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Brief Synopsis: Not all software developers wear capes. Some simply share smart, effective ways to build complex digital healthcare solutions like Amwell. That means you, as a business, can skip the costly trial-and-error phase. If you’re here, you’re about to discover the most effective approach to building a telehealth app like Amwell or Practo. So, let’s unlock your vault of insights in 3…2…1.
The telehealth industry is moving full steam ahead, and honestly, it isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Innovations continue to trickle in, with apps like Amwell and Practo emerging as forerunners in the space, making access to health systems more seamless and accessible.
In number-speak, the global telehealth market is projected to reach over $659 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of around 24%. In 2024, over 116 million people signed up for doctor consultations online, twice as many as in 2019. By 2028, that number is expected to climb to around 130 million, covering about 1.6% of the population.
These stats speak for themselves. For businesses, there’s never been a better time to jump on the bandwagon and develop a telehealth app like Amwell that could be their golden ticket.
But is this such an easy feat? Not really! The healthcare sector operates on a mercurial landscape of regulations, technologies, and patient needs. Before jumping the gun, it’s important you understand the critical considerations that can make or break your app.
If you’re toying with the idea of building a custom telehealth app but feel overwhelmed by the maze of legal and technical hurdles, we’re breaking it all down for you. As an industry leader in custom healthcare app development, we’ve curated an ultimate guide that lights up your path to building mobile healthcare applications like Amwell, step by step.
Selecting Amwell or Practo wasn’t a shot in the dark. It’s a well-calculated move to help you understand who you’re competing against. Let’s take a look at what makes these platforms the gold standard in the healthcare and fitness industry.
Let’s take the case of Amwell. Launched in 2006, Amwell has built its reputation as an advanced, feature-loaded health consultation app, making patient-doctor interactions seamless, personalized, and cost-effective, with a focus on urgent care and specialty consultations. Practo, on the other hand, has created a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem that includes appointment booking, health records management, and even medicine delivery.
The secret sauce? Both Amwell and Practo have figured out how to solve real-world problems that patients and care providers face every day. Long wait times, inconvenient appointments, limited access to specialists — these apps tackle these pain points head-on while maintaining the quality of care that people expect from traditional healthcare settings.
Now that you know who you’re vying against, your first step involves asking the right questions:
Look at what your competitors are doing right, but more importantly, identify what they’re doing wrong. Maybe their user interface feels like a walk through the early internet, or perhaps they’re missing key features that users desperately want. These gaps are your opportunities to shine.
Let’s talk about the features that users absolutely expect from a modern telehealth app. Think of these as your non-negotiables:
1. User Registration and Profile Management should be smooth as butter. Nobody wants to spend 20 minutes filling out forms just to book an appointment. Implement social login options, make the onboarding process intuitive, and allow users to easily update their information whenever needed.
2. Doctor Discovery and Booking is where the magic happens. Users need to be able to find the right healthcare provider quickly and easily. This means robust search filters, detailed doctor profiles with qualifications and reviews, real-time availability, and a booking system that actually works without glitches.
3. Video Conferencing is obviously the heart of your app. But here’s where many apps fall short. The video quality needs to be crystal clear, the connection needs to be stable, and the interface needs to be so simple that even your grandmother could use it without help. Consider implementing features like screen sharing for document review and chat functionality for quick questions.
4. Prescription Management is crucial for user retention. Doctors should be able to write and send prescriptions directly through the app, and patients should have easy access to their prescription history. Integration with local pharmacies for prescription fulfillment can be a major differentiator.
5. Payment Integration needs to be secure, seamless, and support multiple payment methods. Think credit cards, digital wallets, insurance integration, and even installment options for expensive treatments.
6. Health Records Management allows users to maintain their medical history, upload test reports, and share relevant information with their healthcare providers. This creates continuity of care that’s often missing in traditional telehealth interactions.
Getting the basics right is important, but integrating advanced features rooted in next-gen technologies is a boss move. Any mobile app development company can vouch for that. However, if you’re new to the game, here’s a look at the advanced features you should focus on.
1. AI-Powered Symptom Checker can help users understand their symptoms before they even book an appointment. This not only provides value to users but also helps doctors prepare for consultations more effectively.
2. Multi-language Support opens up your app to diverse populations. Healthcare is deeply personal, and people feel more comfortable discussing their health in their native language.
3. IoT Device Integration allows users to connect wearable devices and health monitors, providing doctors with real-time health data. This is particularly valuable for managing chronic conditions.
4. Appointment Reminders and Follow-ups reduce no-shows and improve patient engagement. Smart notification systems that adapt to user preferences can significantly boost user retention.
5. Family Account Management lets users manage healthcare for their entire family from a single account. This is especially valuable for parents managing their children’s healthcare needs.
Choosing the right technology stack is like choosing the foundation for your house – get it wrong, and everything else becomes shaky. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Frontend Development options include React Native or Flutter for cross-platform mobile development, or native development using Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. React Native tends to be more cost-effective and faster to market, while native development offers better performance and platform-specific features.
2. Backend Development requires robust, scalable solutions. Node.js with Express.js offers excellent real-time capabilities perfect for chat and video features. Python with Django provides strong security features crucial for healthcare applications. Java with Spring Boot offers enterprise-level scalability and reliability.
3. Database Management needs to handle sensitive health data securely. PostgreSQL offers excellent ACID compliance and complex query capabilities. MongoDB provides flexibility for storing diverse health data formats. Whatever you choose, ensure it supports encryption at rest and in transit.
4. Video Calling Integration is where you’ll likely want to leverage existing solutions rather than building from scratch. WebRTC provides excellent customization but requires significant development effort. Third-party solutions like Twilio Video, Agora, or Zoom SDK can get you to market faster with proven reliability.
5. Cloud Infrastructure should prioritize security and compliance. AWS offers comprehensive HIPAA-compliant services with excellent scalability. Google Cloud Platform provides strong AI and machine learning capabilities that can enhance your app’s features. Microsoft Azure integrates well with existing healthcare systems and offers robust compliance tools.
Healthcare regulations can be a nightmare, but they’re absolutely critical to get right. The consequences of non-compliance aren’t just financial; they can completely destroy your reputation and shut down your business.
1. HIPAA Compliance in the United States requires that all patient health information is protected through administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. Ticking off all the boxes for HIPPA compliance means encrypted data transmission, secure server infrastructure, employee training programs, and detailed audit logs of who accesses what information and when.
2. GDPR Compliance for European users requires explicit consent for data processing, the right to data portability, and the right to be forgotten. Your privacy policy needs to be crystal clear about what data you collect, how you use it, and how users can control their information.
3. FDA Regulations might apply if your app provides diagnostic capabilities or integrates with medical devices. Understanding whether your app qualifies as a medical device software is crucial for determining your regulatory pathway.
4. State and Local Regulations vary significantly, especially around telemedicine licensing requirements. Doctors typically need to be licensed in the state where the patient is located during the consultation, which can complicate multi-state operations significantly.
1. Data Encryption should be implemented at every level. Use AES-256 encryption for data at rest, TLS 1.3 for data in transit, and consider end-to-end encryption for video consultations and sensitive communications.
2. Authentication and Authorization need to be robust but user-friendly. Implement multi-factor authentication for healthcare providers, biometric authentication options for patients, and role-based access controls to ensure users only see what they’re supposed to see.
3. Audit Logging is required for compliance and helps you identify security issues quickly. Log all access to patient data, maintain detailed consultation records, and implement real-time monitoring for suspicious activities.
The development process for a telehealth app is more complex than your typical mobile app, mainly because of the regulatory requirements and the critical nature of healthcare services. Here’s how to approach it systematically:
1. Planning and Discovery Phase:
The planning phase should take 2-4 weeks and involve gathering detailed requirements, planning technical architecture, analyzing compliance needs, and creating wireframes. Users might want to know specific regulatory requirements like HIPAA compliance for the USA and security measures such as encryption and biometric authentication. Consider market analysis to understand competitors like Teladoc and Doctor on Demand.
2. MVP Development:
MVP development typically takes 4-6 months, focusing on core features like user registration, video consultations, and appointment booking. Users may seek insights on advanced features to plan for, such as AI-driven symptom checkers or integration with wearables, and cost estimates ranging from $30,000 to $55,000 for a basic app. For more advanced features, costs can exceed $90,000.
3. Testing and Quality Assurance:
Testing is critical, including functional, security, usability, and compliance testing. Users might want to know about specific testing for HIPAA compliance, such as penetration testing, and the importance of involving both patients and providers in usability testing. esting costs can be significant, especially for security and compliance, with users potentially spending additional resources on third-party audits. The evidence leans toward ensuring that video consultations are stable and secure, as downtime can affect patient care.
4. Deployment and Launch:
Deployment involves app store submissions, server setup with scalable cloud solutions like AWS, and implementing monitoring tools. Users may value insights on ensuring multi-platform accessibility and setting up customer support systems, including in-app chatbots.
5. Post-Launch Optimization:
Post-launch, monitor user behavior, gather feedback, fix bugs, and continuously improve based on data. Users might be interested in scalability strategies, adding features like multilingual support, and monetization options like subscription models or in-app purchases.
Users might be interested in revenue models such as:
Let’s talk numbers, because we know cost is a factor that can spark or silence your enthusiasm. The cost of app development for healthcare varies dramatically based on the feature set you’ve set your heart on, the target platforms you’re planning to use or scale on, and the development approach you’re confident about.
Nevertheless, we’ve shared an estimate for developing a telehealth app to help you budget well.
1. MVP Development: Building a minimum viable product (MVP) typically costs between $80,000 to $200,000, depending on complexity and the development team you choose. This includes basic consultation features, user management, and essential security measures.
2. Full-Featured App Development: The cost can range from $200,000 to $500,000+ for comprehensive platforms with advanced features like AI integration, complex EHR integration, and multi-platform support.
3. Ongoing Costs: Your telehealth app will require regular updates and patches to operate at full capacity, so factoring in ongoing costs is non-negotiable. These costs are significant and often underestimated. Plan to allocate 15–20% of your initial development cost annually for maintenance, security updates, compliance monitoring, and feature enhancements.
4. Infrastructure Costs: These costs depend heavily on your user base and usage patterns. Cloud hosting, video streaming, and data storage costs can range from a few hundred dollars monthly for small user bases to tens of thousands for large-scale operations.
Building a telehealth app requires a diverse team with specialized skills. Here’s what you need:
1. Healthcare Domain Experts who understand medical workflows, regulatory requirements, and clinical processes. This might be a healthcare consultant, medical advisor, or team member with clinical experience.
2. Mobile App Developers with experience in healthcare applications. Look for developers who have worked with HIPAA compliance, healthcare APIs, and understand the unique challenges of healthcare app/software development.
3. Backend Developers skilled in building scalable, secure server infrastructure. Experience with healthcare data management, API development, and cloud infrastructure is essential.
4. UI/UX Designers who understand healthcare user experience. Healthcare apps require a different approach to design than typical consumer apps, focusing on clarity, accessibility, and trust-building.
4. Quality Assurance Engineers with healthcare testing experience. Testing healthcare apps requires understanding of clinical workflows and compliance requirements.
5. Legal and Compliance Specialists who can navigate healthcare regulations and ensure your app meets all necessary requirements.
Thinking hiring telehealth app developers can be a costly affair? Share your requirements with the mobile app development team at Unified Infotech and build an online medical consultation app like Amwell or Practo while saving hundreds of dollars.
How Long Will it Take to Build and Launch a Telehealth App?
Developing a telehealth app typically requires 3 to 6 months for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), with timelines extending to 9 to 12 months or more for a fully featured solution. The duration depends on factors such as app complexity, feature set, platform choices (iOS, Android, web), and compliance requirements.
1. Discovery & Planning (2–4 weeks): Define the app’s purpose, target audience, and core features.
2. Design (2–3 weeks): Create user-friendly interfaces for patients, providers, and administrators.
3.Development (8–16 weeks): Implement core functionalities like video consultations, appointment scheduling, and secure messaging.
4. Testing & Compliance (2–4 weeks): Ensure the app meets quality standards and complies with regulations like HIPAA or GDPR.
5. Deployment & Feedback (1–2 weeks): Launch the app and gather user feedback for future enhancements.
Learning from others’ mistakes can save you months of development time and thousands of dollars. Here are the most common pitfalls I see in telehealth app development:
1. Underestimating Compliance Requirements is probably the biggest mistake. HIPAA compliance isn’t just a checkbox – it requires ongoing effort, documentation, and monitoring. Budget significantly more time and money for compliance than you think you need.
2. Ignoring Healthcare Provider Workflow leads to apps that look good but don’t work in real clinical settings. Spend time shadowing healthcare providers, understanding their daily workflows, and designing your app to fit into their existing processes rather than forcing them to change.
3. Poor Video Quality can make or break your app. Users expect high-quality, reliable video connections. Invest in robust video infrastructure and test extensively across different network conditions and devices.
4. Overlooking Scalability is a common problem as apps grow. Design your infrastructure to handle growth from day one. It’s much easier to build scalability in from the beginning than to retrofit it later.
5. Inadequate Customer Support is particularly damaging in healthcare apps where user issues can be urgent. Plan for 24/7 customer support capabilities and train your support team on healthcare-specific issues.
The telehealth market is huge and growing, but success requires more than just a good idea. It requires dedication, significant investment, and a deep commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. If you’re ready for that challenge, the opportunity is massive.
The future of healthcare is digital, and there’s still plenty of room for innovative solutions that truly serve patients and providers. Whether you’re building the next Amwell or creating something completely new, focus on solving real problems, maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance, and never forgetting that behind every user interaction is a real person seeking help with their health.
Ready to get started? The journey ahead is challenging, but the potential impact makes it absolutely worth it.
"Sasanka Banerjee, Sr. Manager - Projects, leads cross-functional teams and oversees digital delivery. He ensures that project scope, timeline, and quality standards are met, aligning business priorities with execution frameworks and client satisfaction.”
Not really. A telemedicine app focuses on providing care delivery from a distance. It ensures that patients receive urgent medical attention despite being incapable of visiting clinics or hospitals physically. On the contrary, a telehealth app is a broader term, encompassing other aspects of healthcare such as patient education, medical insurance, and administrative tasks.
With the industry teeming with companies that offer app development for healthcare, choosing the right partner can be tricky. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind: select a development partner with proven experience in healthcare apps, strong knowledge of regulations like HIPAA, robust data security practices, and a user-focused design approach. Evaluate their ability to integrate with EHR systems, check client references, and ensure clear communication to align with your project goals.
Integrate EHR systems and pharmacy services using HL7/FHIR standards and secure APIs for seamless data exchange. Ensure HIPAA compliance, real-time prescription management, and robust authentication. Collaborate with experienced vendors, test thoroughly, and provide user training to maximize adoption, minimize errors, and maintain regulatory compliance.
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