Tag: Healthcare App

Evaluating the Role of Telemedicine Apps in Health Care Services

Defining the Role of Telemedicine in HealthCare

Posted on | by site_admin

Telemedicine as a concept dates as far back as the 1950s when healthcare providers used technology to deliver healthcare services. It has been holding global attention for a couple of years now. Since the COVID pandemic shook the world and confined us to our homes, people turned to technology to make telemedicine happen. Telehealth appointments witnessed a remarkable increase of 154% compared to the same period in 2019.

Technology is advancing as time passes by. With 5G connectivity, IoT, and wearable tech making telemedicine more accessible and democratic, it is changing the way we interact with the medical industry. 

In this article, we examine the role that telemedicine apps play in modern healthcare services. We also look at their benefits, challenges, applications, and future implications.

The Evolution of Telemedicine Apps

Telemedicine owes much of its popularity to the pandemic times. This is in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting surge in the use of these tools. We can safely look at the timeline of telemedicine app evolution in terms of the pandemic. 

With that perspective, let us look at how this tech has evolved…

The Evolution of Telemedicine Apps

Telemedicine in Pre-Pandemic Era

Before the pandemic, telemedicine apps existed even though they were not widely used. It was also not adopted as much by healthcare providers. 

The existing apps mainly functioned as basic video chat platforms with limited medical features. The regulations surrounding the use of such platforms were not very favorable to the cause. It restricted the coverage, as well as limited reimbursement options for virtual care services. Telemedicine apps were only seen as supplementary to traditional in-person visits. They could not be thought of as a replacement. 

Telemedicine in Pandemic Era

The onset of the pandemic marked a significant turning point for telemedicine app development and use. The COVID-19 lockdown forced people indoors. Social distancing became a norm. It was then that telehealth experienced a rapid and substantial surge in usage. 

Healthcare providers were quick to adopt telehealth as a means to provide care while sticking to safety protocols. Regulatory changes played a crucial role in this shift too. Healthcare regulatory compliances now expanded coverage and reimbursement to include telehealth services for patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

In response to the growing demand, telemedicine app developers rolled out advanced features that went beyond simple video calls. These apps evolved to enable remote examinations, streamline care coordination, offer patient education, and manage chronic diseases from a distance. As consumers adapted to the new normal, their comfort level with using telehealth apps to access medical care from the comfort of their homes increased.

Telemedicine in Post Pandemic Era

As the pandemic gradually receded, the impact of telemedicine became lasting. Telemedicine apps have now moved from a niche concept to a mainstream healthcare solution. Systems like the electronic health record (EHR) are a part of these apps.

Many healthcare providers have incorporated telehealth as a permanent component of their clinical workflow. Regulatory support has become favorable, reinforcing its use and reimbursement of telemedicine services.

Furthermore, telemedicine app developers have incorporated advanced technologies to make it more accessible and effective. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), and wearable devices increase the capabilities and value of their applications. 

With consumer expectations transformed, the demand for virtual care options and mobile health management has become an integral part of the healthcare landscape.

Challenges and Benefits of Telemedicine apps

Telemedicine App Benefits and Challenges

Telemedicine became popular in the first place because of the advantages it offered. Here are some of them: 

–> Convenience and Accessibility: Telemedicine apps provide patients with convenient access to healthcare services, eliminating the need for unnecessary travel and wait times.

–> Reduced Transmission Risk: Telemedicine lowers the risk of communicable disease transmission, a crucial factor in pandemic-like scenarios.

–> Efficiency and Time Savings: Telemedicine reduces overall time taken for visits, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.

There are challenges to using Telemedicine as well. Some of them are: 

–> Challenges in Replacing Physical Examinations: Telemedicine apps offer numerous advantages, but it has one major limitation. It does not allow for a physical examination, which is an important part of a medical diagnosis.

–> Accessibility and Device Limitations: Device and network availability can become a roadblock to universal access to telemedicine services.

–> Technical Challenges: Network disruptions and technical difficulties can impede the effectiveness of telemedicine apps.

Overcoming Challenges for Widespread Adoption of Telemedicine 

If telemedicine has to reach its potential and change the face of the medical industry, it has to overcome several challenges. And these challenges need strategic solutions. 

Healthcare policies have changed in recent times to accommodate reimbursement of telemedicine services. It has been pivotal in driving its adoption. 

However, addressing licensing and regulatory barriers is equally vital to extending the reach of telemedicine services. To gain patient acceptance and confidence, it is important to maintain the same high level of quality in telemedicine services as in traditional in-person care. 

It is important to address the security risks associated with this tech. Healthcare involves a lot of sensitive info about a patient. The provider has to ensure the utmost data privacy and security. There should be strict enforcement of the regulations like HIPAA. It is essential in building and retaining patient trust in telemedicine apps. 

Collectively, overcoming these challenges is essential to realizing the full potential of telemedicine and ensuring its integration as a reliable and effective healthcare solution.

Future Perspectives and Growth of Telemedicine and Telehealth

Here is what we can expect from Telemedicine and Telehealth in 2023 and beyond. Three major factors are fueling the growth of the telemedicine industry. Let us look at each of them in detail.

Future Perspectives and Growth

1. Need for Convenience

Firstly, the aging population and the increasing consumer preference for easier and more accessible healthcare services are acting as strong drivers. Older individuals require more frequent medical attention and visits.

However, mobility is an issue they face along the way. Telemedicine offers them an alternative to getting medical care from the comfort of their home.

For instance, elderly patients with chronic conditions like diabetes can now monitor their health parameters using wearable devices and telemedicine apps. This reduces the need for frequent visits to medical facilities.

2. Technological Advancement

Secondly, continuous technological advancements are shaping the evolution of telemedicine apps. These advancements are making apps more complex and more accessible to people. From AI-powered diagnostic tools to real-time remote patient monitoring, healthcare delivery is becoming more accurate and comprehensive. 

For instance, advanced telemedicine apps can now analyze medical images, such as X-rays, and provide immediate insights, expediting the diagnostic process.

3. Connectivity

This is the era of 5G and ultra-high-speed data transmissions. Healthcare is also showing signs of change in this regard.

Moreover, the rise of the “connected health” model is ushering in a positive shift, powered by these telehealth apps. This model empowers patients to actively engage in their healthcare journey through features like health tracking, medication reminders, and personalized health recommendations. 

It also promotes self-management and timely interventions. The connected health model reduces hospital stays and improves overall health outcomes. 

For example, patients recovering from surgery can use telemedicine apps to receive post-operative care instructions, reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays.

Measures for the Future of Telemedicine Development

We need to consider the sustainable and scalable growth of telemedicine apps. It takes strategic planning, including integration with existing healthcare systems, to make a robust infrastructure that can handle the traffic load. Scalability and data security are important factors to consider when it comes to growth.

Additionally, healthcare professionals need effective training to maximize the potential of these apps and provide quality virtual care. 

By addressing these elements, the telemedicine industry can confidently expand its reach while maintaining high standards of service quality.

Build a Telemedicine Platform to Future-Proof Your Healthcare Service

Telemedicine app development services have emerged as a transformative force in modern healthcare. One cannot overstate their role in empowering the modern healthcare industry. Partnering with a telemedicine app development company can be a transformative force for any healthcare facility.  

To explore the full potential of telemedicine apps, choose reliable telemedicine app developers like EMed HealthTech. As a trusted telemedicine app development company, we have helped many clients achieve their desired results with custom healthcare applications. 

If you’re looking to embrace telemedicine and adapt your business to the demands of the digital age, get in touch with us. We’ll be delighted to discuss your project needs.

Cost of Developing a Mobile App for Healthcare

What Is the Cost of Developing a Mobile App for Healthcare?

Posted on | by site_admin

Mobile devices and their gazillion apps have become an extension of our beings. There is an app to manage every aspect of our life. Healthcare is no exception, as more people turn to mobile apps to manage their health and wellness. For users, there is one for walking, running, sleeping, breathing, and everything you can imagine. 

A mobile app can be a powerful tool for healthcare providers to improve patient engagement and outcomes. However, developing a healthcare mobile app is not a simple task, and it comes with a price tag. If you are a healthcare provider, you may be wondering about the cost of developing a mobile app for healthcare.

In this article, we will explore the cost of healthcare app development, factors that impact the cost, and tips to keep the cost within budget. Here you can find a detailed guide for building a successful healthcare mobile app.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Healthcare Mobile App Development

Developing a healthcare mobile app is a complex process that requires careful planning, development, and testing. It involves various factors that influence the overall cost of the project. You can go for a ready solution or can choose custom development. Here is the difference between readymade and custom healthcare software.

Also, there are some key factors that can affect the cost of healthcare mobile app development. 

– The complexity of the app

The more complex the app, the more time and resources it takes to develop. The app’s complexity can affect the project’s design, development, and testing phases, ultimately affecting the cost.

– Features and functionalities

The more features and functionalities the app has, the more time and resources it takes to develop. Some essential features of a healthcare mobile app include patient registration, appointment booking, medication reminders, lab results, and telemedicine. Including advanced features such as real-time monitoring and health, tracking can significantly increase the development cost.

– Design and user experience

A poorly designed app with a subpar user experience can lead to low user engagement and negatively impact the overall brand reputation. Therefore, investing in the app’s design and user experience is essential to ensure that it is visually appealing, user-friendly, and meets the target audience’s needs. 

– Platform and device compatibility

The app should be compatible with different operating systems, including iOS and Android, and devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Developing an app compatible with multiple platforms and devices requires additional resources, which can affect the development cost.

– Integration with existing systems and data security

The app should integrate with existing healthcare systems such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) and provide secure data transmission and storage. Developing an app with robust data security and integration capabilities requires additional resources, affecting the development cost.

Average Cost of Healthcare Mobile App Development

Developing a healthcare mobile app can be a costly investment, and it is important to know the average costs involved before embarking on such a project. The cost of developing a healthcare mobile app can vary based on several factors that you can consider during development. Here is all the required information to develop a custom healthcare application.

When creating a healthcare app, it is essential to consider the best features to make it stand out from the competition. And also need to include the required key regulatory compliances for healthcare software and application.

Here are some of the most important features to include in-app and accordingly cost can be decided:

Average Cost of Healthcare Mobile App Development

– Multi-Option Login: A multi-option login interface allows users to log in through social media or manually enter user details. Creating and deploying a multi-option login to your healthcare app may range from $4,000 to $10,000.

– Scheduler: A scheduler is a critical healthcare app feature that helps manage different activities. This feature allows scheduling appointments and delivering synced alerts and notifications to users. Designing and integrating a scheduler may range from $500 to $700.

– Dashboard: An interactive dashboard provides users quick access to everything they wish to avail through your healthcare app. The cost of designing and developing interactive user dashboards may range from $10,000 to $15,000.

– Notifications and Reminders: Incorporating notifications and reminders are core functionalities required in a healthcare app. The feature can be personalized and precise for the users. The cost of integrating effective notifications and reminders in your healthcare app may range between $800 to $1,500.

– Geolocation: Geolocation access provides location-based functionalities in your healthcare app. Incorporating geolocation capabilities may cost between $7,000 to $15,000.

-In-App Chat: In-app chats facilitate fast and smooth delivery of solutions. Integrating in-app chat features into your healthcare app may cost anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000.

– Reviews and Ratings: Users can post reviews and ratings on your app, allowing other users to consider genuine remarks while making a call on availing of your app services. Integrating reviews and rating options into your healthcare app may cost between $3,000 and $7,000.

– Forum: A forum enhances interaction capabilities by allowing users to post their queries and product administrators to answer. Integrating a forum into your healthcare app may cost around $5,000 to $10,000.

– Privacy and Security: To sustain a competitive, risk-prone, and fast-evolving market, privacy and secure transactions are important. Implementing your healthcare app’s latest privacy and security standards and protocols can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000.

– Payment Gateway: A payment gateway plays a crucial role in ensuring the lucrative accomplishment of transactions. You can expect to pay between $3,000 to $7,000 to integrate multiple payment gateways into your product.

Cost-Saving Measures for Healthcare Mobile App Development

Don’t let the costs deter you from creating the app of your vision. There are always cost-saving measures that can make the whole process much more cost-effective. The following are some cost-saving measures that can be implemented during development.

– Prioritizing essential features and functionalities

It is vital to identify the core features that your app requires and focus on developing them first. You can save time and money by prioritizing essential features by avoiding developing unnecessary features.

– Agile development methodology

The Agile methodology enables developers to continually test and validate the app’s features, making it easier to identify and fix issues early in the development process. It is an effective way to manage costs because it involves breaking down the development process into small manageable tasks.

– Use of open-source tools and libraries

Using open-source tools and libraries can save costs during healthcare mobile app development. These tools can help speed the development process, reduce costs, and improve the app’s overall quality.

– Working with an experienced healthcare app development company

An experienced company will have the expertise to develop your app efficiently using the latest technologies and tools. Here are 5 key considerations for hiring the right healthcare app developers. They will also be able to identify potential issues early on in the development process and provide solutions to address them. This can help avoid costly mistakes and delays, ultimately leading to a better and more cost-effective product. 

Choose EMed HealthTech for your Custom Healthcare App Development 

The cost of developing a mobile app for healthcare varies depending on several factors. However, by considering cost-saving measures such as prioritizing essential features, using open-source tools, and working with an experienced healthcare app development company, you can significantly reduce the overall cost without compromising quality. 

EMed Healthtech is a reliable and experienced healthcare app development company that can help you build custom healthcare apps tailored to your needs and requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our custom healthcare app development services and take the first step toward creating a successful healthcare app.

Successful Healthcare App

Building a Successful Healthcare App: An In-Depth Guide

Posted on | by Ami Kothari

In today’s world, mobile applications have become an integral part of the healthcare industry. With the rise of telemedicine and the need for convenient healthcare services, the demand for healthcare apps has skyrocketed. However, building a healthcare app can be daunting, especially if you don’t have the right knowledge and resources. That’s why we’ve put together this in-depth guide to help you understand the crucial steps involved in developing a healthcare app that is both functional and successful.

Healthcare Applications Overview

A healthcare application is a software for mobile devices that helps users manage their health and wellness in real-time. These apps can track a user’s vital signs, monitor their medication, schedule appointments with doctors, and provide access to medical records, among other features. 

In the modern world, healthcare applications are increasingly relevant due to the widespread adoption of mobile devices and the growing demand for personalized healthcare solutions. These apps provide a convenient way for patients to manage their health, communicate with their doctors, and access medical information anytime, anywhere. Healthcare applications can potentially improve patient outcomes and increase efficiency in the healthcare industry. Here you can check all the required information about healthcare app development and customization.

What is the difference Between a Health App and a Medical App?

Health and medical apps may seem similar, but they have important differences. Here are some key distinctions:

Health apps:

– Designed for the general public

– Focus on providing health-related services and information

– Can be used without a claim on medical evidence

– Often cost less to develop

– Provide access to apps that track daily health data, such as fitness and wellness apps

Medical apps:

– Designed for medical professionals

– Focus on diagnosis and treatment based on analytical data

– Must comply with medical evidence and meet testing and adherence regulations

– The development process can be costly

– Provide access to electronic health records and patient information

3 Main Types of Healthcare Apps

Various types of healthcare apps are designed to meet the diverse needs of patients, medical professionals, and healthcare organizations. Here are three broad categories of healthcare apps:

1. Professional Healthcare Apps

These apps are designed for use by medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and medical students. They provide tools and resources to help medical professionals improve patient outcomes and increase efficiency in the healthcare industry. Examples of professional healthcare apps include Medical reference apps, Electronic health record (EHR) apps, and Medical calculator apps. 

2. Healthcare Apps for Patients

These apps are designed to help patients manage their health and wellness. They provide a range of tools and resources to help patients track their symptoms, monitor their medication, and communicate with their doctors. Examples of healthcare apps for patients include Medication reminder apps, Fitness and wellness apps, and Telemedicine apps. 

3. Health Apps for Medical Administration Staff

These apps are designed to help healthcare organizations manage their operations more efficiently. They provide tools and resources to help medical administrators manage staff, schedules, and patient data. Examples of health apps for medical administration staff include Medical billing and coding apps, Staff scheduling apps, and Patient management apps.

Benefits of Healthcare App for Doctors and Patients

—->Benefits for Doctors:

– Faster decision making

– More accurate diagnosing

– Less stress and burnout

– Improved communication between professionals

– Better hospital and equipment management

– Reduced cost of healthcare provision

—-> Benefits for Patients:

– Higher quality care

– On-demand accessible care

– Better control over health data

– Secure payments

– Engagement

Use Cases for a Healthcare App 

Use Cases for a Healthcare App

Healthcare apps have become essential for managing and improving medical care. Here are some of the most popular use cases for healthcare applications.

1. Telehealth & Telemedicine 

Allows medical specialists to deliver remote medical services, communicate online and get efficient medical care faster.

2. Electronic Health Records (EHR/EMR)

EHR/EMR Software tracks, stores, updates, and collects all medical information about a patient on a single platform.

3. Health Informational Exchange (HIE)

Measures a patient’s vital parameters easily and quickly using only a smartphone’s authentication transfers data faster, and allows doctors to monitor and analyze the necessary information.

4. Built-in Diagnostic Systems

Collects and processes data from embedded and IoT devices integrated with EHR platforms, allowing doctors to visualize, analyze and diagnose remote patients.

5. E-prescribing (eRx)

Creates, stores, and sends out prescriptions using the medical information system in the electronic health ecosystem, minimizing errors during check-out and saving time.

6. RCM & Medical Billing

A medical billing system that covers EHR and Practices Management services, accessible on the go, saving users from investing in expensive hardware or worrying about IT, data encryption, and security compliance.

What is the Cost & Time Taken to Develop a Healthcare App?

The cost and time required to develop a healthcare app depend on the type of product, features, and team involved in healthcare app development services. It is crucial to clearly understand the requirements and target audience to build a successful app. By leveraging rapid prototyping and outsourcing to an agency in a cost-effective region, it is possible to develop a healthcare app without losing investors’ money. 

It can take anywhere between 6-8 months for development. As for the cost, no definitive number can be stated as the software’s features depend on the customer, which can greatly vary the cost. 

6 Main Steps to Build a Healthcare Mobile App

Here are the steps to follow while building a healthcare app:

Step 1: Conduct a market analysis to study your niche, understand your competitors, and identify how you can stand out.

Step 2: Study your audience through user research, such as interviews, focus groups, or surveys, to find out the pain points of your target audience. Ensure to maintain an ethical balance while conducting user research.

Step 3: Choose the healthcare app type that aligns with your app’s database, functionality, and goal. Define key points with your team, such as the kind of app you need, how it will work, and what pains it will solve.

Step 4: Create a user-friendly and consistent design that leads the user to the endpoint smoothly, with fewer interaction points and reduced cognitive load.

Step 5: Ensure your app complies with HIPAA or GDPR to protect personal healthcare information. Follow a checklist that includes limiting access, ensuring data encryption, and using HIPAA-compliant services.

Step 6: Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to enter the market faster, prioritize vital features that solve the problem, and iterate constantly. The MVP will give you a competitive advantage and help you gather feedback from real users sooner.

Healthcare App MVP: Features Checklist

When building a healthcare app MVP, it’s important to prioritize the essential features that solve the problem you’re trying to address. Here’s a checklist for healthcare app MVP features.

—>For Doctor App:

– Doctor profiles

– One-on-one and group chats

– Calendar

– Notifications and alerts

– Patient health card

—>For Patient App:

– Patient profiles

– Chats

– Calendar

– Notifications and alerts

– Surveys

Must-Have Features in a Health Mobile Application

1. API & Integrations: APIs and integrations allow seamless communication and data exchange between healthcare systems and platforms.

2. Technology Stack for Healthcare Mobile App Development:

—>Backend Technologies: Common backend technologies for healthcare app development include Laravel, Node.js, and more

—>Frontend Technologies: React Native, Java, and Kotlin are popular choices for developing the front end of mobile healthcare apps.

3. Patient and Doctor Profiles:

Creating patient and doctor profiles help users easily access and manage their personal information and medical history.

4. Telemedicine Options:

Telemedicine features like one-on-one and group chats, video consultations, and appointment scheduling help patients and doctors communicate effectively and remotely.

5. Reminders and Notifications:

In-app reminders and notifications help patients manage their medication schedules and appointments, while doctors can receive real-time alerts for important updates and events.

6. Data Security Requirements:

Data security requirements in the USA, Canada, the UK, and the EU are stringent and require healthcare apps to comply with regulations such as HIPAA, PIPEDA, GDPR, and others.

What’s Next After You’ve Built a Healthcare App?

After building a healthcare app, it’s essential to continue improving it and gain user adoption. Here are some steps you can take:

– Sneak up on users and ask for feedback openly

– Watch for major OS updates and make sure your app remains compatible

– Spy on the competition and look for areas where you can improve your app

– Validate your idea with healthcare professionals and patients

– Leverage mobile app analytics to measure and improve the overall user experience

– Conduct A/B testing to identify and implement the best features

– Define how you will market and gain adoption of your app

– Use social media to promote your app

– Create an attractive landing page for your app

– Utilize traditional marketing methods to reach a wider audience.

Final Words 

Choosing the right healthcare app development company is crucial for building a successful healthcare mobile app. EMed HealthTech is a leading healthcare app development company that can help you build an award-winning healthcare app. 

With a team of experienced developers and a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, EMed HealthTech can create custom healthcare apps that meet your needs. From ideation and design to development and launch, EMed HealthTech can guide you through the entire process to ensure that your app succeeds. 

Looking for reliable healthcare app development services? Our team will be happy to discuss your next healthcare app development project. Get in touch with us today!  

the-future-of-technology

Future of Technology in Healthcare Industry and Medical Software Development

Posted on | by site_admin

The healthcare industry is rapidly changing and evolving, and technology is driving much of the progress. From AI-powered diagnostics to robotic surgery, the future of healthcare is shaped by tech solutions. Healthcare software development is essential to provide the tools needed to make this a reality, and companies are racing to develop innovative and effective solutions.

Healthcare software like telemedicine apps, EHR software, and hospital management software is increasingly popular in hospitals, thanks to their immense benefits. This is also evident in the numbers, as a study reports 80% of healthcare providers to plan to invest in digital and software solutions in the next five years.

Let us dive into the article and find out how technology is changing the future of the healthcare industry and medical software development.

 

Healthcare Software Development: Industry Growth

Healthcare software development is gaining momentum in the current digital landscape. According to marketsandmarkets.com, the global healthcare IT market was estimated to be at $394.6 billion in 2022. It is expected to grow to $974.5 billion by 2027. This includes IT solutions like telehealth, e-prescription, mHealth, and other HCIT solutions.

Telemedicine software is one of the hottest trends in the healthcare software development market, as it is expected to have the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Telemedicine has enabled faster decision-making and improved the quality of patient care.

The drastic surge in the use of telemedicine apps during the COVID pandemic has now stabilized to give more hopeful data showing consistent growth over time. This technology is also being widely accepted across different counties. China leads the way with a 76% adoption rate by 2024. India follows closely behind, with 59% of users already using it. Here is what you can expect from Telehealth and Telemedicine in 2023 and beyond.

 

The State of Custom Healthcare Software Development

The healthcare industry is no stranger to technological advancements, and custom software solutions are becoming popular for healthcare organizations of all sizes. Custom healthcare software solutions offer unique advantages to providers, allowing them to tailor their software to specific needs and optimize their operations.

According to Grand View Research, the custom software development industry was valued at $24.46 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.3% from 2022 to 2030.

The market growth is driven by a few important factors, such as the need for real-time data analysis in industrial applications, the requirement for more flexible workspaces to maximize productivity, and the increasing popularity of the low code development platform (LCDP) for straightforward software development. In addition, the adoption of analytics and the rise of various technologies like AI-driven Chatbots and robotics automation is fueling the market growth. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered the adoption of technology that allowed remote working and cost-cutting for enterprises, which led to a surge in custom software for scalability.

 

Custom Healthcare IT Solutions Classification

Custom healthcare IT solutions can be broadly classified into two types: business-centric and patient-centric. Let us take a look at both.

Business-centric Healthcare IT solutions

Business-centric IT solutions are designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare organizations. Some of the popular solutions in this category include:

– Hospital Management Software: This software helps manage all the operations of a hospital, from patient management to billing and inventory control

– Electronic Health Record (EHR) Software: This software provides a secure, centralized repository for patient health information, enabling providers to access patient data anywhere at any time.

– Medical Imaging Software: Medical imaging technicians and doctors can store, manage, and analyze medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

– Medical Diagnosis Software: This software helps healthcare providers make accurate diagnoses by incorporating a vast database of medical knowledge, guidelines, and algorithms.

– Medical Billing Software: The medical billing process becomes more efficient and free of error thanks to this software.

– Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Software: This software helps healthcare organizations improve their financial performance by streamlining billing and collections processes.

Patient-centric HealthTech Solutions

Patient-centric solutions are designed to empower patients and improve their overall healthcare experience. Some of the popular solutions in this category include:

– Telemedicine Software: This software enables patients to receive medical care remotely, using video conferencing and other technologies.

– Patient Information Portal: This online platform provides patients with secure access to their health information, including test results, medication lists, and other relevant data.

– Personal Health Record (PHR) Software: This software gives patients control over their health information by allowing them to store, track, and manage their medical data.

– E-Prescribing Software: This enables healthcare providers to send prescription information directly to a patient’s pharmacy, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.

By improving the patient experience, patient-centric solutions help healthcare organizations achieve their goals of providing high-quality care and improving patient outcomes.

Leading Trends in Tech and Healthcare Software Development

The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and the increasing demand for better, more accessible care.

– Telemedicine and Remote Healthcare Services: With the rise of telemedicine and other remote healthcare services, patients can receive care from their homes, reducing the need for in-person visits and increasing access to care.

– Personal Medical Devices: A growing number of personal medical devices, such as wearable monitors, blood glucose meters, and heart rate monitors, are making it easier for patients to track and manage their health.

– Healthcare Software Development Based on AI: Artificial intelligence is transforming the healthcare industry by improving diagnoses, reducing medical errors, and increasing efficiency.

– Virtual and Augmented Reality Technologies: Virtual and augmented reality technologies are being used to train medical professionals, improve patient education, and even treat certain medical conditions.

– Nanotech and Robotics: Nanotechnology and robotics are being used to develop new medical devices, treatments, and diagnostic tools, making it possible to tackle some of the most challenging health problems.

– Wearable Devices: Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, are becoming increasingly popular among patients, making it easier for them to monitor their health and manage their wellness.

These trends are shaping the future of healthcare, improving access to care and delivering better health outcomes for patients.

Reasons to Invest in HealthTech for Your Organization

Reasons to Invest in HealthTech for Your Organization

Investing in health tech can bring numerous benefits to your organization:

– Improved Patient Outcomes: By leveraging technology and software, healthcare organizations can improve care delivery and drive better patient health outcomes.

– Increased Efficiency: Healthtech solutions can automate administrative tasks, streamline processes, and reduce errors, helping organizations to operate more efficiently.

– Better Financial Performance: By improving care delivery and reducing costs, health tech solutions can drive positive financial results for your organization.

– Increased Access to Care: With the rise of telemedicine and other remote healthcare services, patients can receive care from the comfort of their homes, increasing access to care and reducing the burden on healthcare organizations.

– Better Data Management: Healthtech solutions can provide a centralized repository for patient health information, enabling healthcare organizations to manage, analyze, and share data more effectively.

– Competitive Advantage: Investing in health tech can help your organization stay ahead of the curve and differentiate itself from its competitors.

How Custom Software Development is Shaping the Healthcare Sector

How Custom Software Development is Shaping the Healthcare Sector

Custom software development significantly impacts the healthcare sector by providing healthcare organizations with tailored solutions that meet their specific needs and goals. Here is how:

– Improving Clinical Operations: Custom software can help healthcare organizations streamline and automate their clinical operations, improving care delivery and reducing the risk of errors.

– Enhancing Patient Experience: Custom software can be used to develop patient-facing solutions, such as telemedicine platforms and personal health record systems, that improve the patient experience and increase engagement.

– Increasing Data Management Capabilities: Custom software can provide healthcare organizations with the tools they need to manage, analyze, and share patient health data, improving decision-making and outcomes.

– Enhancing Cybersecurity: Custom software development can help healthcare organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures, protecting sensitive patient data and ensuring regulatory compliance.

 

The Growing Demand for Healthcare Software Developers

The demand for healthcare software developers is rising as the healthcare industry increasingly relies on technology and software solutions. The growing adoption of health tech, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, the changing patient needs and expectations, increasing regulation, and the need to improve clinical operations are driving the demand for healthcare software developers.

Healthcare organizations seek developers who can help them develop innovative solutions that meet these needs, comply with regulatory requirements, and improve care delivery through technology and software solutions. The demand for healthcare software developers will continue to grow in the coming years.

Here you can find all details about custom healthcare app development, including types, features, advantages, and more.

How EMed HealthTech Can Help You Build Custom Healthcare Solutions

It is evident from the direction of the market and the glaring numbers that custom healthcare solution is the answer the healthcare sector needs. EMed HealthTech recognizes this.

Whether you are looking to develop a ready-made or custom healthcare software solution, EMed HealthTech can help you build the right solution for your organization. With its team of experienced healthcare software developers and a proven track record of delivering successful projects, EMed HealthTech is the ideal healthcare software development company for your next project. You can hire health-tech developers from here.

 

 

 

Custom-Healthcare-App-Development

All You Need to Know About Custom Healthcare App Development

Posted on | by Ami Kothari

Time has flown from the advent of modern medicine to where we are now. Technology has grown exponentially from one to the next, and with it, the way we interact with medical healthcare services. Telehealth services like healthcare apps have changed the face of healthcare services. This article takes an in-depth look at custom healthcare app development.

What are Healthcare Apps?

Healthcare apps are designed to make the interactions between medical professionals and people convenient and effective. These apps have different functions. Some apps facilitate consulting a doctor for illnesses, while some enable an online pharmacy. Other apps create a holistic approach to managing a patient’s health by integrating different factors. They also provide remote access to patients to enable monitoring them, thus making it easier to manage resources and provide the best for the patient. All of these apps are useful for the patient as well as the doctor in many ways and are actively recommended to all healthcare facilities, owing to the enormous benefits they offer.

Why It’s Essential for Healthcare Providers to Build a Medical App in 2023

Healthcare providers seek a good custom healthcare app development company to create a custom-made app that fits their requirements. This is mainly because recent times have proven significant benefits in choosing a virtual healthcare service over an in-person one. The COVID pandemic, in April 2020, showed a tremendous increase in the use of telemedicine services, which was up to 38 times higher than previous records. The general public is more aware of a healthcare app’s benefits and would choose it if the healthcare provider offered it. Here are some benefits a patient would have from a healthcare app.

The general public is more aware of a healthcare app’s benefits and would choose it if the healthcare provider offered it. Here are some benefits a patient would have from a healthcare app.

– Save Money on travel expenses.

– Lower exposure to pathogens due to social distancing.

– Higher rates of keeping appointments.

– Easier access to specialized healthcare.

– Beat social stigma associated with certain illnesses.

– Better health management with regular follow-ups virtually.

When it comes to a doctor and healthcare facilities, they have benefits like:

– Better management of time and appointment schedules.

– Better health records management.

– Better work-life balance with more work done in less time.

– Track patient health and identify effective treatment methods.

Types of Medical and Healthcare Apps

Healthcare and medical apps are umbrella terms for the different kinds of ways in which technology enables better interactions between a patient and a healthcare facility. It may be through video conferencing to provide consultation and e-prescriptions, through home delivery of medicines, tracking vitals through wearable technology, etc. Here are some of the common types of healthcare and medical apps.

1. Telemedicine App: Apps that facilitate booking an appointment with doctors and use video conferencing or audio to talk to the doctor as opposed to the traditional in-person doctor visit. Also, read 10 Benefits of Telemedicine Apps in Virtual Healthcare.
2. Online pharmacy: This app allows users to browse the medicine they require using an e-prescription, buy them online through safe payment portals and get them delivered to their homes.
3. Integrated Healthcare Platform: This brings together three vital healthcare services, telemedicine, online pharmacy, and lab services. All of these can be accessed from a single platform.
4. Patient Engagement: These are apps designed to bring doctors and patients to a platform where the doctor can engage the patient with information on all aspects of their health.
5. Remote Patient Monitoring: With the advent of IoT-based smart wearables that track a person’s vitals, healthcare providers can keep track of the patient’s health in real-time.
6. Chronic Disease Management: Diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases, which can only be managed and not cured, can be better managed with apps that facilitate better interactions.

 

The Best Features of Healthcare Apps

Here are some features one needs to include in a well-built healthcare app.

– Simplified Registration: An easy-to-navigate registration process is the most important to get the patient on board.

– ChatBots: Chatbots are an AI-powered feature that can help users get where they want with simple instructions, clear doubts, and get follow-up tips, etc.

– Physician Search: Functions that help patients decide which doctor they should consult based on their symptoms greatly help patients.

– Appointment Scheduling: This Feature should help the patient as well as the clinic manage appointments and schedule them to everyone’s convenience.

– Appointment Reminders: Patients may not always remember appointments, especially older patients. This feature can help them keep appointments efficiently.

– Video-conferencing feature: A video-conferencing feature allows the doctor to meet the patient virtually. With the best technology, this feature can be made smooth.

– E-prescriptions: These are electronically made prescriptions that can be shared with online pharmacies. It also prevents the misreading of hand-written prescriptions.

– Medication Reminder: Patients may also forget to eat their medicines on time, making the treatment ineffective.

– Safe Payment Portals: Ideally, a healthcare app requires strong safety features and payment features that are well-guarded to protect the patient’s details.

– Data Privacy: Many patients’ details are shared on healthcare apps, including their banking details. Without good security, patients may not trust the app.

Top Advantages of Custom Healthcare Apps Over Pre-Built Apps

Advantages-of-Custom-Healthcare-Apps

It goes without saying that a custom healthcare app is always better than off-the-shelf pre-built apps. Here you can find more about what is difference between custom healthcare software and ready-made healthcare software. Here are some of the advantages of custom healthcare apps:

  – Customization: When custom-making for your healthcare facility, you can customize it to meet your particular needs.

  – Autonomy: You can have better autonomy over the custom-made app than a premade app.
Compatibility: You can change the features to suit your particular needs and make them compatible with the services you offer.

  – Scalability: With custom-made apps, you can scale up and down according to your growth.

  – The advantage over the competition: The app can be made to give you high customization and deliver better results, giving you an advantage over competitors.

  – Affordable: Custom-made apps mean you pay only for what you need compared to pre-made apps. You can increase the app modules when needed and only pay then.

  – Safety: The app has better safety than pre-made ones. It keeps all your patient data safe, giving you better trust from your customers.

  – Compliance: Every medical healthcare app has to abide by certain rules and regulations. With custom healthcare apps, you can ensure you follow each of them according to the services you subscribe to. Here is the list of key regulatory compliance standards healthcare software developers know.

Why Choose EMed HealthTech as Your Custom Healthcare App Development Partner?

The healthcare industry has traveled far from its humble origins and is advancing tremendously. There is not a stone unturned in its path when it comes to integrating technology. When the best of technology comes together with the best of healthcare services, magic happens.

Custom healthcare app development has become a necessity for healthcare services today. There is no longer time to consider whether or not they need it. It has become an integral part of healthcare and is also preferred by patients. Hospitals, clinics, and even private practices refer to include technology in some way to make their services better.

When choosing a custom healthcare app development company, you should consider how their expertise aligns with your needs. Not all companies are involved in a broad spectrum of custom healthcare app development.

EMed HealthTech is a custom healthcare software development company engaged in stellar app development with a highly acclaimed list of satisfied clients. At EMed HealthTech, we provide the best healthcare IT solutions to match your specific needs, help you improve the quality of healthcare services, and increase revenue. To know more about Healthcare apps, Schedule a Call Now.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are healthcare apps?

Healthcare applications are apps that are specialized in providing virtual access to the various healthcare services provided by a healthcare center.

2. How to build a healthcare app?

A healthcare application is best custom-made to suit the healthcare facility’s needs. A team of app development experts like EMed HealthTech will often provide the most suitable and cost-effective way to achieve this.

3. Why are healthcare apps important?

Healthcare apps are important because they provide the necessary technological intervention of the time. It allows people to access these services easily.

4. How much does custom healthcare app development cost?

The cost depends upon the kinds of features you want to include. A custom healthcare app is always affordable and can stay within budgets.

 

10-Benefits-of-5G-Launch-on-Healthcare-in-India

10 Benefits of 5G Launch on Healthcare in India

Posted on | by Ami Kothari

The advancements in modern technology have always been a boon for the world of healthcare. The latest 5G rollout is no different. At the outset, faster internet services and better connectivity bring immense potential to be explored in the healthcare sector.

First, let us look at the new technology that we call 5G and how it is different from its predecessors. Also, we take an in-depth look at what this means for the health sector in India. For a nation speeding its way towards development and modernization, the healthcare sector can benefit significantly from this new technology. Finally, we look at what it means for healthcare app development, which relies heavily on the speed and quality of the internet connection.

What is 5G?

Let us shed some light on what 5G is. In simple terms, 5G refers to the Fifth Generation of wireless network technology. For the previous generations, 1G focused on improving voice quality, which was picked up and improved upon by 2G. 3G is what opened the avenues of the internet to mobile users. 4G immensely increased the speed of wireless internet and data sharing.

What 5G brings to the table is high-speed connectivity, high data rate, low latency, and highly reliable communications. It also has aspects that increase energy efficiency, network efficiency, and spectrum efficiency.

When was 5G launched in India?

India launched 5G internet services on October 1, 2022. It was launched ceremoniously by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Indian Mobile Congress in New Delhi. It was flagged off and will be available in select cities across India. The 5G services will be progressively available throughout the country in the coming years. The Prime Minister called it a “knock on the doors of a new era”. The opportunities a technology like 5G presents to India are immense.

 

How does 5G benefit healthcare in India?

Previously 4G was used in the healthcare sector to improve the services, reach, and efficiency. However, 4G was not without faults. It was riddled with lags and would often fail its purpose. However, the new 5G improves upon 4G at incredible rates. Here are some of the imminent benefits of adopting 5G services in the healthcare sector in India.

Benefits of 5G Launch on Healthcare in India

1.  Connected ambulance

This concept could help improve emergency services, the quality of healthcare provided, and better outcomes for the patient. A connected ambulance would have means to transmit vital information about the patient, which can help better understand the patient’s condition, even before they arrive at the hospital. 5G’s better connectivity can also help doctors guide paramedics to conduct emergency procedures.

2. Collaborative surgery

Surgical procedures can get a boost with 5G procedures. While telesurgery is still a long way, collaborative surgeries are an attainable goal. With the help of AR/VR headsets, doctors can collaborate by watching in real-time and providing comments as another doctor performs the surgery.

3. Virtual consultations at HD quality

While internet connectivity already brought the facility of remote consultation, 5G takes it to a new level with its high speed and higher consistent quality. With 5G, the screening and assessments required for a consultation can be done online, thanks to the quality of the stream 5G ensures. Visual diagnoses can take a new definition with 5G assistance.

4. Faster image and records processing

5G offers better connectivity for transferring diagnostic images and reports at a stunning speed. What earlier took a long time can now in a surprisingly low amount of time. This gives patients faster access to treatment as they don’t have to shuttle between hospitals and diagnostic centers for results.

5. Remote patient monitoring with Telemedicine

Remote healthcare service delivery with a Telemedicine platform can be more efficient and proactive with 5G. With high speed, quality, and security, patients in far-off areas and those with chronic illnesses or mobility issues can use the services of 5G internet.

6. AR & VR for visually challenged

There are a lot of visually challenged people who suffer from impairment to different degrees. With the help of 5G-powered AR and VR tech, they can have a better sense of control over their surroundings with audio assistance from VR/AR goggles. Live advisors help them navigate their surroundings with high-speed 5G-powered tech.

7. Medication assistance through HD video

One of the innovative ways internet connections are used is to help those who may need help with medication assistance. This may be elderly or mentally ill patients who may not be able to have their medication in the prescribed amount or at the right time. Trained pharmacists engage them at the right time to consume the right amount of medicine. Thanks to 5G, this can be done in real-time and in high-quality streaming.

8. Innovative use in therapy

The use of AR and VR in rehabilitative therapy and distraction therapy has been implemented in different countries. It has potential applications in India as well. With the help of advanced 5G, this is possible. Patients can use AR/VR-assisted therapy.

9. 5G for medical education

The high speed, quality, and consistency 5G offers are a boon for medical students. With remote education a tangible option, 5G offers the potential to conduct in-depth training via high-speed connectivity. Students can watch AR/VR setup or live streaming procedures and collaborate.

10. Real-time transfer of data from wearables

Wearable tech has become a staple among our accessories. But when equipped with 5G tech, it becomes a powerful tool that transfers vital data in real-time. It can help recognize anomalies and connect to healthcare providers who can monitor your vitals remotely.

 

What does it mean for healthcare app development?

Healthcare software development is an area that is immensely benefited from the advancement of 5G technology. With 5G tech, healthcare services can be distributed more democratically and efficiently among people. Hospitals prefer to invest in custom healthcare software development as they see its potential in bridging the gap between healthcare services and the common man. Also, read A Guide to Custom Healthcare Software Development.

If you are looking for custom healthcare app development services, EMed HealthTech is a reliable destination for you. Our expert team of healthcare software developers specializes in building custom healthcare app and software that efficiently run on 5G technology. We will help you leverage technology to gain a competitive edge while delivering high-quality services to a wider group of customers. Book an appointment with us to get started today!

 

Custom-Healthcare-Software-vs.-Readymade-Healthcare

Custom Healthcare Software vs. Readymade Healthcare Software

Posted on | by Ami Kothari

Technological advancements have found innovative applications in every industry. The Healthcare sector has benefited by using technology to make its processes smooth and more efficient. They may be healthcare software development that aids in running a medical facility smoothly or a device that provides better medical service.
When it comes to hospital management software, there are a lot of options available. Are you looking for business-centric medical software like a patient health record management system, medical billing software, or hospital management software? There is also the option of patient-centric software like telemedicine software, appointment scheduler, medicine order software, etc.

Whether you are looking for a patient- or business-centric healthcare software, there are two ways to go about it. You can either choose custom healthcare app development or software development that suits your needs or buy ready-made software available in the market. It is a tough decision as it is a huge business investment. So we break down everything in this article to help you choose the right one for your business strategy.

What are the different types of healthcare software?

Before you dive into the world of custom-made and ready-made healthcare software, let us look at the different kinds of healthcare software that are used by a medical facility like a hospital:

healthcare software

 

Online Pharmacy Software

An Online Pharmacy/ePharmacy is an online platform for medical store owners, through which they can sell medicines online to their customers.

Hospital Management Software

This versatile software has many components like appointment management, patient management, supply management, facility management, insurance management, support management, etc.

Medicine Delivery Software

A medicine delivery software allows patients to order prescribed medicines online that will be delivered via the nearest pharmacy store.

EHR Software

EHR or Electronic Health Record serves as a patient’s medical history database. With comprehensive data available, medical services become more efficient.

Telemedicine Software

Telemedicine, a part of Telehealth, delivers healthcare using electronic information & technology and supports healthcare when distance separates the patients.

Medical Imaging Software

This software allows doctors to view, store, train, and share medical data and provide efficient treatment.

Doctor Appointment Booking Software

Doctor appointment booking software is specially developed to help patients to book, manage and schedule appointments with doctors or video consultations.

Medical Billing Software

This software is ideal for hospitals to prevent mistakes, enhance the patient experience, and provide an efficient interface to manage all the expenses within a facility.

Medical Lab Diagnosis Software

This is an AI-powered lab diagnosis software that can automate and interconnect medical diagnostic processes. It ensures that there is a low chance of error in the diagnostic results.

What are Custom Healthcare Software and Readymade Healthcare Software?

Custom Healthcare Software

Every health care facility is different. Each has a different approach to doing business and hence has unique requirements. Naturally, such a facility would want custom healthcare app development or software development to suit its needs. It is a personalized healthcare product designed according to the business’s needs. It is designed to easily adapt to existing business processes and launch new digital workflows with ease. It is not meant to be sold or distributed to other parties.

The different tools and features of such custom healthcare software are privately owned by the same company. With custom healthcare software development, features suited to the business are readily available. The healthcare business can easily target certain aspects, maximize efficiency, and exact the required output. It is a transparent application with no hidden functionality or costs, with an interface designed specifically for the client’s ease.

Ready-Made Healthcare Software

Readymade healthcare software is generic. It is built by large healthcare software development companies that cater to entire industries and different businesses.
Readymade healthcare software is suitable for a whole range of businesses. Hence it has a larger host of functionalities to serve the needs of different types of users. It is designed for commercial sale. It has easy configurations that allow it to be integrated into existing systems without hassles.

It has a lot of features, some of which may be useful and some of which might not be. It can also have hidden costs and features irrelevant to the business buying such software. Its features cater to the general need of a particular type of business rather than the specific needs of a business. Hence it cannot fully adapt to the needs of the business.

Benefits of Custom Made Healthcare Software

Let us look closely at the advantages of custom healthcare software development and readymade healthcare software.

Custom healthcare software advantages

  • Customization: Custom-made software has highly adapted features to your business processes.
  • Compatibility: Software designed to suit your needs is highly compatible with your business processes and workflows.
  • Autonomy: You can automate tasks, integrate processes and expand features in any way that works for you.
  • An advantage over competitors: With a higher level of personalization, you get a competitive advantage over other businesses.
  • Scalability: Your business is ever-changing and growing. Custom healthcare software that scales up with your growth is a great investment.
  • Economical and Effective: Custom-made healthcare software is much more economical than ready-made healthcare software. This is because businesses can use all the features without renewing their license yearly or buying new features as the business grows.
  • Better Security: It has a better security system than software openly available for sale. It ensures all your data, including patient and administrative data, are safe from prying eyes.
  • Compliance: Compliance is a sensitive issue that has to be handled with care. Custom-made software ensures that it is built and compliant with the rules and regulations under whose jurisdiction your business falls.

Benefits of Ready-made Healthcare Software

  • Readily available: There is no need to spend time developing software as it is readily available off the shelf.
  • Lower initial investment: Buying ready-made software solutions is cheaper than developing a custom-made one. It has free trial periods that let you decide whether the software suits your needs. It has flexible price ranges determined by the number of software users than the software itself.
  • Multi-Functional: A ready-made solution is meant for use by many people than a custom-made solution. This means you get a feature-rich product that can be used according to your specific needs.
  • User Friendly: It is designed to be highly user-friendly and meant for intuitive use. Since it cannot be explained to each new user, it is meant to be self-explanatory.
  • High Community Support: Since it is used by many people, dedicated communities provide invaluable support in the form of information and hacks to make it easier to use.
  • Maintenance and Support: Ready-made software gets automated updates throughout its usage. You can also avail of comprehensive support for your application without having to deploy your teams for it.

EMed HealthTech: Your Answer for all Healthcare Software Solutions

There are plenty of healthcare software service providers that design software for the needs of your business. However, finding a design company that tailors software to your needs can be a tough challenge. Whether ready or custom-made healthcare software, you need to hire software developers who can diligently understand your needs and apply them to the software.

Also, check out this blog What is the Importance Of Healthcare IT Solutions in Patient Care?

EMed HealthTech has been a leading player in the healthcare software development industry for almost a decade. We specialize as healthcare IT consultants providing expert service with our software solutions. Whether you are planning to hire healthcare app developers for custom or ready-made healthcare software, EMed HealthTech has done it all. With a long list of loyal clients, we focus on empowering our clients with healthcare software solutions that maximize business outcomes and improve user experience. Reach out to us today to get a free estimate.

Key-Regulatory-Compliance-Standards

Key Regulatory Compliance Standards That Healthcare Software Developers Should Know About

Posted on | by Ami Kothari

Building healthcare software from scratch is no cakewalk. A lot of effort goes into ensuring the software works as planned and checks every box, from performance to compliance. However, this last bit is where many custom healthcare software development projects take stumble.

Healthcare regulatory and security compliance and regulations are matters that cannot be taken lightly. With authorities worldwide tightening up data security norms, the penalties for non-compliance are harsh, and companies at fault have to pay dearly. Earlier this year, a healthcare software provider was fined a whopping $1.5 million in fines to French data protection authorities. In the US, penalties for security violations by medical companies can cost up to $1.5 million.

In short, the devil is always in the details, and the nitty-gritty details in the regulations can land you in trouble.

Therefore, if you are planning on healthcare software or healthcare app development,

This article will give you an idea of what compliances and regulations are, why they are implemented, and the different regulations you should be aware of.

What are Regulatory Compliances for Healthcare Products?

As in every industry, the healthcare industry is also ruled by certain regulations that determine what is legal and illegal. These are designed with everyone’s best interest at heart, and not complying can come with hefty penalties. There are issues like privacy and data security, and safety and care for the patient that these regulations try to address. If healthcare software does not follow these regulations, it can invite large amounts of fines and disciplinary action from the government.

Every country has certain regulations the healthcare industry needs to follow while implementing healthcare software solutions. Some of the major regulations are given below.

  1. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) -USA
  2. The Federal Food, Medicine, and Cosmetic Act-(FFDCA)-USA
  3. Food and Medicine Administration (FDA) -USA
  4. Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) -USA
  5. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – Australia
  6. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) -Canada
  7. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — The European Union -European Union

Complying to these depending upon where your healthcare service is focused is crucial. Let us look at some of the reasons why regulations and compliances need to be followed.

 

Why Is It Essential to Follow Regulatory Compliance in Healthcare Software and App Development?

Privacy & Data Security

Regarding healthcare software development, the primary concern that regulations take care of is privacy and data security.
The digital world is constantly threatened with cyber attacks, and, naturally, there are potential threats to healthcare solutions too. The sensitive data that people share with healthcare providers are stored digitally. This software often uses cloud computing technology to function. All of these cyber spaces are prone to attacks and data theft.
This threat also makes people more reluctant to use software solutions, making everything much easier. It is a hurdle healthcare providers have to overcome. Thankfully, governments are issuing strict regulations that protect patient health information(PHI).

Patient-Centric Care

These regulations are not only about data protection but part of an overall effort to make healthcare more patient-centric. With these regulations in place, the healthcare IT service provider has to put the patient’s needs first and give utmost care to not let any slip-ups happen. It also curbs fraudulent practices within the healthcare system, ensuring no patient is taken advantage of by the big industry. In connection to the previous point, data protection protects the patient from potential emotional harm a data or identity theft can cause them.

Avoid Fines and financial losses

The price to pay for not complying with government regulations can be sometimes too high. It is rightly so as it is not a small thing to overlook. Fines as high as $1.5 million can be incurred if the healthcare software used does not comply with the regulations of the place.

A healthcare service provider can also incur heavy losses if these protective measures are not adhered to. Data breaches, holding data for ransom, etc are ways in which healthcare providers can be ensnared in the cyber traps.

Regulatory Approval

It goes without saying that you cannot get your software product to work in the public sector without the seal of approval from these regulatory bodies. Moving forward without gaining a certificate of compliance is impossible. Only in the case of updated regulations can the above problems come into existence.
These are some of the compliance reasons. Let us look at some of the healthcare standards you should be aware of before you hire healthcare software developers.

Regulatory Compliances for Healthtech Products in Different Countries

Countless regulations ensure compliance in the healthcare industry. Instead of it being a deterrent, it ensures better services and benefits for all involved. Some of the major ones are:

FFDCA – USA

The Federal Food, Medicine, and Cosmetic Act govern medical devices, under which healthcare software falls, pharmaceuticals, and more. To get FFDCA compliance, one has to first comply with several other approvals like the PMA (Pre-Market Approval), Pre-Cert Program (Digital Health Software Pre-Certification Program), SaMD (Software as a Medical Device), and the LDT (Laboratory Developed Test).

HIPAA – USA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 defines the rules ones needs to follow if one intends to collect, store and exchange personal data from a customer. Healthcare facilities that do not comply with this can bring legal action against them.

If your software is related to PHI (protected health information), EMRs (electronic medical records), or EHR (electronic health records), then you need to comply with the HIPAA requirements.

HITECH Act – USA

The HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical) Act came into place to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. It enforces healthcare providers to comply with HIPAA regulations.

Food and Medicine Administration (FDA)

Every software application or standalone device meant for mass public use must first undergo the rigorous scrutiny of the FDA under the United States Department of Health and Human Services. FDA assesses the software for compliance and regulations and only then approves its use and distribution among the public.

OAIC – Australia

Regulations pertaining to the use and distribution of software and healthcare technology are administered by the OAIC or Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. It defines how the personal information from patients is collected, stored, and disclosed. It also gives patients full control over sensitive data. Healthcare providers must give them complete network security and immediate reports in case of data breaches.

PIPEDA – Canada

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, 2000 (PIPEDA) governs the rules for personal information handled by businesses for commercial activity. It is similar to HIPAA, however, it provides additional data protection in medical apps. It can fine up to $100,000 for each case of violation.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — The European Union

This is generally applicable inside the European Union. Compared to other regulatory bodies, GDPR widens what falls under sensitive data, including biometric data, genetic data, IP addresses, and data on racial and ethnic origin and religion. Individuals can withdraw their consent at any time.

Conclusion

Compliances and Regulations in custom healthcare app development must be carefully considered before the final product is rolled out. It is better to be aware of and implement the regulations than to suffer financial losses and government legal action. Before you decide to hire healthcare app developers, you must check whether they have a history of non-compliance or legal action being taken against them.

Also, check out this blog A Guide to Custom Healthcare Software Development.

It is better to hire an experienced team that can provide the best custom healthcare services and solutions with all the necessary compliances than to clean up after the mess of an inexperienced team. EMed HealthTech is your best bet if you want to create a system that adheres to all regulations. We provide the best service to our clients with compliance followed to the dot and constant updates on all changing regulations. Reach out to us today to book an appointment with us at EMed HealthTech.

All-in-One-Guide

A Guide to Custom Healthcare Software Development

Posted on | by Ami Kothari

Healthcare and technology have found new grounds for collaboration with the various forms of virtual health care via Telemedicine apps. Be it for your appointment with your doctor, collecting blood reports, or even tracking your general well-being and vitals, there is a technological solution for it today.

Healthcare technology has eased the many problems we face from the conventional healthcare system. Virtual healthcare in the form of virtual doctor visits, mobile pharmaceuticals, laboratory service, and health records management has become a household name as well as a need of time. The shift to technologically advanced solutions that are convenient is inevitable.

Let us then take a look at what the numbers suggest:

  1. Although telemedicine or virtual healthcare has been around for a long time, its usage saw an all-time spike in April of 2020. The usage of virtual healthcare during April 2020 was 78x higher than in February 2020, according to McKinsey and Company.
  2. The Asia-Pacific regions reported a surge from 4% to 56% during 2021, as per a survey by Willis Towers Watson.
  3. The Indian telemedicine industry is predicted to have a CAGR of 23.89% from 2020-2025 according to biresearch.com.

Apart from the response from the patients, healthcare providers are also eagerly adopting virtual care and telemedicine software solutions. According to the survey by COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition, more than 60% of healthcare providers found telehealth applications more convenient and more than 50% found more work satisfaction.

What is Healthcare Software Development?

custom-healthcare-software

Many different software solutions are designed to help the functioning of healthcare personnel or centers. They perform a broad range of activities that optimize performance, manage data, cut down the time taken and reduce costs in the process of imparting healthcare services.

Healthcare software is used by both healthcare service providers as well as receivers. Hence it has features as well as specific user interfaces that cater to both ends. Each healthcare software is made to suit the needs of the situation, be it a large hospital or a small clinic.

Healthcare software can thus be considered a broad name for all the different applications that cater to the healthcare industry. We will discuss more of the different types below.

Different Types of Healthcare Software

It is no secret that the prevalence of smartphones and tablets has enabled the use of healthcare software on a large scale. There are umpteen apps that provide some sort of healthcare service. Be it a platform to connect to a healthcare provider or one that promotes general wellness, the numbers keep on growing.

Healthcare apps can be divided in a broad stroke into two- for healthcare providers and patients or general users. The apps and the functionalities that cater to each are vastly different from the others.

Custom Healthcare Software for Patients

The software designed for patients and general users is designed to solve one or the other health issue, monitor health, etc. These apps allow them to seek medical attention if needed. Here are some of the different types of custom software developed for patients.

 

software-development

  1. Healthcare accessibility software: These are software that allows users who need medical consultation to seek it personally. These are designed to be multifaceted, one of which serves the patient. It allows for easy and convenient consultation which would otherwise take a lot of time and money. It may also have features that allow users to access their laboratory reports, access pharmacies to place orders, and store medical history and access it with ease.
  2. Mental Health Software: Virtual care has created greater access to mental health services. There is dedicated software that provides the platform for consultations, therapy sessions, etc.
  3. Health monitoring software: These are the most prevalent form of healthcare software. They provide a plethora of services that help manage health issues. They allow patients to keep track of their illnesses.
  4. Medication and pharmaceutical services: These apps allow patients to virtually place orders for their medicines, make subscription offers for long-term medications, and more. There are also apps designed to remind patients to take medication on time.
  5. Lifestyle apps: These are applications that guide users to lead healthy eating habits and hobbies that promote general wellness.
  6. Fitness apps: These apps cater to those who are looking for personalized solutions to their fitness problems. Solutions like exercise, yoga, activities like sports, and diet plans to help achieve fitness goals.

 

Custom Healthcare Software Development for Healthcare Professionals

When it comes to custom software development for healthcare practitioners or providers, it caters to a lot of different categories of people and services. Some of these apps have more than one functionality and some have all. Depending upon the need of the medical care facility, they are:

 

types-of-healthcare-software

  1. Telehealth: Applications that provide a platform for healthcare providers to impart their services are referred to as telehealth applications. Telemedicine apps and Doctor appointment booking apps are used by doctors for consultations and make it very convenient for both the doctor and the patient.
  2. Hospital management software: These are software that is integrated into the hospital system to enable smooth and optimized functioning of the different aspects of a hospital. It also provides data management capabilities, insurance, and payment processing, administrative work, claims management, and patient information.
  3. Health Record Software: These act as repositories of information, that provides a unified platform to easily access patient records and medical history. Knowing the health records of a patient gives the healthcare professional a better idea of providing treatment.
  4. E-Medicine order software: Share medicine orders with ease to patients using this application.
  5. Monitoring software: This software allows healthcare providers to closely monitor the health of patients. This is useful for patients who are chronically ill or are at some incapacity to take care of themselves.

 

How to Build a Custom Healthcare Software Development?

A software solution for your healthcare facility or business is a great initiative as the above-mentioned stats prove how much they are in demand. It also has other advantages like optimizing performance, improving efficiency, increasing revenue, and increasing customer satisfaction.

There are two ways to build a custom healthcare software

  1. employing an in-house team of developers
  2. Outsourcing

While employing an in-house team may seem like a feasible option due to proximity, speed, and efficiency, it has many disadvantages like higher expenditure, lack of expertise or experience, etc.
Time and again healthcare facilities chose to employ outsourced talent to build custom software for healthcare.

Before you consider picking a custom healthcare app development company like EMed HealhTech you should look for technological expertise, industry knowledge, the capacity and scalability of the company, and its developer’s skills. Another important aspect is the security measures that are incorporated into the healthcare app as it deals with very sensitive information.

Why Choose EMed HealthTech to Develop a Custom Healthcare Software?

EMed HealthTech is a leading healthcare IT company that focuses on delivering quality and innovation. We cater to healthcare facilities of all sizes and provide customized healthcare IT solutions that help improve business prospects.

Your search for hiring healthcare software developers ends with EMed HealthTech. Contact us today to get a free estimate for your custom medical software development project.