Advancements in technology have made our lives easier. And one of its biggest contributions is increased accessibility across various industries.

An excellent example of this is the proliferation of telehealth apps. They bring patients closer to their healthcare providers, which leads to numerous benefits. Telehealth applications are bringing significant change to the eHealth landscape.

The global telemedicine market is projected to grow to $149.56 billion by 2028, from a value of $60.15 billion in 2023. There is no doubt that telemedicine is one of the biggest trends in healthcare right now. And if you’re developing a product for this market, you must keep up with the latest trends and knowledge on the scope of related technology.

Many different types of services are classified under telemedicine. In this article, we discuss seven telehealth applications driving change in 2023 and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about these apps and their many benefits.

Telehealth Apps Benefits

Telemedicine provides access to healthcare support and services without an in-person office visit. From video conferencing to live chatting and secure file sharing, telemedicine supports a range of healthcare services. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop that connects to the internet.

Here’s a closer look at the benefits telehealth applications bring to healthcare providers and their patients:

Treatment Availability

Accessing medical checkups, consultations, or treatments can be difficult for some patients. The reason can be the physical distance from clinics or conditions and disabilities preventing them from leaving home.

In some cases, traveling can be dangerous for patients or healthcare providers. Some patients might need a specialist consultation that isn’t locally available. 

Telehealth applications help such patients to get the medical assistance they need from the comfort of their homes. Patients can connect with doctors via live chat or live video as long as they have an internet connection and a communication device.

The easy availability of consultations and treatments also makes it convenient for patients to seek help for routine complaints, which they may not otherwise bother a doctor with.

All Data in One Place

Telehealth apps provide doctors and patients easy access to relevant medical information at all times. Patients don’t need to carry their own paperwork or worry about misplacing test results—all of it is automatically logged on their digital records.

Doctors can look up a patient’s medical information easily and share their observations with other professionals to arrive at an accurate diagnosis or provide effective treatment. This system also helps healthcare providers access key data, such as blood type and allergies, during emergencies. 

A key aspect where telehealth apps differ from one another is in their data protection features. Data security is critical because these apps store, transfer, and manage sensitive patient information. U.S. legislation created the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and legitimate companies must comply with these provisions.

Healthcare Availability 24/7

Telehealth applications ensure patients can access medical support 24/7. From specialist services to pre/post-appointment consultations and at-home treatments, patients can avail of all forms of healthcare services from just about anywhere and at any time.

Depending on your needs, these services are available via video call or live text chat.

Patient Mentorship

Facilitating mentorship for patients is much easier with technological tools. Telehealth applications can help streamline tasks like appointment booking, health tracking, and reminder setting for medications and consultations.

Some apps may also serve as a collaborative tool between multiple healthcare professionals or departments to discuss patient treatment. When combined with wearable devices, these solutions help healthcare professionals mentor their patients through treatment as they monitor their pulse, heart rate, and other important vitals.

Automated Processes

Bureaucratic processes often get in the way of effective healthcare. It prevents frontline workers from addressing patients’ needs promptly and effectively, which is central during emergencies.

With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth applications can read and analyze data to piece together various information. This automates a majority of administrative processes, thereby helping healthcare staff deliver more value in a timely manner.

What’s more?

Automated processes also reduce manual paperwork, greatly minimizing the time spent preparing, gathering, and maintaining such documents.

Top 7 Apps for Telehealth

Whether you’re looking for inspiration to develop your own telehealth app or trying to learn about successful products on the market, here’s a list you must check out:

Telehealth by SimplePractice

Telehealth by SimplePractice is an all-in-one healthcare practice management software. It facilitates a wide range of processes for private healthcare practitioners, from scheduling appointments and documentation to billing and client communication. Its video feature supports screen share, an on-call chat window, appointment timers, and a built-in whiteboard.

Moreover, it offers private practitioners the option to build their professional websites without any web development knowledge.

Its key features include the following:

• HIPAA-compliant and HITRUST CSF-certified
• Calendar sync and reminders
• Chat during calls
• Live support
• Video conferencing
• Automated payment processes
• Custom templates for intake forms, treatment plans, etc.
• Paperless documentation and file sharing
• Customizable backgrounds

The app has a 4.6-star rating on the Google Play Store and a 4.7-star rating on the Apple Store. It is available as a free download with paid subscription plans starting at $15 per month. You can also try its features at no cost with a 30-day free trial.

Sydney Health

Sydney Health is a popular Australia-based telehealth app that helps users manage their health. You can find virtual care, share your digital ID card and medical data, check claims, and refill prescriptions from anywhere.

The app’s key features include:

• Virtual care (chat and video)
• Live chat
• Digital ID card
• Claim submission and tracking
• Care search and cost comparison
• Incentive tracking and management
• Personalized action plans and dashboard
• Pharmacy

The Sydney Health app has a 4.6-star rating on Google Play Store and a 4.8-star rating on the Apple Store. It is a free app and only needs an email registration to start.

Doximity

The Doximity app is a U.S.-based telehealth app for healthcare professionals that allows reaching and managing patients, reading personalized news, and earning medical credits. Healthcare practitioners can reach patients in an instant from anywhere and anytime. Practitioners can also call or leave voicemails for patients from their cell phones while displaying their office numbers.

Some of its other key features include:

• HIPAA-compliant messaging
• Video and voice calling
• Document sharing
• On-the-go fax
• Collaborative calling
• U.S. clinician directory
• Personalized news
• Medical education credits (CME)

The Doximity app has a 4.6-star rating on Google Store and a 4.8-star rating on Apple Store. The app is free for MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, pharm students, pharmacists, and med students. 

Individual clinicians and small practices can access its Dialer Pro version for $19.99 per user per month. Enterprises can access customized features of the app for a custom price. Clinics providing free services to their community can apply for a discount.

MDLIVE

MDLIVE is a telehealth app that provides patients access to primary care, routine checkups, urgent care, and more medical services at their fingertips. It covers a variety of health issues, from dermatology and mental health to urgent care and wellness screenings. You can access the services of a doctor in as little as 15 minutes or book an appointment in advance.

Here are some of the key features you can access via the MDLIVE app:

• Appointment scheduling
• Video conferencing
• ePrescriptions
• Directory of U.S.-based healthcare professionals
• Online/phone-based consultations
• Billing

MDLIVE has a 4.6-star rating from reviews on Google Store and a 4.7-star rating in the Apple Store. It’s available as an app for no cost, and users are only charged for doctor visits. 

The pricing varies per provider based on the insurance plan and treatment/consultation type. It can be as low as $0 or as high as $300.

LiveHealth Online Mobile

LiveHealth Online is a 24/7 doctor search platform for medical, allergy, psychology, and psychiatry-related concerns. It offers instant and appointment-based access (within four days) to healthcare professionals of your choice.

The app also integrates with Apple Health, making it easy for patients to share their medical information with healthcare providers during their appointment.

Its key features include:

• 24/7 virtual care
• Doctor directories with ranking
• Appointment scheduling
• Secure video calling
• Pharmacy and ePrescriptions

The LiveHealth Online Mobile app has a 4.5-star rating from Google Store reviews and a 4.9-star rating in the Apple Store. The app is free to sign up for and use; you only have to pay for doctor visits. 

The pricing for the visits depends on your insurance plan and the type of service you’re requesting.

HealthTap

HealthTap is a telehealth app that brings U.S.-based healthcare support to patients anywhere in the country. It provides ongoing care, primary care, urgent care, and more right at patients’ fingertips. It focuses on making healthcare solutions accessible and affordable, with discount coupons on prescription medicines.

HealthTap also offers the following features:

• Video and chat
• Appointment scheduling and reminders
• Unlimited medical records storage
• Nurse and support staff-assisted chatbot
• Personalized treatment plans
• Fast and low-cost ePrescriptions (compare costs and coupons)
• Lab tests
• Specialist referrals
• Doctor Q&A (ask anonymously)

The HealthTap app has a 4.6-star rating on Google Store and a 4.8-star on the Apple Store. 

The app is free to download and costs a base $15 fee per month to access subscription-based features. This includes your choice of doctor, video visits at $44 or less, free text messaging, anytime urgent care, and much more. Non-subscribers can access 24/7 on-demand urgent care visits at $129 per visit or their insurance copay.

Amwell: Doctor Visits 24/7

Amwell is a web and app-based telehealth service that covers specialty care, urgent care, and behavioral health needs. It covers a wide range of health conditions and has an extensive database of practitioners. You can review each healthcare provider by their experience and rating before scheduling a consultation.

Amwell is a fantastic platform because its services are accessible to users with or without insurance.

Amwell’s best features include:

• Care finder
• HIPAA-compliant video visits
• Appointment scheduling
• Reminders
• Collaborative care (mental and physical health care coordination)
• Pharmacy services and electronic prescriptions

The Amwell app has a 4.3-star rating on Google Store and a 4.9-star rating on the Apple Store. 

The app is free to download, sign-up, and use. Users are charged depending on treatment/consultation type, service type, and health plan.

How Can RoveTek Help You Design a Telehealth App?

These are some of the best telehealth applications of 2023 that can help you understand how to build your own telehealth app service. From automated scheduling and reminders to AI-based symptom checkers, you can include plenty of features in your app to make it a success. 

Understanding patient needs and design tricks in healthcare is key. At Rovetek, we’ve done the legwork in researching the best back-end and front-end solutions for your telehealth app. Whether your main concern is optimum security, improved functionality, or both, we can deliver a comprehensive solution.

If you plan to develop your telehealth app but are stuck in the development stage, Rovetek can help resolve your issues. Our team of developers and tech entrepreneurs can take over and bring your products into the global market.

Daily workouts, healthy eating, digital sports products—we have worked on a wide range of products in the telehealth industry.

Tell us your vision for the next big thing in healthcare, and watch us turn it into reality!

12 Directions of Digital Healthcare Development

Healthcare has become more digitalized over the years thanks to advancements in technology and connectivity between patients, doctors, and hospitals. The era of COVID-19 changed the world of hospital care by making medical records accessible via smartphones or computers. People now can access their information from anywhere at any time without having to wait for an appointment at their doctor’s office.

In this article, we’ll look at 12 trends shaping digital healthcare development over the next decade — from a rise in consumerism to more personalized approaches to treating patients — and what it means for your business today and tomorrow.

Top 6 Trends in Healthcare

You may have heard of these trends and even tried to implement them into your practice. Let’s review the six digital trends that will shape the quality of healthcare:

Data Science

As the healthcare industry continues to digitize and become more data-driven, data science has become a critical component of modern medicine. Data science is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on extracting knowledge from large amounts of data, among other things. It commonly uses machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), reinforcement learning (RL), and natural language processing (NLP). 

In 2023, data science will be used to get even more insight into health systems. For example:

• • AI will be able to provide personalized care plans based on each person’s unique health profile;
  • ML will give clinicians access to historical medical records, so they can better understand how past treatments have worked and predict optimal treatment pathways for chronic conditions based on patient characteristics; 
  • RL could be used by doctors who want guidance on how best to administer certain medications based on their personal experience with those drugs. 

These technologies will be used for more efficient diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of patients by combining them with other tools like radiographic imaging devices or wearable sensors that measure vitals (blood pressure or body temperature) at regular intervals throughout the day.

Consumerization

As healthcare becomes more personal and consumers take control of their care, providers are increasingly using digital technologies to collect and process healthcare data. The trend toward consumerization has led to the emergence of a new generation of technology companies that focus on providing solutions for consumers’ needs.

One example of this trend is personalized medicine — using genetic information or other biomarkers (biological indicators) as part of treatment decisions at individualized levels. With advances in genomics research, we now know many factors affect our risk for developing certain diseases or conditions, including genetic variations and lifestyle choices like smoking or drinking alcohol.

As another example, consider how Fitbit helps people manage their fitness goals by tracking activity levels throughout the day. It helps them identify areas where they can improve, so they can meet their goals. This type of self-monitoring has been shown to improve health outcomes by increasing awareness around overall wellness and encouraging positive lifestyle changes like eating better or exercising more often. 

Cloud Technologies

Cloud technologies are also transforming healthcare and offer significant advantages over traditional systems: 

• • lower upfront capital investment; 
  • reduced maintenance costs; 
  • greater scalability, allowing you to expand your operations without having to purchase additional equipment; 
  • improved security measures since all data is stored remotely rather than locally on servers. 

Cloud computing helps increase efficiency and reduce costs by automating processes, enabling better management of data, supporting remote treatment options, and providing access to medical records anytime, anywhere. Examples of cloud technologies include:

• • electronic health records (EHRs);
  • medical imaging systems like MRI machines;
  • medical devices such as blood pressure monitors.

With cloud-based solutions, care providers are no longer required to keep expensive paper records that need constant updating and time-consuming manual entry into a database by staff members. Cloud computing in healthcare will provide solutions by opening new channels to reach patients and accelerating personalized care to continuously improve patient outcomes. 

Health Data Security

As the healthcare industry moves forward with telemedicine and other digital healthcare solutions, the question of data security becomes increasingly important. With so much sensitive information being transmitted over networks and stored in databases, there are many potential threats posed by hackers.

If you don’t protect your data properly, it could be exposed to unauthorized users who could use it for malicious purposes or sell it on black markets. For example:

• • A cybercriminal could steal your identity, so they can access sensitive information about you from other sources like medical records.
  • Hackers might break into the system where they store all patients’ personal information like financial details, which they then sell online or use to commit fraud against them later.

So how can you ensure that your data is secure? The answer lies in implementing strong cybersecurity measures that meet regulatory requirements so that you don’t run afoul of any laws regarding privacy or confidentiality. For example, host health data with health data compliance certification like HDS in France or HIPAA in the US — and implement other best practices, like two-factor authentication processes, where possible.

Automation

Automation is a major trend in digital healthcare. The growing prevalence of ML and AI solutions will allow healthcare professionals to perform many tasks without human intervention, freeing them up for more complex tasks and improving patient care.

Automation in healthcare includes:

• • robotic surgery; 
  • computer-assisted surgery; 
  • image analysis programs that can detect diseases or abnormalities; 
  • decision support systems that provide advice based on prior cases; 
  • virtual assistants that interact with patients via chatbots; 
  • mobile apps that help people manage their health conditions by tracking symptoms or medication adherence; 
  • wearables like Apple Watch that monitor vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate.

Automation can be a boon for healthcare professionals who are often overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. AI-powered tools like chatbots may also recommend follow-up appointments with doctors based on the answers provided by patients.

Patient Portals

Patient portals can be used differently: for accessing basic information like test results or medications, or as an extension of a healthcare provider’s office — by communicating with physicians through the portal instead of making an appointment at their clinic. Patients can also receive reminders about upcoming appointments, medication refills, or physical exams.

Patient portal features may vary depending on the provider’s electronic health record system but typically include:

• • viewing lab results from blood tests;
  • accessing immunization history;
  • ordering refills of medications through the site;
  • communicating directly with providers.

Those who use a patient portal can also upload information about their medical history and provide additional details about their family members. It can help physicians keep track of children’s growth and development and allergies or other health conditions that may be pertinent to the care they’re providing.

Digital Healthcare Trends: RoveTek Edition

The healthcare sector is changing rapidly, and RoveTek has been witnessing some of these changes over the past few years. Many other trends will shape how we perceive eHealth in 2023 and beyond.

RoveTek would like to share with you an additional six eHealth trends for 2023 where we see significant opportunities for growth:

Digital Health

According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, the global digital health market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19% and reach over $970 billion by 2027. The demand for tools to deliver remote services or “remote care” will increase, particularly for behavioral health because these patients tend to prefer online treatment to face-to-face interactions with their doctors or therapists. Digital health leads to growth in the eHealth digital products market segment that features high competition due to many players trying their hands at developing innovative solutions that meet patient needs better than traditional ones.

Digital Health also leads entrepreneurs who want their ideas implemented, so they can create new start-ups and healthcare organizations focusing on delivering remote services or products through technology platforms like: 

• • mobile apps & websites; 
  • AI algorithms used by companies like Apple and Google; 
  • Virtual reality (VR) tools like Vive headsets. 

Digital health apps have proven to be popular and profitable, making now the right time for investors to consider this industry.

AI and Big Data

As virtual health is on the rise, more patients will access healthcare, and more data will be stored in the cloud. It will require new ways of managing and analyzing information. Al helps healthcare process Big Data and delivers personalized care to patients.

Al Robotics is already used in nursing and caregiving. For example, robots can assist doctors with surgical procedures by performing tasks like holding tools or moving patients around during surgery. They may also monitor vital signs during operations so that surgeons don’t have to leave their workstations at critical moments.

One of the most well-known Al technologies in medicine is chatbots. They use NLP technology to communicate with users over text messages, web browsers, or mobile apps. By asking questions about symptoms, chatbots can recommend treatment options based on previous cases. 

Algorithms are used to analyze blood test results. Based on biomarkers like age and percentage of lymphocytes, they can predict a patient’s likelihood of surviving diseases like COVID-19. In the future, these technologies will allow doctors to analyze samples without specialized laboratories or having them sent somewhere else.

The Internet of Medical Things and Wearable Devices

The Internet of Medical Things (loMT) and wearable devices are the latest and most popular trend in digital healthcare. The necessity of distance care has been caused by various factors, like urbanization, the aging population, and increasing demand for higher-quality services. 

IoMT for the elderly is one of the most demanding applications, as the population of the US and Europe is aging fast. With wearables, doctors can take care of their patients from a distance without leaving their homes or offices. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how important it is to get access to healthcare delivery services from home.

There are over 1.1 billion connected wearable devices in the world. The most popular wearable technologies today include fitness trackers and weight-monitoring devices. However, there are many other applications available, too. For example, glucose monitors are a great way to keep an eye on your diabetes.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is a healthcare trend that allows patients to get consultations anywhere with a stable Internet connection and access to video chat platforms. The global telemedicine market is expected to reach $455 billion by 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24%. As more people become aware of this service, it will continue to grow over time.

Telemedicine has many benefits for both providers and patients alike. It’s easy for providers because they don’t have to travel long distances or worry about scheduling appointments around their other duties. Telehealth visits are more convenient for patients who may not be able to afford regular visits or take time off work. Finally, telehealth solutions save money by reducing travel costs associated with seeing a doctor in person every visit. Senior citizens can especially benefit from this type of service.

VR and AR in Medicine

VR and AR are set to transform the future of healthcare. According to Statista, the global revenue generated by VR and AR technologies is expected to increase from $31 billion in 2023 to $52 billion by 2027.

These technologies can model different conditions and situations, allowing medical professionals to practice procedures before they perform them on real patients. In surgery practices, VR technologies are used before and after surgery for improved patient experience and better recovery times. It also helps reduce costs associated with training staff members due to fewer mistakes made during operations when using these types of simulations.

In education settings, VR technology helps medical professionals improve their skills through 3D simulation exercises that mimic real-life scenarios. They can help imitate emergencies in operating rooms or battlefield situations where soldiers need immediate treatment after being injured by an enemy.

mHealth: Wellness and Medical Apps

The mobile health market is growing rapidly due to increased consumer demand for convenience and improved access to healthcare services. The global mHealth market size is valued at around $49 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 11% over the next five years.

Many people use fitness trackers and apps as training coaches, which help them achieve their goals faster and easier. The medical or wellness mobile apps can be: 

• • Pharmaceutical. An app that helps to control blood sugar levels. 
  • Dieting. An application with recipes. 
  • Stress reduction. A music player with relaxing sounds. 
  • Practical. Apps for menstrual period tracking or pregnancy planning purposes. 

Hospitals can use wellness apps for appointment management, hospital or doctor selection, and providing content like educational materials about diseases.

Keep Your Finger on the Pulse of New Healthcare Trends

In today’s world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. With the rapid development of mobile technologies and the internet, people can access health information quickly and easily from anywhere in the world. It has led to a huge increase in demand for digital healthcare solutions — and this trend isn’t going away anytime soon.

Visiting your doctor on mobile or studying surgery with the help of 3D is no longer a top-notch trend but a new reality of medical care. The RoveTek team can help you create a unique website or mobile app that will change the way people interact with their doctors. We provide solutions in web & mobile development, focusing on building custom software solutions that meet all the needs of our clients from hospitals to healthcare apps. 

Now that you know what to look out for, let’s start a journey of digital transformation for your healthcare project with RoveTek!