Telehealth software development process: a step-by-step guide

Telehealth software isn’t just about video calls and patient portals.

It’s about solving real clinical problems, protecting sensitive data, and creating digital tools that actually support healthcare teams.

But turning that idea into a real, working product isn’t always straightforward.

And that’s where we come in.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire telehealth software development process, from setting goals and choosing the right tech stack all the way to post-launch maintenance.

Let’s dive in!

How much does it cost to develop telehealth software?

Before you start building it, you need to understand what your telehealth software is going to cost.

Your budget will influence every decision you make in the development process.

Most telehealth software development costs typically range from $50,000 to $500,000+ depending on project complexity, feature requirements, and integration needs.

Of course, that’s a huge range, but not every telehealth software is the same.

The most basic telehealth apps with minimal features might start around $30,000-$55,000, while complex, fully-featured platforms can easily cost more than $450,000.

Integration requirements also add substantial costs. EHR integration typically adds $5,000–$50,000+ to the budget, depending on the complexity and the number of systems involved.

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Regulatory compliance and security requirements are also unavoidable expenses.

Meeting mandatory regulatory compliance standards like HIPAA or GDPR can add another $10,000-$30,000 to development costs.

Your development approach significantly influences total costs.

Outsourced development is generally more cost-effective, while in-house teams give you more control – but that doesn’t come cheap. Here’s an overview of their key differences:

In-house vs. outsourcing software development: overview

Post-launch costs can also surprise you. Annual maintenance typically represents 15-20% of initial development costs, which you need to budget for from the start.

Infrastructure costs also scale with adoption. Cloud hosting, data storage, and bandwidth expenses increase as more patients and providers use your platform.

Planning your budget means thinking beyond just initial development.

Getting those numbers right from the start will help you avoid delays, stay within budget, and build software that’s actually ready for real-world use.

How to build telehealth software

Here, we’ll show you how to build telehealth software, step-by-step.

Identify your business goals and software requirements first

Starting your telehealth software project without clear goals is like setting off on a road trip without knowing where you’re going.

Sure, you might end up in the right place, but you’ll waste a lot of time and money getting there.

You need to define your specific goals, target users, and success metrics before writing a single line of code.

This will determine if your telehealth solution actually solves a real problem or is just another tool no one uses.

Start by talking with the people who’ll actually use your platform – doctors, nurses, admin staff, and patients.

These conversations will help you identify real workflow issues, must-have features, and usability expectations that should guide how you build your product

And they’ll shape your business goals. Use them and the SMART goals framework to fully define your goals and success metrics.

Here’s an example of some SMART goals you can set:

• Reduce patient wait times by 20% in 6 months
• Reach a 70% appointment booking completion rate within 4 months
• Decrease no-show rates by 25% within 6 months using automated reminders
• Achieve 90% user satisfaction in post-appointment surveys within 3 months of launch

Market research is another essential step.

Look at existing telemedicine platforms to spot feature gaps, user experience problems, or problems you think you can solve better.

This will help you avoid common mistakes and build a solution that actually works for you.

Then, once you’ve got all of that information, you can start defining your requirements and writing a software requirements specification (SRS) document.

Here’s what a typical SRS looks like:

But, the key thing you need to define are your software’s functional and non-functional requirements.

In the simplest terms, functional requirements cover what your software does and non-functional requirements cover how it does it.

A well thought-out set of requirements will set you up for success down the line.

Once you have your requirements ready, choose which features to build first based on what will make the biggest impact and what’s technically doable.

Split development into phases with a clear minimum viable product (MVP) that can provide value immediately while you continue working toward your complete solution.

Choose the right tech stack

Your tech stack is the backbone of your telehealth software and directly affects how well it can grow, stay secure, and how much it will cost to maintain.

You need a strong, healthcare-compliant infrastructure that can safely handle sensitive patient data while giving users a smooth experience no matter the device.

Think of the tech stack as your development team’s toolkit. You want them to have the best tools for the job, from databases to web frameworks.

So, let’s talk about how to make the right choices.

Going with cloud infrastructure from providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud builds a strong foundation for your telehealth software.

These platforms come with built-in compliance features, computing resources that grow with you, and secure data storage that meets strict healthcare standards.

They’re also great for handling real-time data from wearable patient monitoring devices that are becoming a big part of keeping tabs on patients from afar.

For mobile apps, cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native let you build for iOS and Android from one codebase.

These tools offer the performance you need to build features like video calls, secure messaging, and push notifications while cutting down on development time.

As for backend development, choose proven technologies like .NET, Java, Python, or Node.js that come with solid security frameworks and plenty of API options.

These languages and frameworks can handle the complex business logic telehealth software needs while playing nice with other healthcare systems.

The right tech stack isn’t just about performance – it’s about building software that’s reliable, secure, and actually meets your needs.

If you make the right choices early, and you won’t waste time fixing avoidable problems later.

Pick the right integrations

What really sets professional telehealth software apart from basic video call software is how well it connects with everything else you’re already using.

Your telehealth solution needs to work well with your existing healthcare systems if you want it to actually fit into your clinical and administrative workflows.

Without this , it will end up as another isolated tool that creates extra work instead of making things easier for your healthcare team.

Interoperability is key to successful healthcare software.

source: CodeIT

And it starts with electronic health record (EHR) integration. It’s the make-or-break connection for any telehealth software.

When EHR integration doesn’t work, doctors end up retyping notes, missing key info, or creating duplicate records, which hurts both care and security.

And this isn’t just a minor problem. Disconnected information systems directly affect patient outcomes and how efficiently your practice runs.

Implementing HL7 FHIR standards will ensure your telehealth software can effectively talk with major off-the-shelf EHR systems like Epic or Oracle Health.

And you should integrate it with other types of healthcare software, like medical billing solutions and e-prescriptions (eRx).

Integrating with healthcare-specific payment processors will make billing easier for patients and takes a heavy admin load off your staff.

And eRx integration lets you send prescriptions directly to patients’ pharmacies, cutting out paperwork and delays while making it easier to manage their ongoing treatments.

The right integrations will turn your telehealth software into a true extension of your healthcare system, not just another tool on the side.

Get them right, and you can focus more on care, which is exactly what you should want.

Create an intuitive user experience

Designing user experience for telehealth means finding the right balance between keeping things simple and making sure the platform does what it needs to.

And all the while, you need to support users with different tech skills and accessibility needs.

Your software will serve everyone from tech-savvy millennials to elderly patients who may be using video calls for the first time.

Prioritize intuitive, accessible interface design and focus on UX essentials like:

• Clear, uncluttered layouts that guide users without overwhelming them.
• High-contrast visuals for better readability across all devices.
• Large, tap-friendly buttons to support users with limited dexterity.
• Simple language and consistent labels for better navigation.
• Recognizable icons that don’t require a learning curve.

Implement accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2 and add screen reader support and voice commands to serve users with disabilities.

These features aren’t just compliance requirements – they’re essential for reaching underserved populations who benefit most from telehealth access.

But, remember, patient-centered design goes beyond just visual elements.

Features like personalized waiting rooms and guided onboarding flows can help reduce patient anxiety and improve engagement.

The goal is making virtual care feel welcoming and familiar rather than cold and technological.

And that’s what a good UX is all about.

Develop your telehealth software

Once you’ve got your design ready, you can start development.

Now, we won’t get too technical here – we’ll take a bit of a broader view.

So, what’s key to successful development?

One of the biggest factors in building successful software is the development methodology you use. And the best fit for healthcare are Agile methodologies.

They allow you to constantly get feedback from stakeholders and make improvements based on how people actually use the system.

Agile methodologies like Scrum break development work into focused, 2-4 week sprints that act like mini development cycles.

This way, you deliver working components you can actually test and get feedback on.

This helps you catch workflow issues, usability problems, and missing features before they become expensive headaches.

Another important factor, especially for healthcare software development, is security.

You should build security and compliance into your system from the start rather than trying to tack it on afterwards. This approach saves time and reduces security risks.

And since the average cost of a data breach in healthcare is higher than any other industry, this is crucial.

source: Syteca

A good compliance framework should cover things like access controls, audit logging, encryption, and breach procedures.

It should also include relevant standards like NIST cybersecurity frameworks, HL7 FHIR for sharing data between systems, and any region-specific rules.

Also, keep thorough documentation as you build your healthcare software – you’ll need it for maintenance and audits down the line.

Compliance is a moving target, not a one-off task. It’s always cheaper and safer to build it in from day one.

Damir Plejic, Strategic Partnerships Manager at DECODE

Set clear documentation standards covering system architecture diagrams, data flow models, risk assessments, security controls, and test validation procedures.

And make sure to include technical specs that future developers can use when making updates, diagrams showing how your software fits into clinical workflows, and clear explanations of how you meet regulatory requirements.

This paperwork becomes gold during HIPAA audits or if you’re trying to get certifications like SOC 2 or HITRUST.

Good documentation proves you’ve been serious about security all along and can make those otherwise painful audit processes much smoother.

And that’s exactly what you should want.

Rigorously test your telehealth software

Testing healthcare software is different from a typical project.

In healthcare, if you software breaks, it’s actually dangerous.

You need thorough testing to make sure it’s clinically safe. Your testing plan has to make sure your telehealth platform holds up in all sorts of real-world healthcare situations.

You’ll want to see how it performs with different internet speeds – from the lightning-fast connections in hospitals to the spotty service some patients have in rural areas.

And you need to test it on everything patients and providers might use: desktop computers, tablets, and phones.

On top of ensuring patient safety, thorough testing comes with another benefit – lower costs.

Finding bugs at the earliest stages of development can be up to 100x cheaper than fixing them post-deployment.

So, which testing methods should you use? You should focus on 5 key types of testing:

• Functional testing
• Performance testing
• Security testing
• Usability testing
• Integration testing

Functional testing makes sure everything in your telehealth platform works right, from simple appointment booking to complex medical record systems.

Performance testing checks how your platform handles busy periods and increased loads, like during flu season when virtual visits suddenly jump.

Security testing is incredibly important for healthcare software. You need it to spot risks and figure out how to mitigate them through penetration tests, looking for vulnerabilities, and doing compliance checks.

And then there’s usability testing.

Testing with real doctors and patients reveals usability problems developers might miss.

Test your software in real clinical settings to catch workflow, communication, or tech issues before they affect patient care..

Integration testing is crucial for telehealth platforms connect with many different healthcare systems.

You’ll need to test connections to EHR, pharmacy networks, and any other software you integrate with.

Thorough testing isn’t just a checkbox, it’s what makes your software safe, reliable, and ready for real-world use.

Get it right, and you’ll catch the issues that matter before they ever reach a patient.

Deploy your software and train your team

Successful telehealth software deployment means careful planning.

You need to minimize disruption to operations while ensuring a smooth transition to a new workflow.

You simply can’t afford downtime or system problems that block patient access to care.

Even small interruptions can have big consequences, like putting patient safety at risk, delaying important treatments, or creating backlogs that take weeks to clear up.

And it costs a lot, too – on average, healthcare organizations lose $7,500 per minute of downtime.

So, you need to be methodical and create a detailed transition plan with clear milestones. Here’s what it should include:

• A phased rollout strategy to catch technical issues early and limit disruption.
• Involvement from key stakeholders across clinical, technical, and administrative teams.
• Pilot programs with early adopters to test the system in real-world settings.
• Feedback loops to get insights and fine-tune the system before full deployment.
• Detailed training resources tailored to different learning styles and roles.
• Ongoing support channels for quick help during daily clinical use.

This step-by-step approach will allow your team to spot and fix technical problems before they affect everyone.

Also, you should start with a pilot program.

Start with a group of users, gather their feedback, make any needed adjustments, and then expand to full deployment.

This will help you cut down risk while building confidence among your staff.

And you should document everything they experience, both good and bad, to help guide later phases of development.

Also, provide comprehensive training on how to effectively use your software. Include different resources like video tutorials, written guides, and hands-on workshops.

A strong rollout and proper training make the difference between a tool your team trusts and one they avoid.

Get this part right, and your telehealth software will be a real asset from day one.

Post-launch software maintenance

Telehealth software maintenance goes way beyond just fixing bugs and adding features.

Healthcare regulations change all the time, security threats need constant attention, and what users need evolves as virtual care grows up.

You need a thorough maintenance plan that can handle regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, workflow integration, and user experience all at once.

Set up proactive monitoring systems to keep tabs on how your platform performs, security events, and user satisfaction.

Real-time analytics dashboards will help you spot potential problems before they affect patient care, while automated alerts notify you about performance issues, unusual access patterns, or possible security threats.

Now, this will cost you, of course. Over your software’s lifecycle, maintenance will account for over 50% of your total costs of ownership (TCO):

source: LinkedIn

But, a proactive maintenance plan will also help you stay ahead of healthcare regulations by keeping your telehealth platform secure with regular updates and reviews.

Set up quarterly security checks and yearly compliance audits to spot and fix any weak points.

It’s also worth bringing in security experts to run simulated attacks on your system.

They’ll test your defenses against sophisticated techniques, like ransomware, that usually target patient information.

And don’t forget to document everything thoroughly.

Good records aren’t just for keeping regulators happy, they’re crucial if you ever face a data breach or security problem and need to respond quickly.

Telehealth software development: FAQs

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Do you want a state-of-the-art telehealth software solution but haven’t found the right partner yet?

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We’re an EU-based, high-caliber software development company with 13+ years of experience building enterprise-grade custom software for a bunch of industries, including healthcare.

And we’re confident we can build a telehealth solution to take your practice to the next level.

If you want to learn more, feel free to reach out and we’ll set up a quick call to discuss your needs in more detail.