In the era of digitization, mHealth app development has become a crucial component of healthcare. This sector, a part of the broader eHealth landscape, employs mobile technologies to augment healthcare delivery and services. With over 350,000 health-related apps available on top app stores globally and the global mHealth market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% from 2023 to 2030, the mHealth landscape is competitive and diverse.
On average, the total expenditure before launching various types of mHealth apps is around $425,000, including $200,000 dedicated solely to development. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the financial intricacies involved in custom mHealth app development and strategies you can adopt to bring the costs down as much as possible.
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“At SPsoft, we are achieving the best cost-to-quality ratio in the mHealth products we built. Our understanding of the cost dynamics enables us to create cost-effective and impactful apps.”
Mike Lazor
CEO, SPsoft
“Our expertise in mHealth and understanding of cost optimization enables us to build mobile solutions that transform healthcare at an affordable price. When you choose SPsoft, you partner with a technically proficient and passionate team ready to make healthcare more accessible and efficient.”
Romaniya Mykyta
Head of Product Management, SPsoft
Understanding The Costs Of mHealth App Development And Reengineering
The financial aspect of mHealth app development or re-engineering is complex, with costs varying based on many factors. On average, the cost of building an mHealth app or re-engineering an existing one can range from $30,000 to $200,000. This wide range is due to the variability in the app’s complexity, its features, and the level of customization required.
Cost of Re-Engineering
Re-engineering existing types of mHealth apps might be less costly if the app’s architecture is sound and only requires updates or added features. For instance, if an app has a robust foundation but needs modern features such as telemedicine capabilities or AI-driven insights, the cost of adding these features may be lower than developing a new app from scratch.
Cost of New Development
Sometimes, mHealth app development is cheaper than fixing an old one that has great problems or needs updates. That could happen if the app’s design is outdated, does not have enough safety features, or does not follow healthcare rules. It might be too expensive to fix these problems, so starting over could be the better option.
Get in touch for even more details on the nuances of mHealth and explore various aspects playing a crucial role in the app’s cost structure!
Factors Influencing the Cost
Several factors can influence the cost of custom mHealth app development or re-engineering:
- Complexity. More complex apps require more development time and resources, leading to higher costs.
- Features. The number and complexity of the app’s features can also impact the cost. Advanced features such as AI, machine learning, or electronic health records (EHRs) integration can increase costs.
- Compliance. Ensuring the app complies with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA or GDPR can add to the development cost.
- Customization. Custom-built apps tailored to specific needs are typically more expensive than off-the-shelf solutions.
We will explore these factors in greater detail further to provide a better understanding of the budgeting needs linked to the phenomenon.
For instance, mHealth app development with minimal features might cost around $30,000. However, a more complex app with advanced features such as real-time patient monitoring, AI-driven insights, and integration with EHRs could cost upwards of $425,000.
Ready to revolutionize your healthcare services? Dive into our guide on healthcare mobile app development – your pathway to the future of healthcare accessibility!
Breaking Down the mHealth App Development Cost Factors
McKinsey indicates digital technologies strengthen healthcare. Yet, knowing what it would cost is crucial to tap into the realm. This section delves into the key components that make up the mHealth app development cost, providing a comprehensive understanding of where your investment goes when creating a mobile health application.
Custom mHealth Apps Design
The app’s design, which includes the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), plays a pivotal role in user engagement and retention. A well-designed app is intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, which can significantly enhance the user experience. For instance, a mHealth app might incorporate a clean, minimalist design with large, easy-to-read text and intuitive navigation to cater to users of all ages and tech-savviness.
However, high-quality design comes at a cost, often requiring the expertise of professional UI/UX designers. The cost of app design can range from $5,000 to $15,000. To reduce costs, consider using pre-made design templates or employing a less experienced designer who can work under the guidance of a design consultant.
App Functionality and Features
The app’s complexity and the number of features it offers also affect the cost. A mHealth app with advanced features like real-time patient monitoring, teleconsultation, and AI-based diagnosis will be more costly to develop than a basic app that only provides health data.
The cost of app functionality and features can range from $10,000 to $50,000. To minimize costs, start with a minimum viable product (MVP) that includes only the most essential elements. As the app gains traction, you can gradually add more features based on user feedback and demand.
App Maintenance
Post-launch updates, bug fixes, and adding new features are ongoing costs that contribute to the overall cost of the app. Regular maintenance ensures the app remains up-to-date, secure, and bug-free. The cost of app maintenance can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
One way to reduce maintenance costs is to invest in high-quality mHealth app development from the start, as this can result in fewer bugs and issues down the line. Additionally, consider setting up automated testing and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to streamline the update process and catch issues early.
App Compliance
mHealth apps in 2023 must comply with various regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S. or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. Compliance ensures the app handles sensitive health data securely and respects user privacy, but it also adds to the mHealth app development cost.
The cost of ensuring app compliance can be upwards of $10,000. To manage compliance costs, consider consulting with a legal expert early in development to understand the necessary compliance requirements. That can help avoid costly revisions or legal issues later on.
Understanding the cost breakdown of custom mHealth app development is crucial for effective budgeting and decision-making. While each component comes with its own set of costs, strategic planning and smart decisions can help manage these expenses. Remember, investing in quality development and design from the start can save costs in the long run, leading to a robust, user-friendly mHealth app that delivers value to its users.
Factors That Inflate the Cost of mHealth App Development
The cost of custom mHealth app development can be influenced by several factors, each contributing to the overall complexity and, thus, the project’s price. Here is a more detailed look at these aspects:
App’s Complexity
The complexity of an app is determined by the features it includes.
- User Authentication. Adopting secure user authentication can increase the app’s complexity. That includes features like two-factor authentication, biometric authentication, etc.
- Real-Time Updates. Features like real-time notifications or live chat can add complexity too.
- Data Syncing. If your app needs to sync data across multiple devices, this can also increase complexity.
- Offline Mode. Designing an app to work offline and then sync when back online can be complex.
- Multilingual Support. If your app is designed for a global audience, it may need to support multiple languages. That requires additional mHealth app development work for language localization and translation.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility. Developing an app that works seamlessly across different platforms (iOS, Android, Windows) can increase complexity due to the need for extra coding languages and user interface designs.
- Cloud Integration. Integrating with cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure can add complexity if your app requires cloud storage for data backup and recovery.
- Chatbots or Virtual Assistants. Implementing AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants for customer support or user interaction can add complexity.
- Data Encryption. If your app handles sensitive data, implementing advanced data encryption for security can be challenging.
- Accessibility Features. Adding features to make your app accessible to users with disabilities (like screen readers, voice commands, etc.) can contribute to the complexity.
In such a case, the app’s complexity is a dual-edged sword. On the one hand, integrating more features makes your app better. On the other hand, that inevitably leads to higher mHealth app development and maintenance costs.
Custom mHealth App’s Regulatory Compliance
If the app is designed for multiple markets, each with its own regulations, ensuring compliance can be complex and costly.
HIPAA
If your app deals with U.S. citizens’ health information, it must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Here is a detailed HIPAA Compliance Checklist.
GDPR
Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is mandatory for apps operating in the European Union. Here is the GDPR Compliance Guide.
PCI DSS
If your app handles card payments, it needs to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Here is the PCI DSS Quick Reference Guide.
FDA Regulations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has guidelines for mobile medical applications in the United States. Your app may fall under these regulations if it is intended for diagnosing or treating diseases.
CE Marking
In the European Union, medical devices, including some mHealth apps, must comply with the Medical Devices Directive (MDD) or the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and carry a CE marking.
ISO 13485
This international standard specifies requirements for a quality management system. An organization must demonstrate its ability to provide medical devices and related services that consistently meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements.
ISO 27001
This international standard for managing information security may be relevant if your app handles sensitive health data.
21 CFR Part 11
It is a part of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations that establishes the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on electronic records and electronic signatures (ERES).
HITECH Act
The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act in the United States applies to entities that store or process electronic health information. It includes specific requirements for data privacy and security.
Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP)
This program allows the conduct of a single regulatory audit of a medical device manufacturer’s quality management system that satisfies the requirements of multiple regulatory jurisdictions.
Thus, depending on the outreach you expect for the app, you must consider the number of regulations and standards to face.
Third-Party Integration
Integrating the app with healthcare systems or third-party services can also increase costs. For example, the app might need to integrate with electronic health record (EHR) systems, prescription apps, medical billing software, or other healthcare systems. These integrations can be complex and require additional development work, adding to the cost.
Payment Gateways
Integrating payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Square can increase the complexity of an app. These integrations need to be secure and reliable. For instance, Stripe API Documentation provides a detailed guide on integrating their payment gateway.
Social Media Integrations
Incorporating social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram can also add complexity. These integrations allow users to share content or log in using social media accounts. Here is an example of Facebook’s Login Integration.
Maps and Location Services
If your app requires location services, integrating Google Maps or Apple Maps can add another layer of complexity. Here is the Google Maps API Documentation for reference.
Telemedicine Platforms
If your app offers telemedicine services, it should integrate with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or specialized telemedicine software. That comes in handy considering virtual health visits grew 38-fold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pharmacy APIs
Your app might need to integrate with pharmacy APIs for prescription delivery services.
Insurance APIs
If your app deals with insurance claims, it is a must to integrate them with insurance company APIs.
Lab Integration
If your app allows users to view lab results, connecting the product with lab information systems is something you must consider.
Fitness APIs
McKinsey reports the growth of fitness-related expenditures by $55 billion. If your app tracks physical activity or other health metrics, integrate with APIs from fitness platforms like Fitbit, Apple Health, or Google Fit.
Email and SMS Gateways
Your app should integrate with email and SMS gateway services to send notifications, reminders, or marketing messages.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
If your app collects customer data for marketing or customer service purposes, it would be important to integrate apps with CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot.
There is an expected $250 billion shift of US healthcare spend toward virtual and virtually enabled care. Keeping that in mind, while mHealth apps have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, their development can be a complex and costly process. However, with careful planning and execution, the possible challenges can be effectively managed to create an app that delivers value to users and achieves its healthcare objectives.
Seeking a proper understanding of mHealth app development? Uncover key facts, intriguing insights, and everything you need to know in our guide!
Effective Ways to Minimize mHealth App Development Costs
While the costs associated with building mHealth apps can be substantial, you can employ several strategies to optimize them without compromising on the quality or functionality of the app.
1. Prioritize Features
One of the most effective strategies to manage costs is to prioritize the app features. Starting with essential features and gradually adding more in subsequent versions can significantly reduce initial mHealth app development costs. For instance, a basic mHealth app might start with features like appointment scheduling and medication reminders, with more advanced features like AI-driven health insights or integration with wearable devices added in later versions.
2. Choose the Right mHealth App Development Partner
Choosing a development partner with expertise in mHealth can also help optimize costs. An experienced partner like SPsoft will better understand the unique requirements and challenges of mHealth app development, which can lead to more efficient development processes and lower costs. Besides, a partner with knowledge of healthcare regulations can ensure compliance from the outset, avoiding potential fines or rework costs.
3. Adopt Agile Development Methodologies
Agile development methodologies like Scrum or Kanban can reduce development costs by promoting iterative development and continuous improvement. These methodologies allow for regular feedback and adjustments, which can help prevent costly mistakes and rework.
4. Invest in User Experience (UX) Design
While it might seem counterintuitive, investing in UX design can save money in the long run. A well-designed app is more likely to be adopted by users, reducing the risk of costly app abandonment. Furthermore, a good UX design can simplify the app’s functionality, potentially reducing mHealth app development costs.
5. Optimize Custom mHealth Apps for Scalability
Design your mHealth app with scalability in mind. As your user base grows, you will need to be able to handle increased traffic and data. Building for scalability from the start can prevent costly rework and downtime in the future.
Ready to embark on your mHealth journey? Explore how HIPAA compliant app development is shaping the future of healthcare, especially secure health data sharing!
6. Consider Open Source Solutions
Open-source solutions can be a cost-effective alternative to proprietary software. There are many open-source tools and platforms available that can help reduce development costs. However, it is essential to consider the potential trade-offs, such as lack of support or compatibility issues.
7. Regularly Review and Adjust Your Development Process
Continuous improvement is vital to cost optimization. Regularly review your mHealth app development process to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. That can involve conducting regular retrospectives, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), or implementing a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline.
8. Foster Collaboration Between Stakeholders
Promote collaboration between providers, developers, and other stakeholders. That can lead to more efficient development processes, a better understanding of user needs, and cost savings. Such collaboration can involve regular meetings, joint workshops, or shared project management tools.
While custom mHealth app development can be costly, these costs can be managed and optimized through careful planning, prioritization of features, selection of the right development partner, and utilization of off-the-shelf solutions. Considering these factors, it is possible to build a high-quality mHealth app that meets users’ needs without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Understanding the costs associated with mHealth app development is crucial for successful project planning and execution. While the costs can be substantial, the potential benefits for healthcare delivery and patient outcomes are immense. With the right approach and a clear understanding of costs, mHealth apps can be a worthwhile investment.
Contact us to get a cutting-edge mHealth app solution in your hands and start bringing value right away!
FAQ
How to develop a mobile health app?
Developing a mobile health app involves several steps: ideation, design, development, testing, and deployment. Throughout this process, it is essential to comply with relevant regulations such as HIPAA, HITECH, and FTC, which govern the privacy and security of health information. Additionally, the app should be designed with the end-users in mind, ensuring it is user-friendly, accessible, and meets their health needs.
What is considered a mHealth app?
A mHealth app is a mobile application designed to offer health-related services. That can range from providing health information and advice to tracking health metrics to facilitating virtual doctor appointments.
