designing and developing healthcare software that meets FDA standards and HIPAA security compliance. At DITS, we're equipped to help you create a reliable telemedicine application with customized features for seamless virtual care delivery.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth refers to delivering healthcare services via communication technologies. It greatly improves healthcare services access through modern solutions. This method reduces the risk associated with the unavailability of healthcare practitioners.

By removing barriers such as remote location, mobility challenges, and age-related difficulties, telehealth has made healthcare more accessible. Recent research indicates that telehealth can also lower costs for patients and practitioners.

When Did Telemedicine Emerge?

Although telemedicine technology is still considered relatively new, it has been a part of healthcare since the late 1960s. Its inception can be traced back to a TV link established between Norfolk State Hospital and the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute for psychiatric consultations, marking one of the first uses of telemedicine. Willem Einthoven is also notable for being the first physician to use telemedicine to transfer electrocardiograms.

Why Is Telemedicine A Promising Opportunity To Explore?

Why Is Telemedicine A Promising Opportunity To Explore

Over 74% of US patients prefer telehealth services and over 50% of medical professionals in the US have integrated telemedicine programs into their practices. Market trends indicate a robust growth in the telemedicine sector, with the global market value expected to rise from $92.8 billion in 2024 to $132.61 billion by 2027. Entrepreneurs find this sector lucrative, with $5.1 billion in venture capital investments in digital health during Q1 2024 across 347 deals.

As the telehealth industry expands, so does the range of professional modalities available, including general practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, counselors, occupational therapists, and chiropractors.

Video appointments have replaced traditional in-person visits, offering an attractive option for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients no longer need to spend time in waiting rooms or commute to appointments.

Patients choose telehealth mainly for the convenience of accessing healthcare from home, saving time on commuting and minimizing disruptions to work or family commitments. They also appreciate quicker access to healthcare providers, shorter wait times, and the ability to schedule appointments outside regular office hours.

Telemedicine also provides essential access to medical care and specialized practitioners for individuals living in rural or underserved areas. Therefore, telemedicine is a critical feature for any new healthcare app.

Also Read: HIPAA Compliant Patient Engagement Solution Development

How Much Does It Cost to Implement Telemedicine/Telehealth?

Understanding the financial considerations of telemedicine implementation is crucial for healthcare providers and stakeholders. The breakdown of telehealth costs involves analyzing various factors, each influencing the overall development budget significantly. Here’s a detailed overview of telehealth pricing when implementing a telehealth system.

Stage Cost Range
Discovery Stage $5,000 to $15,000
Proof-of-Concept Stage $20,000 to $50,000
MVP Development $60,000 to $120,000
Deployment $10,000 to $30,000
Maintenance and Support $15,000 to $40,000/annually
Licencing and Compliance $10,000 to $25,000
Full System Development $120,000 to $200,000

Telemedicine App Development Cost Formula

Telemedicine App Development Cost = Total Hours for Development Processes X Hourly Developer Rate + Hidden Cost

Ready to Enhance Virtual Care?

Ensure your telemedicine application meets all regulatory standards.

Factors Affecting the Cost Of Telemedicine Software Development

Telemedicine software or app development cost depends on many factors including the type of application, its complexity, the type of team, its technical level, and its location. 

App Complexity and Features

The cost of developing a telemedicine app depends heavily on the number of features it includes. A basic telemedicine app with essential features may cost between $30,000 and $55,000. Adding more features and capabilities will increase the total cost. Simply put, more features result in higher costs.

Must-Have Features of Telemedicine App

Must-Have Features of Telemedicine App

  • Scheduling: Patients or doctors can easily schedule, reschedule, and cancel online and offline appointments, therapy sessions.
  • EHR: Telemedicine apps equipped with EHR systems enable practitioners to efficiently access and store health records. The use of EHR minimizes errors and inefficiencies and provides a convenient way for users to schedule appointments and communicate patient health information across multiple systems and platforms.
  • Remote Monitoring: Incorporating remote patient monitoring features into telemedicine apps is essential to support patients with self-monitoring needs. This feature allows physicians to observe patient symptoms and monitor their rehabilitation process. It is especially useful for treating chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma.
  • HIPAA Compliance: HIPAA compliance is essential when dealing with any platform in the telemedicine industry. It ensures that patient data is secure and free from the risk of leaks. Patients prioritize this feature and often choose telehealth apps based on their adherence to HIPAA standards.
  • Treatment Planning: Treatment planning is essential for a robust telemedicine app. It facilitates the creation of telehealth visit summaries using adaptable templates, streamlining documentation procedures.
  • Disease Management: This feature supports the collection of patient vitals via smart devices or manual input, to monitor patient progress closely. It also provides a medication intake log with reminders to support medication adherence.
App Type Estimated Cost Time-frame
Simple App $30,000 - $55,000 3 - 5 months
Medium Complex App $55,000 - $120,000 5 - 10 months
High Complex App $120,000 - $200,000 10+ months

Regulatory Compliance and Security

Building telemedicine apps requires strict adherence to healthcare regulations and security standards, impacting the cost of telemedicine software development. For instance, targeting the US market requires compliance with HIPAA. Meanwhile, apps serving the EU must comply with GDPR.

Regulatory compliance may cost you around $10,000 to $30,000.

Platform and Technology Choices

The platform you select for app development plays a crucial role in determining the cost of telemedicine app development. For example, developing an Android app can be cost-effective as compared to an iOS app. On the other hand, cross-platform development can lower costs by using a single codebase for multiple platforms. These factors require thoughtful consideration when planning the budget for your telemedicine app.

Average cost to develop telemedicine software or apps is $50,000 to $170,000 per platform. If you choose cross-platform development, the cost can be slashed by up to 50%.

UI/UX Design

A compelling UI/UX design can significantly boost user engagement and retention for your app. A visually appealing UI that reflects your brand's identity requires comprehensive testing and can lead to increased costs in telemedicine software development. From attracting new users and improving productivity to enhancing your brand's reputation, a well-designed UI/UX plays a pivotal role.

To understand how design impacts telemedicine app costs, consider key questions:

  • Is your app idea innovative or similar to existing solutions?
  • Does your product already have an established digital presence?
  • Are you starting from scratch or upgrading an existing app?

These insights help telemedicine developers assess the complexity and estimate the design costs.

Average cost to design UI/UX of telemedicine apps or software may range from $20,000 to $50,000.

Development Team and Expertise

Costs of telemedicine app development can vary based on the composition and location of your development team. For instance, app development services in North America typically command higher rates compared to Eastern Europe and Asia. Teams with specialized skills in healthcare and telemedicine also typically charge higher rates. Moreover, opting for in-house teams instead of outsourcing can entail higher costs and overhead expenses. DITS tackles these challenges by offering an outsourcing model, providing access to skilled healthcare software developers and technical experts without the logistical challenges of maintaining an internal team, ensuring efficient and high-quality outcomes.

Telemedicine App Cost As Per Location Of Development Team

Location Average Cost
India $40,000 - $200,000
USA $100,000 - $280,000
Europe $100,000 - $250,000
UAE $90,000 - $240,000

Third-party Integrations

To create an interconnected digital healthcare environment, integration with third party software solutions like EHR/EMR, AI, Wearables, notification is necessary. Integration with third party apps will help you enhance the overall efficiency of your telemedicine solutions, but it may also contribute to the development complexity and overall telemedicine app development cost.

Basic Integrations Cost $10,000 - $30,000
Complex Integrations Cost $30,000 - $100,000

Post-Development Support and Maintenance

Developing a telemedicine app involves ongoing support and maintenance. This encompasses regular updates to enhance app functionality and address bugs promptly. Implementing security patches is critical to safeguard user data and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Providing customer support ensures users receive prompt assistance and resolves any queries they have about app functionality or usage.

It will cost around $20,000 – $40,000 per year for maintenance.

Tech Stack For Telemedicine App Development

Tech Stack For Telemedicine App Development

Technologies Used In Telemedicine App Development

As the telemedicine realm continues to expand, it is propelled by technological innovations reaching new heights.

AI IoT Cloud Storage Telecommunication Integration Capabilities
  • Chatbots
  • Predictive Analysis
  • Medical Imaging
  • Wearables
  • Remote Monitoring
  • Cost-Efficient
  • Security
  • Scalability
  • Video Conferencing Tools
  • Data Transfer
  • Pharmacy Integrations
  • Lab Integrations
  • Third-party App Integrations

How Long Does It Take To Build a Telemedicine App?

From inception to launch, developing a telemedicine app can range from 3 to 6 months for a simple version, while a more complex app with advanced features and robust integrations may require 9 to 12 months or more. Accurately estimating the timeframe involves defining app requirements, consulting with experienced healthcare software developers, and addressing regulatory and testing protocols.

We specialize in developing a wide range of eHealth solutions for our clients, such as:

  • EHR/EMR systems
  • Telemedicine software
  • E-prescribing software
  • Medical billing software
  • RPM solutions with wearable devices
  • Hospital Management Software (HMS)
  • Health insurance software
  • Healthcare CRMs
  • Health tracking apps
  • IoT integrations, and more.

Develop Your Telehealth App with Confidence!

We specialize in FDA and HIPAA-compliant telehealth software. Let's build your secure virtual care solution together!

Looking to Develop a Telemedicine App or Software?

The cost of developing a telemedicine app can range widely from $40,000 to over $200,000, depending on factors such as complexity, features, compliance requirements, and platform choice. Building a telemedicine app involves navigating several risks and challenges, such as ensuring data security and adhering to regulatory standards. However, by incorporating best practices like having a unique selling point and strategic marketing approaches, you can mitigate these risks and create a successful app.

Our dedicated app development team is ready to partner with you for success! We emphasize user-centric design and tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs of your healthcare business, ensuring a seamless experience for both patients and providers.

Discuss your project with us today, and let’s create telemedicine solutions that not only meet but exceed industry standards and user expectations!

FAQs

What are the different types of telemedicine applications?

Telemedicine networks, real-time telemedicine, store-and-forward practices, remote patient monitoring (RPM), medical imaging, mobile health (MHealth), virtual health assistants, telepharmacy, teledermatology, telepsychiatry, tele-rehabilitation are some of the different types of applications.

How to Develop a Telemedicine App?

How to Develop a Telemedicine App

Here is the app flow we follow to develop telemedicine apps. 

  • Planning and Analysis: The initial phase of telemedicine app development involves detailed planning and analysis. This stage focuses on crafting a comprehensive project strategy to steer the development process effectively.
  • Design and Prototyping: In this stage, our designers develop wireframes to outline the app's user flow and interactions. The goal is to prototype a user-centric design that ensures an intuitive and seamless experience. Upon approval, our designers proceed with the app's visual design.
  • Development: The development phase is crucial for implementing the core functionalities of your telemedicine app. Depending on project scope and client needs, we create a minimum viable product (MVP) for initial testing or a fully featured platform with advanced capabilities.
  • Quality Assurance and Testing: Our quality assurance engineers  conduct rigorous testing to ensure high code quality, optimal performance, and a seamless user experience.
  • Deployment: After completing development and testing phases, the telemedicine app is ready for deployment.
  • Ongoing Maintenance and Support: Post-launch, ongoing maintenance and support are critical for the long-term success of your telemedicine app. We can help with regular updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements based on user feedback and market trends to help keep the app competitive and relevant in the evolving telemedicine landscape.

What is the cost of telemedicine app development?

Telehealth implementation costs depend on your chosen features, team configuration, potential equipment expenses, and project timelines. Costs for telemedicine software can range from $20,000 for simpler solutions to over $150,000 for complex, feature-rich platforms, varying based on your specific needs and project scope.

What does the telemedicine software cost depend on?

Building a telemedicine application requires in-depth analysis and a comprehensive understanding of your organization's needs. The sooner you pinpoint your challenges and gaps, the quicker you can proceed with your initial assessment. The development cost of a telemedicine app heavily relies on the specific features your business necessitates. Moreover, consider the necessity for a solution that seamlessly integrates both web and mobile platforms, along with the setup of multiple databases.

What are the primary features of telemedicine software or apps?

  • Registration: This primary feature of the app allows patients to sign in using emails or social login options.
  • Profile Management: This feature helps manage patients' profile data, including health information, health conditions, and treatment history, as well as doctors' profile data, such as their experience, the hospitals they work in, and contact details.
  • Video Conferencing: This essential element enables live video calling and high-quality video transmission, allowing doctors to clearly see patients' symptoms.
  • Calendar: Useful for both patients and doctors, calendar feature makes appointment scheduling easy.
  • Payments: Smooth payment process is the key feature of telemedicine apps. You can create your own payment method or integrate with third-party payment apps.
  • Search and Filters: This feature enables doctors and patients to find relevant information easily. Using search and filter options, patients can find doctors based on specialty, availability and consultation fee.
  • Notification: This notifies the patient and doctors both about the upcoming appointment, text messages, payment status and more.
  • e-Prescriptions: This feature allows healthcare providers to send e-prescriptions to patients. These e-prescriptions will be saved in the patient's database.

What is the average development time to develop primary features?

Feature Development Time
Registration 7 -12 hours
Profile Management 16 - 22 hours
Video Conferencing 60 - 75 hours
Patient Dashboard 20 - 35 hours
Search and Filters 30 - 37 hours
Text Chat 35 - 40 hours
Calendar 20 - 25 hours
Notification 12 - 16 hours
Payments 15 - 20 hours


What hidden factors affect the overall telemedicine software development cost?

Telehealth platform licensing, patient consultation portal, patient-side tech considerations, healthcare functionality integration, mobile device support, staff training, legal advice are some of the factors that affect the overall cost to implement telehealth platforms.

What are some leading telemedicine apps?

These household names are leading the charge in telemedicine with their cutting-edge digital health efforts:

  • AmWell - Around $300 million (market scope)
  • MDLive - Around $230 million (market scope)
  • Dialogue - Around $200 million (market scope)
  • Doctor on Demand - Around $900 million (market scope)
  • Talkspace - Around $270 million (market scope)
Nidhi Thakur

Nidhi Thakur

With more than 19 years of experience - I represent a team of professionals that specializes in the healthcare and business and workflow automation domains. The team consists of experienced full-stack developers supported by senior system analysts who have developed multiple bespoke applications for Healthcare, Business Automation, Retail, IOT, Ed-tech domains for startups and Enterprise Level clients.

Go To Top Book an Appointment
hand-skin

DITS Unleashing Custom Software Brilliance!

In Johannesburg & Cape Town

Meet us in South Africa!