The pandemic completely altered the way people required healthcare services. Home confinement compelled an overwhelming number of people to seek medical advice from their homes. This scenario is unlikely to undergo significant changes even after the pandemic has receded and lockdowns eased. A survey by a medical journal revealed that 40% of the people surveyed claimed that they would be using telehealth services even after covid restrictions are completely eased. The sheer popularity of telemedicine services, which is unlikely to wane in the near future. It is the perfect time to invest in a quality telemedicine software development service.
With things increasingly moving online, telehealth websites or mobile apps are gaining a lot of popularity. This should not come as a surprise physically visiting a doctor is a tedious process. You need to book an appointment, visit the healthcare facility, wait for your turn, while all the time at the risk of being exposed to infections. In sharp contrast, a mobile healthcare app allows you to schedule an appointment and get the necessary advice from the doctor with a few clicks of your mouse button. Healthcare service providers and doctors too tend to benefit from this arrangement as they do not have to invest money in real estate to set up their clinics. The load on hospitals is also reduced as they can concentrate their resources on treating critically ill people.
Here we provide a comprehensive guide on telemedicine software. It helps you understand its core features and monetization strategies. And aid you in understanding how a good telemedicine software development company can help you achieve your objectives.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine refers to the use of electronic communication technologies and software to provide consultation services to patients remotely. In other words, patients need not physically visit a doctor to seek medical advice for their ailments. The primary objective of telemedicine software is to provide patients with on-demand access to medical services. It also reduces the cost of treatment for the patient, while simultaneously lowering a doctor’s workload.
Telemedicine Market Overview
Telemedicine market has really taken off in a big way owing to the several benefits that it offers. The global telemedicine market valued at $40 billion in 2021. It is expected to more than double in the next half-decade or so. The pandemic provided a solid thrust to this segment as the need for social distancing compelled a large population to seek medical advice remotely. Even as the pandemic has eased, people aware of the host of benefits it offers are not letting it go. Remote consultation allows doctors to efficiently communicate with patients and deliver superior health services.
Which Types of Telehealth Solutions are Provided by Telemedicine Software Providers?
Video Conferencing: Patients speak remotely with physicians through their mobile or computer cameras. They can speak to the doctor and explain their ailments without commuting long distances.
Store and Forward: As the name suggests, this is a process wherein the patient’s record is stored. It is then sent to the concerned physicians who then devise a treatment plan without the need of face-to-face visit.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): This process makes use of cloud computing technology to gather a patient’s data. And then hand it over to the physician for further analysis. This method is generally used to identify the symptoms early. So that the necessary medical assistance can be provided at the right time.
Monetizing Strategies
There’s no point in hiring the services of healthcare software development firm, paying them good money, and then failing to generate an ROI on your app. It is of paramount importance to monetize your platform. So that you generate income from all the trouble you have taken to developing a telemedicine app. The amount a patient has to pay for using the app depends upon the doctor and the specialties concerned. In the case of medical establishments, the hospital will charge a certain fee from the doctor.
Common Revenue Models
Few other revenue models for telemedicine software providers are as:
Annual membership fee: Patients pay an annual membership fee, and as such are charged less for every consultation.
Monthly fee: Instead of paying for 12-months, the person using the app pays upfront for just 30-days.
Time-based charge: The patient is charged for the duration of the service. i.e., consultation.
Latest Technology Trends in Telemedicine
Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and IoT are playing a major role in how remote medical service is quickly and accurately provided to the patient.
Artificial Intelligence
AI ( Artificial Intelligence ) enabled chatbots are designed to deliver requisite care to patients in a time-bound manner. They can gather a patient’s data based on the symptoms, analyze it and then transmit it to the physicians to help them develop a treatment plan. Also, chatbots can handle all the queries that a patient can have such as, physician’s schedule, timing, availability, competency, and more.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT development is the process of developing IoT applications and sensor-enabled objects communicating their status via the internet. Connecting IoT sensors to a host of medical devices can help doctors and other caregivers remotely monitor a patient’s condition. For example, an IoT device can monitor a patient’s blood pressure, sugar level, pulse, blood pressure and transmit the data remotely.
Conclusion
A telemedicine software developed by a well-known telemedicine software development company can make life easier for both patients and doctors. Additionally, it can help the company in possession of such software derive significant financial benefits. Patients can receive high-quality treatment from the comforts of their homes. There’s no inconvenience of traveling to the doctor’s clinic or hospital, and wait in long queues after having reached the medical establishment.
Telemedicine ensures proper medical care for people suffering from some type or form of disabilities, and those living in remote locations. Since, remote consultations are less expensive, it does not let financial problems come in the way of getting good treatment at the right time.