The healthcare industry has changed a lot. Everything from doctor’s appointments to getting medicines has moved online, making healthcare easier and accessible 24/7. More and more businesses now have mobile apps because they are convenient and simple to use.

Healthcare mobile apps do more than help with doctor’s appointments or medicines. They also offer features like tracking steps, heart rate, and other health metrics.

What do patients expect from a healthcare and fitness app? When users install a new app, they have certain expectations. If your app doesn’t meet these, users will be disappointed, leading to uninstalls and bad reviews.

By designing an app that meets market demands and patient preferences, you can improve the user experience, increase patient engagement, and achieve better health outcomes. Ensure your app is patient-centric to make it successful. To achieve this, consider partnering with a Healthcare and Fitness App Development Company to build an app like Amwell.

In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know to develop a health consultation app like Amwell. Let’s get started!

What Is An Amwell App?

Amwell is a popular healthcare and fitness app created by Roy Schoenberg in the USA. The app makes it easy to get healthcare services whenever needed. It helps users book virtual appointments quickly and connects them to a doctor through a video call.

Amwell aims to make healthcare more accessible, cut down on wait times, and provide quick medical advice and treatment. By using technology it helps patients get quality care without needing to visit in person, making healthcare easier and more convenient for everyone.

How Does The App Amwell Works?

Amwell makes it easy for patients to pay securely online and have video chats directly with healthcare providers. Let’s understand how the app works.

1. Booking Appointments

To start using the Amwell app, patients need to register first. They provide their personal details and medical history so the app can match them with suitable doctors. Once registered, patients can see a list of available doctors, their specialties, and when they’re free. Booking is easy; patients can just pick a date and time that works for them right in the app. This simple process means getting medical care without needing to go to a doctor’s office.

2. Paying Online

Amwell makes it convenient to pay for consultations. Patients can pay securely online using credit cards, debit cards, or digital wallets. The app shows the consultation fees upfront so patients can decide before paying. This easier payment system removes the need for cash or in-person payments, making healthcare services more accessible.

3. Video Calls

After booking and paying, Amwell lets patients talk directly to doctors through secure video or audio calls. These real-time virtual consultations keep things private and comfortable. The app supports clear video and audio, so patients can discuss their health concerns, get medical advice, and ask questions just like they would in person, without having to leave their homes.

4. Digital Prescriptions

After the consultation, doctors send prescriptions through the Amwell app. Patients can choose where to send their prescriptions for quick access to medications. This smooth connection between doctors and pharmacies means patients get their medications without delays. By digitizing prescriptions, Amwell makes healthcare more efficient and convenient, helping patients stick to their treatment plans for better health.

How Does Amwell Generate Revenue?

Amwell generates revenue through subscriptions, visit fees, and care points.

Subscription revenue comes from selling the Amwell Platform to health systems and plans. Health systems use it to connect patients with providers, while health plans improve access and coordination of care, directing referrals to affiliated providers. 

Subscription fees for health systems are based on expected consultations, with increasing fees annually, similar to cellphone plans. Health plans pay a recurring fee per member, plus additional fees for specialized programs.

Next, Visit revenue is earned through the Amwell Medical Group (AMG), where different providers offer telehealth services. Fees vary by specialty, such as family medicine, psychology, and others.

Carepoints are flexible platforms, part of the Amwell system, and are found in various places like hospitals, clinics, retail stores, community centers, workplaces, nursing homes, and schools. They make it easy to access telehealth services using hardware that works with Amwell’s software or on its own.

Key Market Takeaways For Health Consultation Apps  

According to Statista, In 2024, revenue in the online doctor consultations market is expected to reach US$2,391.00 million. This figure is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.38% from 2024 to 2029, reaching a market volume of US$2,963.00 million by the end of the forecast period.

Source: Statista

The online doctor consultations market in the United States has grown significantly recently as

More Americans are choosing online consultations for convenience and accessibility. 

With busy lives and the need for quick medical advice, digital platforms offer a fast way to connect with healthcare professionals. Awareness about telemedicine and technology advancements also drive this preference.

Another reason for growth is integrating digital fitness and wellness services with consultations. Platforms now offer not just doctor visits but also fitness programs and wellness advice. Therefore, the overall condition makes great business opportunities for anyone looking to enter the health consultation industry.

What Features Make Amwell Popular Among Its Users?

Amwell stands out in the healthcare and fitness industry because of its easy-to-use features. Patients can sign up on the app and quickly access their medical records and prescriptions and schedule appointments. So no more waiting in long lines. Key features of Amwell include:

1. Easy Onboarding  

Users can easily access the app’s features by signing up. Once registered, their information is securely stored, so they don’t have to log in every time they visit the app. Users can choose healthcare professionals who fit their needs and budget. Scheduling appointments is simple, and users can easily get help from professionals.

2. Qualified Therapists

The doctors at Amwell go through a careful selection process to ensure safety for both the app and patients. This process includes verifying license board certifications and ensuring they are authorized to work in the user’s state.

3. Visits Scheduler

Users can easily schedule a visit with a doctor through the app. By signing up, they gain access to a wide range of doctors. If the chosen doctor is unavailable, users enter a virtual waiting room until it is their turn. The app provides reminders for upcoming appointments, ensuring users never miss a session. Users can also reschedule or cancel appointments with just a few taps.

4. Prescriptions

Users can get their prescriptions anytime, anywhere, through the app. All prescriptions are accessible on the dashboard after signing up. The app also allows users to request prescription refills and send prescriptions directly to their preferred pharmacy. Users receive notifications when their prescriptions are ready for pickup, making the process smooth and convenient.

Advanced Features You Can Add To Your Healthcare Consultation App

When designing a healthcare consultation app, it’s important to include additional features compared to your competitors suited specifically to the healthcare sector to enhance user experience. Here are some more features you can add.

1. EMR Integration

Make sure there is a smooth interaction with Epic or Cerner EMR systems. During virtual consultations, this enables physicians to view patient records straight within the app, guaranteeing accurate diagnosis and consistent treatment while focusing on data protection and respect for healthcare laws. 

2. AI-driven Symptom Checker

Include a symptom checker driven by AI that takes advantage of machine learning and natural language processing (NLP). When users enter symptoms, the AI uses medical databases and symptom patterns to offer early evaluations and triage suggestions. This encourages users to see a doctor right away for an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy Modules

Increase the efficiency of therapy by using VR therapy modules for mental health issues like anxiety or phobias. These realistic virtual reality (VR) environments, created in partnership with mental health experts, improve the effectiveness of treatment by offering strong, realistic situations suited to therapy requirements and accessed through widely used VR headsets.

4. Remote Monitoring and Alerts

Wearable technology can be used to link the app and track real-time vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate. Enable quick medical treatments as needed by using real-time data transmission to notify healthcare practitioners of abnormal readings or sudden shifts in patient health parameters.

5. Personalized Health Recommendations

Analyze user health data (such as exercise levels, dietary choices, and biometric measures) using machine learning algorithms. Provide customized wellness advice, dietary programs, and exercises that are in line with each person’s health objectives and conditions. This allows for continued support and progress monitoring.

6. Integration With Pharmacy Services

Partner with nearby pharmacies to allow prescription orders and drug delivery via the app. In order to meet healthcare standards, secure payment processing and prescription verification must be carried out. Offer consumers easy medication management tools, such as automated refills, dose tracking, and timely medication reminders. 

How To Develop A Health Consultation App Like Amwell?

Building a health consultation app like Amwell involves several essential steps, each essential for developing a functional and engaging platform. Businesses entering this market should focus on the following stages:

1. Simplify Navigation

When developing a healthcare mobile app, make sure it’s easy to navigate and use. Patients want an app with a simple design that’s easy to understand. Add useful features, but ensure they are straightforward and clear. Patients prefer apps that make scheduling and canceling doctor appointments, buying medicines, and managing health needs simple. A healthcare app with easy navigation and clear instructions will always be the top choice, as it meets all healthcare needs with just a click.

2. Provide Detailed Information and Access

When developing an app, it’s important to include all necessary details that users might need. For example, patients will need access to their medical records, medications, test results, and other health information. Your app should provide this information clearly, allowing users to check things like blood sugar or blood pressure whenever they need to. It should also be designed to explain specific medical conditions simply. Use straightforward language and interactive tools to keep users engaged with the app.

3. Enable Online Consultations With Doctors

An important next step for your healthcare and fitness app is adding the option for online doctor consultations. Not everyone can easily visit a doctor in person, so having healthcare professionals available online allows clients to reach them whenever they need. For minor issues that don’t require a hospital visit, online consultations save time and transportation costs. It also provides access to specialists who may not be locally available, increasing demand for their services in different areas.

4. Facilitate Community Connection for Patients

Having access to a patient community is crucial because it lets patients connect and interact with others facing similar challenges. Research shows that patients who connect with peers, like on social media, feel comforted and can exchange helpful tips for managing their condition. This interaction not only provides emotional support but also practical advice on coping with the disease.

5. Ensure Simplicity with Outstanding Features

When building an app, the user experience is crucial. It’s essential to ensure that your users have an easy and accessible experience at all times. Navigation should be smooth, without any confusion. Features and functions should be clear, using simple language that everyone can understand. This approach ensures that users can use the app comfortably and without difficulty.

6. Integrate with Wearable Devices

Before you start developing your healthcare and fitness app, find a company that specializes in wearable devices. They can help integrate your app with smartwatches and fitness trackers. Once connected, your app will let users stay in touch with their health more effectively. They can understand their body’s needs, set personalized fitness goals, and check their health scores conveniently without visiting a healthcare center.  

7. Implement Appointment Scheduling and  Messaging Channels

Your healthcare app should let users easily see when doctors are available and book appointments by describing their symptoms. This way, they can skip long lines and waiting times at the clinic.

Also, messages between patients and doctors, or anyone else, should be secure. This ensures that patients can ask questions, engage with the community, and understand their health scores without worrying about the confidentiality of their information. It allows patients to share their health information with doctors securely.

8. Offer Reporting and Analytics

The app needs to include a feature that collects and analyzes data on how patients use it, the outcomes they experience, and ways to enhance its functionality. This analytics tool is crucial for healthcare providers and doctors to track improvements. Users should also have access to this analytics section to help them improve their overall health.

9. Enable E-prescribing

Another important feature of your healthcare app is E-prescriptions. This allows users to download their prescriptions anytime, making it convenient for them to get medicines. It simplifies the process of obtaining medications, reducing any complications during treatment.

10. Add a Secure Payment Processing

Include a secure payment system in your app for smooth billing and payment collection for video consultations and services. Ensure that all charges are clear and communicated upfront to patients, as hidden fees are a common concern with online platforms.

11. Support Multiple Languages

Adding multiple languages to your mobile app would be a great addition. Only some people are comfortable with English, so it’s important to offer users the option to choose their preferred language for reading and interacting with the app. 

12. Integrate AI-Assisted Functions

Adding AI assistance is essential because AI technology is crucial in prioritizing tasks. It helps by providing information based on symptoms and urgency, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently. For example, AI can inform about the number of available doctors and their schedules.  

How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like Amwell?

There is no exact development cost, but you can determine your budget by deciding what you need for your project. Here is a breakdown of the estimated cost that you might need for your app development.

Function	Price Range
Research for App Design	$100 – $350
UI Design	$10,000 – $40,000
UX Design	$2,000 – $8,000
Branding	$5,000 – $20,000
Illustrations and Animations	$1,000 – $20,000

Also, here are some additional factors that may affect the overall cost of developing a health consultation app. 

1. Ensuring Health App Compliance

Health apps must comply with strict regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect patient data. Achieving HIPAA compliance involves Implementing specialized security measures and conducting audits, which can increase development costs.

2. Integrating Telemedicine Features

Health apps often include telemedicine features like video consultations and remote monitoring. Building robust infrastructure for real-time communication and data transmission can be costly due to the need for advanced technologies and secure platforms.

3. Connecting with Medical Devices

Integrating health apps with devices like glucose monitors requires ensuring compatibility and accurate data synchronization. Addressing technical complexities for seamless integration can lead to higher development costs and longer timelines.

4. Managing Insurance and Payments

Health apps may need to integrate with insurance systems for billing and reimbursements. Implementing secure payment processing involves developing strong financial systems to protect user information and comply with regulatory standards, adding to development costs.

5. Meeting Regulatory Requirements

Depending on functionalities and target markets, health apps may require regulatory approval from authorities like the FDA. Meeting these requirements involves testing and documentation, extending development timelines, and increasing costs compared to apps in other industries.

How Can You Monetize Your Health Consultation App?

The best way to earn from your health consultation app is to diversify revenue streams by applying different monetization methods. Here are a few ways by which you can monetize your app.

1. Subscription-based Access to Specialists

Allow users to sign up for exclusive access to dietitians, therapists, and personal trainers, among other healthcare specialists. Ongoing discussions and customized guidance are provided to subscribers, encouraging consistent use and app loyalty.

2. Take Health Consultation Fees

Implement a fee structure for telehealth consultation sessions conducted through the app. This revenue model not only generates income per session but also encourages regular use of the platform for convenient healthcare access from anywhere.

3. Integrate Health Insurance Plans 

Work along with health insurance companies to include their programs within the application. This enables customers to pay for consultations and services through the platform using their insurance, and the app pays a fee for each transaction that is made possible.

4. Offer In-app Medication Purchases

Partner with pharmacies to provide in-app purchases of health items or prescription drugs. Receive commissions for each transaction made via the platform, giving consumers who are handling their healthcare requirements online more value and ease. 

5. Premium Content and Resources

Offer high-quality health material, such as well-crafted diet programs, exercise regimens, or tailored health plans. These materials are available for purchase within the app, which will increase user engagement and help them achieve their wellness and health objectives. 

6. Health Data Analytics

Provide research institutes or pharmaceutical businesses with anonymized health data insights for their studies. Utilize app data to further medical research and development while following strict permission from users and privacy protection guidelines.

Top 5 Popular Health Consultation Apps Like Amwell

Here are the five popular alternatives of the Amwell health consultation app that provide distinctive features and excellent services:

1. Teladoc 

Teladoc provides a wide range of telehealth services, including general medical care, mental health consultations, and specialty visits. It is well-known for its accessibility and comprehensive healthcare options, allowing users to connect with healthcare professionals via video or phone.

2. MDLIVE

MDLIVE offers easy access to board-certified doctors for various medical needs, including urgent care, dermatology, and behavioral health. The app is recognized for its user-friendly interface and quick access to virtual consultations, making healthcare more efficient and accessible.

3. Doctor on Demand

This app provides a variety of healthcare services, such as urgent care, mental health support, and preventive care. Doctor on Demand is praised for its intuitive interface and the ability to connect with healthcare providers quickly, ensuring timely medical attention.

4. PlushCare

PlushCare offers virtual visits with top physicians for urgent care and ongoing health management. The app is designed for personalized care, with features that allow users to Schedule appointments, manage prescriptions, and access medical records easily.

5. Heal 

Heal focuses on telehealth services along with in-person house calls. It offers a range of services, including primary care and preventive health. The combination of virtual and in-person visits makes Heal stand out, catering to diverse patient needs for comprehensive healthcare.

Tech Stacks Required to Develop A Health Consultation App Like Amwell

To create a health consultation app like Amwell, businesses must use a strong tech setup to ensure the app works well and gives users a smooth experience. Here is the tech stack needed:

1. Native App Development (iOS and Android)

Native app development involves creating applications specifically for iOS and Android platforms using their respective programming languages and frameworks. For iOS development, Swift is the primary language, and UIKit is utilized for building interfaces. On the Android side, Kotlin and Java are used, with Jetpack Compose for modern UI development or XML for traditional layouts.

2. Cross-Platform App Development (React Native, Flutter)

Cross-platform app development allows developers to develop apps that can run on platforms using a single codebase. React Native uses JavaScript/TypeScript and React framework to build apps that feel native on both iOS and Android. Flutter, on the other hand, uses Dart programming language and provides its own set of widgets for building beautiful, natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase.

3. Progressive Web App (PWA)

PWAs are web applications that use modern web capabilities to deliver an app-like experience to users. They are built using standard web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Frameworks like React, Angular, or VueJs are commonly used to develop PWAs, enabling features like offline support, push notifications, and responsive design across various devices.

4. Backend and Cloud Services

Backend and cloud services are essential for managing data, logic, and security of mobile and web applications. Node.js, Python, .NET, and Java are popular backend programming languages. Frameworks like Express.js (Node.js), Django (Python), Spring (Java), and ASP.NET Core (.NET) provide tools for building robust backend systems. Cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure offer scalable infrastructure and services like databases (MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL), authentication, and storage for deploying and managing applications securely in the cloud.

Conclusion

The market for health consulting apps offers businesses an opportunity to profit from a basic human need: the desire to be healthy and happy. Businesses can increase their revenue by developing healthcare solutions that satisfy users’ needs. Create an application for health consultations that allows people to take control of their health and change into the healthiest versions of themselves. 

Interested In Developing Your Health Consultation App?

 
Idea Usher is an app development company specializing in developing apps like Amwell and enhancing them with top-notch features. Our developers conduct thorough market research to launch your app and make sure it performs well in a competitive market. Contact us to turn your idea into a great app.

FAQ

Q. What is the alternative to Amwell?

A. A popular alternative to Amwell is Teladoc. Teladoc offers telehealth services like virtual consultations with healthcare professionals for general medical care, mental health, and specialized services. It provides a convenient way for patients to access healthcare remotely, ensuring timely and efficient medical attention.

Q. How much does it cost to build a health consultation app?

A.  A health consultation app’s development cost varies based on factors such as desired features, app complexity, and development team location. A basic version can be cost-effective, while more advanced apps with personalized health plans and real-time monitoring will require a higher investment. Consider platform choices (iOS, Android, or both) and ongoing maintenance costs when planning your health consultation app budget.

Q. How do you build a health consultation app?

A. A medical consultation app should prioritize features like simple appointment scheduling, safe communications between patients and physicians, and telemedicine for remote consultations. Ensure smooth integration with electronic health records (EHR) while following data security laws in the healthcare industry, such as HIPAA. Provide features like symptom checks, medication management, and health tracking on user-friendly interfaces for patients and healthcare professionals. To manage sensitive medical data and guarantee a seamless user experience, give priority to scalability and a strong backend architecture. Work directly with medical specialists to verify the usability and functioning of the app, making sure it satisfies industry requirements and improves patient care overall.

Q.  How does a health consultation app work?

A. A health consultation app connects patients with doctors for remote consultations. Users start by registering and creating a profile. They can browse a list of doctors, view their profiles, and choose based on specialty, experience, and reviews. Users book appointments for virtual consultations via chat or video calls. During the consultation, doctors can give medical advice, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medications. The app may also include secure payment options and electronic health records for a seamless healthcare experience.