How to Develop a Telemedicine App: Strategies, Pitfalls, Monetization, and More

The healthcare industry is undergoing a revolution driven by rapid technological advancements, thus shifting patient expectations. Since the boom of the telemedicine industry and the adoption of telemedicine software on all levels of healthcare, the medical landscape has changed drastically.

According to various market reports, the Telehealth and Telemedicine market is supposed to reach $285.7 billion by 2028 — twice its value in 2023. Of course, these numbers have inspired investors, entrepreneurs, and developers to look more closely into telemedicine application development. 

But with competition intensifying, the key question is how can you create a telemedicine app that not only meets user expectations but also stands out in a crowded marketplace? In this guide, we’ll explore what telemedicine apps are, their must-have features, and the essential steps to bring them to life.

Types of Telemedicine Applications

There are many solutions available in the mobile applications market, so it’s easy to get frustrated. The main types of telemedicine app development solutions include the following:

Live Video Conferencing Apps

These telemedicine app development solutions are 100% focused on remote healthcare services, including real-time interactions between providers and patients. Popular examples include Doctor on Demand, Zoom for Healthcare, and Amwell. They enable video consultations, ensuring patients can connect with healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes.

Asynchronous Video or Store-and-Forward Apps

Asynchronous or store-and-forward apps are often used for follow-up care. They enable healthcare specialists to access a recorded medical history, evaluate the case, and provide services without talking to the patient in real time. Popular platforms include 98point6, but usually, they exist as the added app functionality inside a telemedicine application.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

This software enables assigned providers to monitor a patient’s vital signs and overall patient health state remotely. BioTelemetry and Dexcom, for example, use connected devices to track heart rate, glucose levels, etc. in real time.

Mobile Health (mHealth)

Mobile health solutions allow for self-monitoring with the help of fitness trackers and similar devices. They are suitable for tracking outbreaks or managing chronic conditions. Examples include apps and platforms like Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, and Apple Health. They empower users to track physical activity, nutrition, and vital health metrics, promoting better personal health management.

6 Convincing Reasons to Develop a Telemedicine App

Telemedicine has repeatedly proven its immense value. First, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became a lifeline for healthcare delivery. Then, its relevance has only grown with new AI technologies and solutions and increased focus on mental health, which gave it a new direction. Let’s explore the key benefits of telemedicine mobile app development nowadays:

1. Future-Proof Solutions

The demand for telemedicine services continues to rise as patients prioritize convenience, accessibility, and personalized care. Modern consumers prefer clinics and providers that offer remote options, eliminating the need for in-person visits while maintaining the same quality of care. Profits generated by telemedicine services are growing as well. The RPM market, valued at approximately $24 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $57 billion by 2030, highlighting the potential of this field.

2. Better Resource Optimization

The telemedicine system optimizes time and resources for both parties. Patients no longer have to take long commutes and wait in line for the doctor’s office. Instead, they can have real-time communication from wherever they are. This approach is beneficial for the patients and helps doctors cover underserved or rural areas.

3. Remote Access to Specialists

Telemedicine application allows patients to access the best providers remotely. It enables them to consult with highly skilled professionals no matter their location. Using a telemedicine platform, people living in remote areas, struggling with physical or mental challenges, or older people can easily connect with the specialists they need.

4. Improved Medical Data Management

Telemedicine helps medical staff handle their workload better, giving them more time to care for patients. It also helps to organize and store medical records, appointments, test results, and sensitive information in one place, making everything easier to access and manage.

5. Growing Patient Base

Thanks to the convenience of telemedicine app features and electronic health records, clinics can expand their reach and serve more clients. Given the ability to consult patients in remote locations and even globally, healthcare providers can attract a larger audience. Modern consumers increasingly choose clinics that offer virtual consultations and online medical services.

6. Inclusiveness

Thanks to telemedicine software development, healthcare is becoming more and more inclusive. It ensures that people with limited mobility or disabilities can access basic medical services equally with others. By removing physical barriers, telemedicine opens doors for those who might otherwise struggle to visit a clinic in person, including elderly people and people with mental health conditions.

Must-Have Features of a Telemedicine App: Patient’s Part

For the telemedicine app to succeed, it should meet the customers’ needs and take care of their headaches. Everything starts with prioritizing the patient’s convenience. Let’s take a look at the patient-centered features of developing a telemedicine mobile app. 

Account Creation and Profile Customization

Since telemedicine software handles sensitive patient data, creating a secure personal account is essential. This process ensures privacy and allows users to manage their digital health information effectively. Offering customization app features, such as adding medical history, preferences, or emergency contacts, can further enhance user experience.

Search and Filter Functionalities

A telemedicine app often includes a wide range of features, such as multiple healthcare providers, a library of medical guidelines, and various tools for patient care. To make navigation more intuitive and user-friendly, there should be advanced filter options. They allow patients to quickly find the required healthcare providers online or locate the nearest clinic.

Live Chatting

Some patients prefer to get consulted via chat. Others may need to ask some questions prior to a consultation. Therefore, the option to contact a provider via chat is another must-have feature. This improves the overall user experience and lets the patients ask non-urgent questions or clarify doubts.

Secure Video Calling and Audio Consultation

The primary reason patients use telemedicine apps is to get remote consultations. That’s why secure audio and video call capabilities are a must. However, the privacy and security of these tools are non-negotiable since valuable personal data is at stake. Blockchain, encryption protocols, cloud backups, and regular audits are just some of the tools that help ensure data integrity. If an app complies with HIPAA, it means that personal health data is protected at all times when users interact with the product

Appointment Scheduling

Effective appointment management ensures high-quality service and allows patients to book, reschedule, or cancel consultations with ease, making remote healthcare hassle-free. It not only improves patient satisfaction but helps providers manage their time more efficiently.

Push Notifications

Patients often forget about scheduled appointments or stop using software solutions over time. By incorporating push notifications into your telemedicine app, you can remind users of upcoming appointments and share important updates. This simple yet effective feature can significantly boost client retention and engagement.

Integration of Payment Gateways

Most telemedicine apps operate on a profit basis. This means integrating a secure and versatile payment gateway is crucial. Offering multiple payment options ensures a convenient transaction process for patients and supports the app’s financial sustainability.

Reviews and Ratings

User feedback is incredibly important in the healthcare field. It would be difficult for clients to pick a perfect-fit provider without checking reviews first. Leaving the opportunity to rate a medical specialist is always the right call to build the customer’s trust.

Features of a Telemedicine App: Doctor’s Part

While patient convenience is crucial for telemedicine apps, the doctor’s side is equally important. It should contain specific functionalities allowing providers to set appointments, access patient information, and make digital prescriptions.

Professional Account Setup

Healthcare providers need to register and create detailed profiles that highlight their expertise. Their degrees, clients’ testimonials, offered services, and other information — everything that assists patients with choosing a specialist for their exact concerns matters. 

Appointment Management

The app should contain the functionality allowing providers to set, confirm, and reject patient appointments, ensuring there’s no misunderstanding between parties involved in the treatment process. It should also send notifications of upcoming calls or video consultations.

Digital Prescription Management

With this functionality, patients may receive their prescriptions and share them with the pharmacy of their choosing to get medications. Keep in mind that providers should have the legal right to sign prescriptions (telemedicine app development must take this aspect into account as well).

EHR Verification

To deliver effective treatment, a provider should get access to a patient’s electronic health record (EHR). Healthcare authorities require HIPAA verification to be completed in order to download a particular patient’s EHR. A telemedicine app should also support EHR integration functionality.

Analytical Dashboard

As a service vendor, a healthcare provider should have access to data from telemedicine apps, such as statistics for consultations delivered, statuses of appointment schedules, treatment plans, and more.

6 Steps to Develop a Successful Telemedicine App

Creating a telemedicine app requires a structured approach to ensure it meets market demands, delivers a seamless user experience, and complies with industry standards. Below are the key steps to guide you in the application development process.

1. Determine Market Needs and Sentiments

Conducting thorough market, competitor, and target audience research. This will help to define the app’s purpose, niche, and unique value proposition. For example, specialized psychology, cardiology, or dermatology apps are often perceived as more trustworthy and effective than general-purpose solutions.

2. Plan and Allocate Resources

After you identified market needs and found the product-market fit, outline your project’s goals, budget, timeline, and required team expertise. Partnering with a vendor or development agency can help determine estimates and ensure a realistic roadmap for your telemedicine app.

3. Design an Intuitive Interface

An intuitive user interface is a must in any healthcare app. That’s why you have to follow UI/UX design principles to ensure seamless navigation and a positive user experience for patients and providers. Create wireframes and low/high-fidelity prototypes to visualize the app’s interface and functionality. Incorporate branding, logos, and interactive elements, and don’t forget about creating simple and concise text content. Telemedicine apps should always be simple and to the point.

4. Build a Secure and Scalable App

During the development stage, you should first create an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) in order to present it to the stakeholders, receive real user feedback, and adjust the prototypes accordingly. Technology-wise, pick modern solutions that will allow for app scaling if needed. This includes integrating essential APIs and payment gateways and ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA. Focus on delivering high-quality video/audio communication and other core features.

Recommended Tech stack:

• Frontend: Kotlin, Java, Jetpack Compose (Android), Swift, SwiftUI (iOS), Flutter (Cross-Platform)
• Backend: Node.js, Django (Python), Spring Boot (Java), Go
• Video Conferencing: RTMP, Twilio, WebRTC, Zoom API
• Database: MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle
• APIs/Frameworks: Stripe, EC2, S3, PayPal
• Security: Multifactor Authentication (MFA), AES-256 Encryption, OAuth 2.0, Zero Trust Architecture

5. Test and Launch 

After platform development, proceed with extensive QA testing to identify and fix bugs, ensuring the app functions smoothly. Then, deploy it to app stores, making it available to users. You can also do a soft launch and present the app to a limited audience and platform to gather feedback and introduce updates before launching the product into the world.

6. Monitor the Results

Still, the process doesn’t end after launch — continuous monitoring of the product’s performance and user feedback provides valuable insights that set you on the right track. Recruit certified medical professionals or allow them to register directly through the app. You should regularly evaluate provider performance to maintain high-quality service and protect your app’s reputation. Check their work results to spot unreliable specialists.

Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them When Developing a Telemedicine Application

Developing a telemedicine app comes with a set of challenges, from ensuring regulation compliance to delivering a seamless user experience. In this section, we’ll explore the key obstacles you might face and share strategies to avoid them.

Failing to Comply with Regulation

Compliance with healthcare regulations is non-negotiable when developing a telemedicine solution. Violations can lead to legal consequences like severe penalties or even criminal sanctions, and damage your app’s reputation. One of the most important regulations you have to comply with is HIPAA.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects the privacy of American patients. It imposes strict requirements for data storage, hosting, and management, including data encryption, access controls, and regular audits. To work in the US market, the app should be HIPAA-compliant, otherwise it will face serious charges.

Similar to HIPAA compliance in the US, there are healthcare regulations in the EU. For apps targeting EU citizens, GDPR compliance is mandatory. GDPR governs how personal data, including health information, is collected, processed, and stored.

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) regulates how private-sector organizations handle personal and healthcare data in Canada. It requires consent, transparency, and safeguards for data protection.

Noncompliance or violations of these regulations can lead to sanctions and fines. For example, for breaking HIPAA rules apps can be fined from $141 to $2,134,831 per violation. Fines for violating GDPR can reach up to 20 million euros. PIPEDA violations can result in up to CAD 100,000 per violation.

Additionally, Google Play and Apple App Store have their own guidelines for data handling and app security — non-compliance can lead to app removal or suspension from these marketplaces.

Inability to Protect Patient Data

Protecting sensitive patient data is one of the most critical aspects of telemedicine app development. Regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and PIPEDA set strict requirements for data handling, but serious security measures are equally essential to defend against cyber threats and prevent data breaches.

Cyber threats pose significant risks to sensitive health information. Without strong security measures, breaches can lead to large fines — up to €20 million under GDPR or $2 million per violation under HIPAA — and damage your reputation.

To ensure data security, use encryption, role-based access controls, and enable MFA. Regular security audits and vulnerability checks can also help identify and address weaknesses before hackers exploit them.

Technology Limitations

Unfortunately, telemedicine comes with some restrictions that regular medical practices don’t have. A provider cannot make an ultrasound, X-ray, or physical examination. Even if third-party providers can deliver some laboratory services, telemedicine is more appropriate for preventive and maintenance medicine rather than for actual treatment.

These limitations mean that telemedicine is not a replacement for all types of healthcare but rather a complementary tool. It is perfect in areas like mental health counseling, follow-up consultations, and managing long-term health conditions, where physical interaction is less important. However, in-person visits are still essential if detailed diagnostics or immediate intervention is required.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

For the telemedicine app to reach all the segments of the target audience, it should be able to work on different platforms, both web and mobile, including desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. Since patients and providers may utilize different operating systems (iOS and Android, Windows, etc.) ensuring compatibility with these systems can widen the user base and provide a consistent experience for everyone.

Flutter and React Native allow developers to create a single codebase for multiple platforms. These technologies not only reduce development time and costs but can also ensure native-like performance across devices. Additionally, following responsive design principles guarantees the app adapts to different screen resolutions.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Telemedicine App

Developing a telemedicine app requires the collaborative effort of a team of specialists. You may need a business analyst who should specialize in medical app regulatory compliance; designer(s) to create an intuitive and user-friendly interface; developer(s) to build the app’s frontend, backend, and integrations; project manager(s) to manage timelines, budgets, and team coordination and QA tester(s) to ensure the app is bug-free and performs well across devices. 

The average cost of an IT specialist is $40-$100/hour, depending on their skills and expertise. For example, project managers usually earn less than developers. To quickly and successfully launch an MVP, you need a team of at least 5 people. The process takes around 2-3 months and typically includes basic features like appointment scheduling and secure messaging. Given this time, the cost of telemedicine app MVP may fall somewhere between $50,000-$70,000. A fully-fledged app requires at least 6–12 months of development, so telemedicine app development costs can go far above $230,000 for including advanced features like AI diagnostics, remote patient monitoring, and integration with wearable devices.

Telemedicine Mobile App Monetization Models

When developing a telemedicine app, choosing the right monetization strategy ensures profitability and helps align with market trends. Let’s look at the main ways of making a profit from telemedicine software:

Subscription Plans

Subscription plans offer users unlimited access to telemedicine services for a recurring fee billed monthly or annually. This model provides a steady revenue stream and encourages long-term user retention. For example, patients might pay a fixed fee to access unlimited consultations, e-prescriptions, or health monitoring tools. Subscription plans are particularly effective for chronic disease management or preventive medical care, where users require constant support. By offering different plans (for example, basic, and premium), you can access different user segments and maximize revenue.

Pay-Per-Use

The pay-per-use model allows patients to pay only for the services they consume, such as individual consultations or specific medical advice. This approach is perfect for infrequent users who may not need regular use of telemedicine services. It’s cost-effective for patients and can attract users who can’t yet commit to a subscription. For instance, a user might pay a one-time fee for a video consultation with a specialist. This model also works well for niche services, such as mental health counseling or getting second opinions, where users may only need occasional support.

Freemium Model

It offers free basic functionality and paid premium features. For example, a telemedicine app might provide free access to symptom checkers or health tips but require payment for advanced features — video consultations or personalized analytics. This strategy is great for building an initial user base and encouraging upgrades later on when users understand the value of premium tools.

Licensing and Franchising

Another option is licensing and franchising your app to other healthcare providers, clinics, or businesses. This model gives them the right to use your healthcare software in exchange for licensing or franchising fees. For example, a hospital might license its platform to offer telemedicine services to its patients. This approach can not only generate significant revenue but also expand your app’s reach without directly acquiring users. It’s particularly effective for steady platforms with proven technology and compliance standards.

Develop a Telemedicine Application with Weelorum

Looking for a trusted and experienced partner to create a telemedicine app? Meet Weelorum — a reliable vendor of app development solutions with years of experience delivering exceptional results. We’ve been on the market for years, constantly developing impeccable healthcare solutions and solid business outcomes. We are well aware of the pitfalls on the way to a successful app creation in this niche, so you can be confident in the expertise of our telemedicine app development team. 

When you partner with Weelorum, you can expect:

• Transparency in the development process – clear timelines, milestones, and regular updates.
• Open communication – meetings and updates to ensure you stay on top of things.
• Careful consideration of your business model – solutions designed to align with your business needs and growth strategies.
• Goal-oriented approach – focus on achieving your specific business goals.
• Superior customer support – dedicated assistance at every stage of the project.
• Fair rates and transparent pricing – no hidden charges, only competitive rates.

Weelorum’s team features the end-to-end process of telemedicine app development. With hundreds of successful projects under our belt, we have the expertise to deliver a telemedicine app that stands out. Explore our portfolio to see how we’ve helped businesses thrive.

Final Thoughts

Telemedicine and telehealth are reshaping the medical industry, giving access to healthcare services to a wide audience. To stand out, your app needs to keep the balance between meeting the user’s needs and maintaining the required functionality. Ensuring compliance with HIPAA and GDPR is crucial to building trust and competing with other established products. Consider partnering with a development team with niche-specific expertise to avoid common pitfalls and produce a polished, market-ready product. By collaborating with the right experts, you can create a telemedicine app that makes an impact in the healthcare industry.

FAQ