Complete guide to healthcare app development in 2025: features, process, costs, types

We all know how much COVID-19 changed many aspects of our lives – ranging from shifts in business, travel, and education to even social interactions. Of course, the healthcare sector was most affected, serving as the frontline of this unfolding drama. 

The pandemic highlighted how the technological side of healthcare is a promising avenue for digitalization, addressing the high demand from clinics and expanding the horizons of care and the methods by which it is delivered to patients. And here comes healthcare app development as a connecting link. 

“According to Statista, in 2024, the digital health market hit $172 billion with strong growth anticipated. This year, more than 1.3 billion people have been using these solutions.

And this is not just a local, temporary trend, but a global phenomenon: clearly, technology is becoming essential in how we manage our health.”

Natalia Ivleva, Lead Business Analyst at SolveIt

Healthcare app development market overview

When discussing the interaction between government or private organizations, and the actual consumers, the healthcare app development market is increasingly focused on two critical areas: clinical and preventive medicine.

The healthcare app development market is rapidly expanding, driven by increasing demand for remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, and personalized health management

Key trends include the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment plans.

From the other side, market growth is fueled by rising smartphone penetration and a growing emphasis on health and wellness. Regulatory support and investment in health tech further bolster this sector.

As consumers prioritize convenience and accessibility, healthcare mobile app development is becoming essential for both patients and providers.

Computer vision-based medical imaging, speech recognition, medical chatbots, AI virtual assistants, and ML-powered predictive analytics have gone far beyond simple workflow automation. So if you're still thinking about how to develop a healthcare app, now is the best time!

Healthcare development: app types

Healthcare apps encompass three key parties: the healthcare provider, the healthcare organization, and the patient. App development for healthcare can be tailored to meet the needs of each group individually or serve as effective tools to enhance their interaction.

Telemedicine apps

Such applications facilitate remote consultations between patients and healthcare providers. Features often include video conferencing, chat functionalities, and secure messaging, making it safer and easier for patients to access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes.

Examples: Teladoc, Amwell

Patient management systems

Electronic health record solutions are designed for healthcare providers and help manage patient data, track treatments, and streamline workflows, allowing for quick and secure access to essential information while ensuring the confidentiality of personal data.

Examples: Epic Systems, Cerner

Appointment booking apps

These healthcare apps streamline the scheduling process for medical appointments, allowing patients to book, reschedule, or cancel visits 24/7, enabling clinics to combat customers' no-shows and giving patients complete control over their own schedules. 

Examples: Zocdoc, Healthgrades

Medication apps

E-prescribing apps assist patients in managing their medications by providing reminders, dosage information, and refill alerts. They ultimately reduce the risk of missing and improve adherence to prescribed regimens, becoming an essential part of everyday people's lives. 

Examples: Medisafe, MyTherapy

Chronic disease apps

Targeted at patients with chronic conditions, these apps offer tools for tracking symptoms, medication adherence, and communication with healthcare providers, empowering users to take control of their state and facilitating timely interventions when issues arise. 

Examples: MySugr, HeartWise

Wellness apps

Focused on proactive health management, wellness apps promote healthy lifestyles through features like fitness tracking, nutrition monitoring, and personalized health insights, including mental health support, community engagement, and sleep tracking. 

Examples: Lifesum, Nike Training Club

Health education apps

These apps provide educational resources on various health topics, empowering users with knowledge about their conditions and wellness strategies. They help patients to make informed decisions related to their health and provide on-demand info to their practicing doctors.

Examples: HELF, WebMD

Woman health apps

These apps focus specifically on women's health issues, offering resources and tools tailored to their unique needs. Features may include symptoms, pregnancy and cycle tracking, personalized health tips, and community support, enhancing overall wellness.

Examples: Flo, Amma

Healthcare app development: benefits

The healthcare application development offers numerous benefits for all stakeholders involved. Let's clear them up: 

Benefits for businesses

1. Increased revenue: An effective healthcare application can reduce no-shows, attract new clients, and boost service sales by providing convenient features.

2. Cost efficiency: By automating scheduling, billing, and patient communications, providers can reduce staffing costs and minimize operational inefficiencies.

3. Data and analytics: Healthcare apps collect valuable data that aids in market analysis and improves medical establishments' business strategies.

4. Competitive edge: Innovative solutions help businesses stand out among competitors and capture the attention of their target audience.

Benefits for doctors

1. Burnout prevention: Applications enable doctors to easily reduce the administrative burdens like managing schedules, patient records, and medical documentation.

2. Access to information: Physicians can access complete and reliable medical data anytime, f.e., with the help of EHR solutions, facilitating more accurate diagnoses.

3. Improved communication: The ability to chat or call with patients through the app helps to structure the conversation and minimizes the time spent on follow-ups. 

4. Lower liability risks: Enhanced workflow ensures comprehensive records and documents are maintained, which can protect doctors against potential legal issues.

Benefits for users

1. Convenience: Patients can book appointments, receive test results, and consult with doctors anytime and anywhere, which allows for saving time and money.

2. Personalized experience: Healthcare apps can offer individualized recommendations based on medical history and user preferences tailored to their needs.

3. Access to information: Users gain access to valuable health information, promoting a more informed approach to their well-being and informed decision-making.

4. Better quality of care: Applications free up doctors' time and streamline clinics’ processes, allowing them to focus more on providing direct patient care. 

Healthcare app development: most essential features

“App development for healthcare has specific requirements since the industry sets strict ethical and legal standards. Any feature included in your solution must comply with the key regulators of modern digital healthcare – GDPR (in Europe) and HIPAA/CCPA/NIST (in the USA).

Therefore, you may need an extended discovery phase for your project and assistance from external professionals to ensure compliance.”

Natalia Ivleva, Lead Business Analyst at SolveIt

1. User authentication

Secure user authentication in healthcare apps is vital for protecting sensitive patient information. Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance security and ensure that only authorized users can access their accounts.

2. Appointment scheduling

This is one of the most fundamental and critical features that allows users to easily book, reschedule, or cancel appointments while integrating calendar synchronization and automated reminders. Its proper implementation helps providers to manage their schedules effectively.

3. Telemedicine integration

Offering telemedicine capabilities empowers users to consult with healthcare professionals remotely if their physical state requires such measures. This feature should support video calls, chat, and secure file sharing for a comprehensive virtual care experience.

4. Prescription management

With the help of medication management tools, users track their prescriptions and set reminders for dosages. Integration with geolocation services and pharmacy management systems helps users find the nearest locations to purchase their medications and actual prices.

5. Symptom checker

A symptom checker is a vital feature in a healthcare app that allows users to input their symptoms and receive preliminary recommendations about potential conditions or actions to take. This can involve machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve accuracy over time.

6. Payment integration 

Imagine how much the transparency of pricing for services and the operational demands related to transaction processing, cash flow, etc., on clinics could be improved if users could make payments seamlessly and securely directly within the app. This feature is a game changer!

7. Real-time chat and support

Instant access to healthcare professionals whenever you need help allows users to connect with providers 24/7 saving time for a consultation. Generative AI chatbots can provide quick answers to common questions, making interactions with providers even more efficient. 

8. Wearable device integration

Users can monitor metrics like heart rate, steps taken, and sleep duration, which can be crucial for managing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or sleep disorders. Sharing this information with healthcare providers allows for personalized treatment plans.

How to develop a healthcare app: a 7-step process

Healthcare app development requires careful planning and execution, prioritizing user needs and regulatory compliance. Here’s a structured approach to ensure your healthcare app meets market demands and enhances patient care.

• Step 1: Market research and planning

Start your healthcare application development journey with thorough market research. Identify your target audience: patients, healthcare providers, or both. At this stage, it's also crucial to understand the specific legal industry requirements of the region in relation to your project.

Expert tip: Collaborate with healthcare professionals during the discovery phase to ensure your app addresses real-world challenges and complies with necessary regulations.

• Step 2: Define features and functionality

Build your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with a focus on essential features that really make a difference. Consider functionalities like appointment scheduling, telemedicine capabilities, symptom checkers, and prescription management. Prioritize intuitive navigation and robust security measures to protect sensitive health information.

Expert tip: Clearly outline the technical scope for future updates, allowing for scalability as healthcare needs and patient databases or clinic branches evolve.

• Step 3: Choose the right technology stack

Select a technology stack that supports the specific needs of healthcare applications, emphasizing security, scalability, and interoperability. For an experienced healthcare app developer, a combination of React for web interfaces and Flutter for mobile applications, alongside Node.js or Django for the backend, is an excellent choice.

Expert tip: Opt for a stack that simplifies third-party integrations (storage, payments, EHR, etc.), enabling your app to adapt to new technologies and services over time.

• Step 4: Execute UI/UX design

Healthcare mobile app development requires a careful design approach. UI should be not only engaging but also accessible to a diverse user base, including older adults and disabled individuals. If we talk about web solutions, UX/UI has to reduce the time required for staff training and adoption. Focus on intuitive navigation, clear visuals, and responsive design. 

Expert tip: At this stage, we recommend creating a clickable prototype to visualize the user journey and gather feedback early on.

• Step 5: Develop and conduct QA

During the development phase, maintain close collaboration between front-end and back-end teams. Implement rigorous testing protocols to ensure functionality and compliance with healthcare standards. Use unit, integration, and user acceptance testing, with a specific focus on security vulnerabilities and data protection.

Expert tip: Include a compliance audit as part of your testing process to ensure that the app adheres to relevant healthcare regulations and industry standards.

• Step 6: Define a monetization strategy

Establish a clear monetization strategy that aligns with the market and your business needs. Consider options such as subscription models for patients, pay-per-use services for telemedicine, or partnerships with healthcare providers for integrated solutions. Ensure that the chosen strategy supports the app's value proposition while remaining accessible to users.

Expert tip: Analyze competitor pricing and user willingness to pay to refine your strategy, ensuring it balances profitability with user satisfaction.

• Step 7: Launch, support, and update

Once your healthcare app is live, the real work begins. It’s crucial to establish a responsive support system that can quickly address any technical issues or user concerns. Providing comprehensive training materials for healthcare staff is vital. 

Expert tip: A dedicated development team can help address issues quickly and efficiently, allowing for rapid fixes and updates.

Healthcare app development cost

Healthcare application development demands a significant investment, influenced by multiple factors. 

“Healthcare apps must comply with regulations, which can influence hosting choices. This often necessitates using secure cloud platforms that offer compliance support.

The issue of security is also a pressing factor, so it is essential to implement solutions with data encryption and secure access controls, which can also potentially increase costs.” 

Natalia Ivleva, Lead Business Analyst at SolveIt

Medical organizations or healthcare startups typically face two main scenarios: creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or developing a comprehensive, feature-rich application.

MVP healthcare app development cost

For an MVP that includes fundamental functionalities, the healthcare application development costs generally range from $50,000 to $100,000. This initial version typically offers key features such as user registration, appointment management, basic health monitoring, and secure messaging.

Key factors:

• Simplicity of features: An MVP contains a focused set of essential features, which streamlines the design and reduces development costs.
  
  

• Regulatory considerations: Meeting healthcare standards (like HIPAA) is essential. A basic MVP may incorporate foundational compliance elements, which can help manage expenses.
  
  

• Development strategy: Creating an MVP from the ground up is often more budget-friendly than utilizing extensive healthcare solutions, although the latter may accelerate the timeline.
  
  

• Development team: Hiring an experienced external development team specializing in healthcare can result in cost savings compared to maintaining an in-house team.
  
  

• Basic hosting needs: Minimal cloud infrastructure and hosting are necessary to accommodate the MVP's initial user base, aiding in cost control.

Typical cost range: $50,000 - $100,000.

Full-scale healthcare app development cost

For a fully developed healthcare application, costs can vary widely based on the complexity and range of features involved. Integrating advanced technologies (like telemedicine, AI, and electronic health records) significantly impacts the overall budget.

Key factors:

• Feature Richness: A comprehensive app requires a broader array of functionalities and intricate integrations, substantially raising development expenses.
  
  

• Advanced Compliance Needs: Full-scale applications necessitate robust compliance with healthcare regulations, which can add to development and maintenance costs.
  
  

• Customized Development Approach: A tailored healthcare application offers flexibility but typically demands a larger initial investment, while using established frameworks may incur higher licensing fees.
  
  

• Development team: Engaging a dedicated team of healthcare app developers with relevant expertise is often necessary for delivering a complete and effective solution, which can elevate costs.
  

• Infrastructure requirements: A reliable and scalable cloud infrastructure, along with enhanced backend services, is crucial for maintaining performance and accommodating user growth.
  
  

• Ongoing maintenance: Regular updates, feature enhancements, and infrastructure scaling to support high traffic and transaction volumes will contribute to the total cost over time.

Typical cost range: $250,000 and above.

Healthcare app development: SolveIt experience

The project involved developing a telemedicine web app for a leading network of private multidisciplinary medical clinics. 

Some time ago, we delivered a Flutter-based mobile app for patients. Now, the SolveIt team built a comprehensive solution that included a web app for doctors and an administrative panel, focusing on streamlining workflows and improving patient interactions through video calls. 

By utilizing React for the web components, we ensured strong code maintainability and scalability, allowing the system to support an expanding network of clinics branches and growing patients user base.

• The successful launch of the telemedicine web app significantly improved patient satisfaction by reducing administrative burdens and allowing doctors to dedicate more time to patient care.

• Innovative telemedicine features, including video consultations and integrated chat, boosted the clinic's reputation and attracted new patients.

• The app effectively reduced doctor workloads and minimized no-show rates, streamlining resource allocation.

• This solution established a strong foundation for scalability within the clinic network, ensuring compliance with security standards while safeguarding sensitive patient data.

Final word

In 2025, the demand for healthcare apps that truly make a difference is stronger than ever. To navigate the complexities of development and create a product that genuinely meets user needs, you need a team that knows the ins and outs of the industry. 

Don't settle for anything less than the best – let us handle the heavy lifting. Reach out, and let’s build impactful healthcare app together!

FAQ

1 | What are the most common types of healthcare apps?

There are various types of healthcare apps, such as:

• Telemedicine apps

• Appointment booking apps

• Patient management systems

• Wellness apps

• Medication management apps

• Chronic disease management apps

• Health education apps

• Women's health apps.

2 | What features should I include in a healthcare app?

Essential features of a healthcare app include:

• User authentication.

• Appointment scheduling.

• Telemedicine integration.

• Prescription management.

• Symptom checkers.

• Payment integration.

• Real-time chat support.

3 | How much does it cost to develop a healthcare app?

The cost to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for a healthcare app ranges from $50,000 to $100,000. This price includes essential features such as user registration, appointment management, basic health monitoring, and secure messaging. Meeting healthcare standards (like HIPAA) is also essential.

For a full-version healthcare app, costs generally start at $250,000 and can go higher. The total cost will depend on factors like the integration of advanced technologies such as telemedicine, AI, and electronic health records, as well as compliance requirements and the overall range of features included.

4 | What is the process for building a healthcare app?

Building a healthcare app involves a structured, seven-step process that prioritizes user needs and regulatory compliance. 

1. Market research and planning

2. Define features and functionality

3. Choose the right technology stack

4. Execute UI/UX design

5. Develop and conduct QA

6. Define a monetization strategy

7. Launch, support, and update.