The digital health market is experiencing significant growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.16% projected from 2024 to 2028. This rapid expansion is driving the healthcare Patient Access App market towards remarkable milestones. By 2024, the market is anticipated to generate a revenue of $193.70 billion, and it is expected to further increase to a market volume of $275.00 billion by 2028
Digital Health Revenue Worldwide
The rapid expansion of the healthcare app market is fueled by a growing emphasis on health and fitness among the younger generation, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the global rise in chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular diseases is driving market growth. The proliferation of IoT-connected smart devices and healthcare applications, like Patient Access, is also propelling this market forward.
This surge in market growth offers a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs aiming to enter a highly profitable industry. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to capitalize on this booming market or a medical professional aiming to enhance patient care, developing a healthcare app like Patient Access is a wise investment. However, before starting your healthcare app development project, it is crucial to understand the costs involved in creating an app similar to Patient Access.
Cost to Develop a Healthcare App Like Patient Access
The cost to develop a healthcare app like Patient Access generally falls between $30,000 and $300,000, depending on various critical factors that can influence this estimate.
In this guide, we will explore the landscape of healthcare application development. We’ll cover the costs associated with developing an app similar to Patient Access, the factors that impact these app development cost, the essential features to include, and the development process itself.
What Sets Patient Access Apart in Healthcare App Development?
Patient Access is a trailblazing mHealth app that connects patients to local health services. It enables users to schedule GP appointments, find local health IT services, and order repeat prescriptions, offering a comprehensive healthcare solution. With over 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store and a 4.8 rating on the App Store, Patient Access represents a significant advancement in healthcare, giving patients unprecedented control over their medical care.
This app bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers, offering a complete solution to access medical records, communicate with healthcare professionals, and more—all through a mobile device. With a straightforward NHS login and instant access to health information, lab results, and repeat prescription details, the app empowers patients to manage their healthcare journey effectively.
Patient Access App Features
With its user-friendly interface, strong security protocols, and advanced functionalities, the Patient Access app stands out in boosting patient engagement and satisfaction, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. As the healthcare industry continues to embrace digital transformation, applications like Patient Access are setting the standard for more efficient and patient-focused care.
Let’s explore the critical factors that influence the development costs of healthcare apps, using the success of mHealth apps like Patient Access as a reference point.
Factors Influencing Patient Access App Development Cost
Creating a Patient Access app incurs several factors impacting healthcare app development expenses. Here are key elements to consider when estimating the cost of developing a healthcare app like Patient Access:
App Complexity and Features
The features and functionalities you choose significantly influence the cost of developing a healthcare app. A basic app with essential features such as appointment booking and profile creation is relatively inexpensive to develop. In contrast, a more complex app with advanced functionalities, such as telemedicine, chatbots, integration with electronic health records (EHR), and AI-driven health monitoring, will substantially increase development costs.
For more insights, you might find it helpful to explore the costs associated with developing advanced healthcare solutions, such as healthcare chatbots similar to Google’s AMIE.
| App Complexity | Average Duration | Cost Estimates |
| Simple app with basic features | 3-6 months | $50,000-$100,000 |
| Medium complex app with moderate features | 6-9 months | $100,000-$150,000 |
| Highly complex app with advanced features | 9+ months | $150,000-$300,000 |
Platform Compatibility
Platform and device support are significant factors in the cost of developing healthcare apps like Patient Access. Creating an app exclusively for either iOS or Android is generally more economical than building a cross-platform application that functions smoothly on both. Nevertheless, using cross-platform development frameworks such as React Native or Flutter can reduce costs compared to developing distinct native apps for each platform. Additionally, ensuring the app’s compatibility with a range of devices, including smartphones and tablets, increases the project’s complexity and overall expense.
UI/UX Design
UI/UX plays a pivotal role in boosting user engagement, but it also impacts the cost of development. Creating a simple design is more cost-effective compared to designing a highly interactive and user-friendly interface. An engaging and visually appealing UI/UX requires more resources and time, which in turn raises the overall cost of developing a healthcare app.
Development Team Location
The cost of developing healthcare software can be heavily influenced by the geographical location and size of the development company. The nature of the development team, whether it consists of freelancers, in-house developers, or an outsourced company, plays a crucial role in determining the budget. Additionally, the rates charged by healthcare app developers vary significantly across different regions. For instance, developers in countries like the UK, US, and Australia generally command higher fees compared to their counterparts in regions such as Asia.
Third-Party Integration
Integrating third-party services like payment gateways, electronic health record (EHR) systems, or telehealth platforms adds extra development and potential licensing costs, leading to higher overall expenses and longer development timelines. Connecting the app with IoT-enabled medical devices or wearables for data collection can also drive up costs. Statista reports that in 2023, 86% of US adults utilized wearables or wellness devices to achieve their fitness or health objectives.
Security and Compliance
The healthcare sector is subject to stringent regulations, and compliance with key healthcare standards like HIPAA, HL7, PCI-DSS, and GDPR is not only essential but also expensive. Safeguarding patient data necessitates the implementation of robust security protocols such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, which can significantly escalate the overall development expenses.
Key Features of a Healthcare App like Patient Access
Developing a healthcare app akin to Patient Access involves integrating features that elevate patient care, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance healthcare delivery. Here are pivotal features found in such apps:
- User Authentication and Profile Creation: Ensures secure login with password authentication, biometric verification, and two-factor authentication. Patients can manage their profiles, including medical history and insurance details.
- Appointment Scheduling: Allows easy booking, rescheduling, or cancellation of appointments. Optimizes healthcare providers’ schedules for a smoother workflow.
- Prescription Management: Enables ePrescription management, sending prescriptions electronically to pharmacies. Sends medication reminders to patients for adherence.
- IoT-Enabled Remote Monitoring: Enables continuous monitoring of patients through connected health devices. Real-time health data collection for healthcare providers to monitor and intervene early.
- AI-Powered Health Insights: Analyzes health data to provide personalized insights and recommendations. Predicts health issues and offers tailored advice based on individual profiles.
- Telemedicine and Virtual Visits: Enables real-time video consultations and secure text-based communication for follow-up questions. Ensures timely medical consultations regardless of location.
- Medical Records and Health Information: Provides access to electronic health records, lab results, and past consultations. Allows patients to input and track personal health data.
- Billing and Payments: Streamlines billing and payment process with secure payment gateways. Provides access to billing statements for convenient and timely transactions.
- Analytics and Reporting: Integrates data analytics and reporting tools for monitoring health trends and app engagement. Helps in improving features and delivery of medical services.
Developing a healthcare app with these features can significantly improve patient care, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance healthcare delivery.
Conclusion
As the healthcare industry continues to embrace digital transformation, developing a healthcare app like Patient Access can be a lucrative venture. By understanding the cost and key factors involved, you can embark on this journey with confidence, knowing that you are entering a market poised for significant growth.
