Cost Guide for Developing a Healthcare App Like Practo

Last Updated on November 26, 2024

The healthcare industry is increasingly moving toward digital solutions, with telehealth app like Practo leading the way in connecting patients to medical professionals. These apps have become essential for providing remote consultations, scheduling appointments, and offering seamless access to healthcare services. If you’re looking to develop a healthcare app similar to Practo, understanding the cost structure is crucial. The price for building a healthcare app varies widely, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on features and complexity.

The global telehealth market was valued at $83.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 24 percent from 2023 to 2030, highlighting the growing demand and business potential for healthcare apps. This guide will walk you through the costs and key considerations involved in healthcare app development.

Factors Influencing Healthcare App Development Costs

Before diving into the cost breakdown, it’s important to consider factors like app complexity, platform choice, design, backend, and testing, as these influence the overall development cost.

App Complexity and Features

The complexity of the healthcare app and the set of features you plan to integrate directly impact the overall development cost. Simple apps with basic functionalities such as user profiles, appointment scheduling, and video consultations are generally more affordable. However, if you plan to build a more complex app like Zocdoc, which includes features like doctor search, patient reviews, and integrated appointment scheduling, the cost can rise significantly. As features like AI-driven health tracking, telemedicine, and personalized wellness recommendations are added, the cost increases as well. Apps with more advanced features typically require additional development time and resources.

Platform Selection

Deciding whether to develop your healthcare app for Android, iOS, or both platforms significantly affects the development cost. Developing for both platforms requires more resources, time, and separate development efforts, which increases costs. However, opting for cross-platform development using frameworks like Flutter or React Native can reduce overall expenses by using a single codebase for both platforms. While this approach may lower costs, it may also limit some platform-specific functionality and performance, depending on the complexity of the app.

Design and User Interface

A healthcare app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design are crucial factors that directly affect both development costs and user satisfaction. Healthcare apps need to be intuitive, easy to navigate, and accessible to a wide demographic. A clean, simple, and functional design is necessary for keeping users engaged. Investing in high-quality UI/UX design increases initial development costs, but it leads to better user retention and long-term engagement, which is vital for the success of the app.

Backend Development

Backend development is another key factor influencing healthcare app development costs. The backend is responsible for data storage, user management, processing appointments, and handling payment gateways securely. As healthcare apps handle sensitive patient data, the backend needs to be robust and compliant with industry regulations like HIPAA or GDPR. These apps may require seamless integration with multiple third-party services, including EHR systems, payment processors, and messaging services, adding complexity to the backend. A more complex backend will result in higher development and maintenance costs, particularly if real-time services and large-scale data storage are involved.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing is a critical part of healthcare app development. Given the sensitive nature of the data and the need for seamless functionality, quality assurance and thorough testing are essential to ensure that the app works as intended and complies with legal standards. This phase typically involves testing for performance, security, usability, and integration. Testing includes ensuring secure data handling, HIPAA compliance, and overall user experience. Comprehensive testing can significantly impact the project’s cost, especially if multiple rounds of testing are required across various devices and platforms.

Development Team

The expertise and location of the development team you choose to work with will influence both the timeline and cost of your healthcare app. A skilled team with experience in healthcare app development, particularly in telemedicine or healthcare-related applications, can help bring your vision to life while ensuring compliance with regulations and high standards of security. Teams based in North America or Europe tend to have higher hourly rates compared to those in Asia, but they often provide a higher level of service and may be more experienced in dealing with complex healthcare-specific requirements. Whether you choose to work with a dedicated in-house team, freelancers, or an outsourcing partner will also impact your overall budget. At Oyelabs, we specialize in developing high-quality, secure healthcare apps that are tailored to your specific needs, offering cost-effective solutions with a focus on regulatory compliance and user experience.

How Much Does a Healthcare App Like Practo Cost?

The cost to develop a healthcare app like Practo can vary widely, depending on the app’s complexity, technology stack, design, and other crucial elements. Below is a quick overview of different price ranges for building an app similar to Practo:

• A basic app with fundamental features: $25,000 to $40,000
• A mid-level app with more advanced features: $40,000 to $60,000
• A highly complex app with custom features and integrations: $60,000 to $100,000

Each of these ranges includes different levels of functionality and feature sets, impacting the overall development cost. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs involved.

Cost Breakdown to Build an App Like Practo

Cost Estimates for Different App Types

Depending on the specific goals and business model, the development cost can change based on the type of healthcare app you aim to build:

Regional Cost Variations for Healthcare App Development

The hourly rates for healthcare app development also vary by region, affecting the overall budget:

Also Read: Cost to Build an Airbnb-Like App

Telehealth Market Statistics

The telehealth industry has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, with more individuals and healthcare providers adopting virtual care solutions. Here are some key statistics highlighting the rise of telehealth:

• The global telehealth market was valued at USD 101.15 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.3% from 2024 to 2030.

• In 2024, 88% of patients expressed interest in using telehealth apps for online consultations, showing a clear shift toward digital healthcare solutions.
• 70% of doctors reported that telehealth consultations improve patient engagement and allow for more efficient follow-ups.
• A study found that telehealth usage increased by 38 times from pre-pandemic levels in early 2023, indicating a permanent shift in how healthcare is accessed and delivered.

These statistics underscore the growing importance of telehealth apps in the healthcare ecosystem, meeting the demand for convenient, reliable, and remote medical consultations

Why Invest in a Doctor On-Demand App?

Investing in a doctor on-demand app can offer significant business opportunities as the healthcare industry continues to embrace digital transformation. With an increasing demand for remote healthcare services, telehealth apps like Practo provide convenient, on-the-go medical consultations, empowering patients to access healthcare from anywhere. These apps improve patient care, streamline healthcare delivery, and reduce the strain on physical healthcare facilities. Additionally, by incorporating features like appointment scheduling, online consultations, and digital prescriptions, a doctor on-demand app can cater to diverse patient needs. The scalability of these platforms allows businesses to grow rapidly, offering a sustainable revenue model while improving overall healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

Oyelabs: Your Healthcare App Partner

At Oyelabs, we specialize in developing cutting-edge healthcare apps like Practo, providing end-to-end solutions for your app development needs. Our expert team offers comprehensive services, from initial consultation and planning to design, development, and deployment. Whether you’re looking for a custom healthcare app or a white-label solution, we can help you bring your vision to life. Our team ensures that your app meets the highest industry standards, integrating the latest technologies to provide a seamless user experience. We focus on delivering scalable and robust healthcare applications that meet the needs of both healthcare providers and patients, enhancing service delivery and patient engagement.

Conclusion

Developing a healthcare app like Practo requires a well-thought-out strategy and an understanding of the associated costs. While the upfront investment may seem substantial, the potential for high returns through increased patient engagement, improved service delivery, and broader market reach makes it a worthwhile venture. By carefully selecting features that cater to the needs of users, leveraging the right platforms, and partnering with experienced development teams like Oyelabs, you can create a successful healthcare app. These apps not only enhance patient experiences but also position your business to thrive in the growing telehealth market. The investment in quality healthcare technology will pay off in long-term business growth and patient satisfaction.