Telehealth has become an indispensable part of the modern healthcare landscape, transforming how patients and healthcare providers interact.
As telehealth continues to evolve, the demand for robust, user-friendly telehealth apps rises. These applications not only facilitate virtual consultations but also integrate with electronic health record (EHR) systems, ensuring seamless data exchange and interoperability.
This blog will explore the top telehealth apps in 2024, highlighting their features, user experiences, and the impact they are making in the healthcare industry.
The Best Telehealth Apps
Here are some of the best telehealth apps that are widely popular due to their customer service and prompt redressal of issues.
Doctor On Demand
Features:
Video Conferencing: High-quality video calls with healthcare providers.
E-Prescriptions: Ability to prescribe and send prescriptions electronically.
Medical History Access: Providers can access patients’ medical histories for better diagnosis and treatment.
Preventive Health Support: Includes wellness check-ins and preventive care reminders.
24/7 Availability: Access to healthcare services around the clock.
Pros: Comprehensive range of services, user-friendly interface, integrates with health tools like Apple’s HealthKit.
Cons: Not suitable for emergencies, some services might incur higher costs.
Best for: Comprehensive healthcare services including urgent, chronic, and preventive care.
Appscrip’s VaidG
Features:
Book A Doctor For Home-Visit: Facilitates scheduling home visits for patients preferring in-person care.
Book A Telemedicine Appointment: Enables on-demand video call consultations, offering convenience and immediacy.
Order A Lab Test At Home: Provides the option for patients to have their lab tests conducted at home or in a lab, adding a layer of convenience.
Features For Users: Flexible appointment options catering to various patient needs through different appointment types. Specialised doctor booking to help patients find specialised care. The appointment preferences offer personalised appointment settings. It can also engage patients before and after appointments to gather insights and feedback.
Features For Doctors: Appscrip’s VaidG includes profile management, service pricing customisation, schedule management, secure video calling, encrypted messaging, post-consultation summaries, and an earnings dashboard.
Pros: The app’s customisable nature and comprehensive feature set provide a robust platform for telemedicine services, catering to both patient and provider needs effectively.
Cons: As with any customisable solution, the initial setup and customisation process may require a significant time investment and possibly higher upfront costs compared to off-the-shelf options.
Best for: Healthcare organisations and practitioners looking for a tailored telemedicine solution that can be adapted to their unique operational needs and growth plans.
Amwell
Features:
Video Conferencing: Secure video calls with healthcare professionals.
Appointment Scheduling: Easy to book and manage appointments.
E-Prescriptions: Electronic prescriptions sent directly to pharmacies.
Integration with HealthKit: Syncs health data from Apple devices.
Specialist Search: Ability to search and consult with specialists in various fields.
Pros: Extensive service offerings, accredited by the American Telemedicine Association, 24/7 access.
Cons: Can be more expensive compared to competitors, potential wait times during peak hours.
Best for: Immediate or specialised care, users integrating health data with HealthKit.
98point6
Features:
Text-Based Consultations: Secure messaging with healthcare providers.
Primary Care Services: General health management via text.
Mental Health Support: Access to mental health services through text.
Affordable Subscription Model: Cost-effective service plans.
Pros: Confidential consultations, 24/7 availability, cost-effective.
Cons: Limited functionality for complex health issues, potential delays in text responses.
Best for: Private, accessible, and flexible healthcare consultations.
Teladoc
Features:
24/7 Access: Anytime consultations with healthcare professionals.
Wide Range of Specialties: From general medicine to dermatology and mental health.
Second Opinions: Access to expert second opinions for critical diagnoses.
Behavioral Health Services: Comprehensive mental health support.
Pros: Extensive network of providers, wide range of specialties, available 24/7.
Cons: Higher costs for certain services, variable wait times.
Best for: Diverse healthcare needs, seeking second opinions.
Heal
Features:
In-Home Visits: Doctors visit homes for consultations.
Telehealth Visits: Virtual consultations available.
Chronic Disease Management: Ongoing management of chronic conditions.
Paediatric Care: Specialised care for children.
Pros: Convenience of in-home visits, comprehensive care options.
Cons: Limited to specific geographic areas, higher costs for home visits.
Best for: Patients preferring in-home care, families with children.
PlushCare
Features:
Video Appointments: High-quality video consultations.
E-Prescriptions: Digital prescriptions sent to pharmacies.
Primary and Urgent Care: General healthcare services.
Integration with Insurance: Works with various insurance providers.
Pros: Easy-to-use interface, integrates with insurance, comprehensive care.
Cons: Availability may vary by location, some services might be costly.
Best for: General healthcare needs, users with insurance coverage.
HealthTap
Features:
Virtual Consultations: Video and text consultations with doctors.
AI-Powered Symptom Checker: Helps identify possible conditions.
Health Records: Manage and access personal health records.
Wide Range of Specialties: Access to various medical specialists.
Pros: AI-powered tools, comprehensive health management, wide range of specialties.
Cons: Limited availability in some regions, potential wait times.
Best for: Those seeking comprehensive health management and AI-driven tools.
Zocdoc
Features:
Appointment Scheduling: Book appointments with doctors near you.
Patient Reviews: Read reviews from other patients.
Insurance Integration: Check if doctors accept your insurance.
Video Visits: Virtual consultations available.
Pros: Easy booking system, patient reviews, insurance checks.
Cons: Primarily a scheduling tool, not a full telehealth service.
Best for: Finding and booking local doctors, checking insurance compatibility.
Babylon Health
Features:
AI-Powered Health Assessments: AI-driven tools for health assessments.
Video Consultations: Virtual consultations with healthcare providers.
Health Monitoring: Track health metrics and progress.
E-Prescriptions: Digital prescriptions available.
Pros: Advanced AI tools, comprehensive health monitoring, global availability.
Cons: AI assessments might not replace human consultation, service variability.
Best for: Users interested in AI-driven health tools and global access.
Features To Be Considered When Selecting Telehealth Apps
When opting for a telehealth app, it’s crucial to consider the below mentioned factors to ensure the app meets the clinical needs of healthcare providers and the convenience for patients, while also adhering to legal and security standards. Here’s a comprehensive list of factors to consider:
Security Protocols: The protection of patient data is paramount. An app that meets or exceeds HIPAA compliance standards ensures that patient information is handled securely, protecting privacy and confidentiality.
Business Associate Agreement (BAA): A BAA is crucial for legal compliance, detailing the responsibilities of each party in handling protected health information (PHI).
Usability, Responsiveness, and Intuitiveness: The platform’s ease of use is critical for both healthcare providers and patients. A user-friendly interface encourages consistent use and ensures the effectiveness of the telehealth service.
Customisation: Every healthcare practice has unique needs. A customisable platform can be tailored to specific requirements, enhancing the care delivery process.
Availability and Quality of Customer Support: Reliable customer support is essential for addressing technical issues swiftly, ensuring uninterrupted care delivery. Look for platforms offering 24/7 support, a comprehensive help centre, and positive customer service reviews.
Cost-effectiveness: The value offered by a telehealth platform is not just in its price but in its balance of cost against features, security, and service quality. Assess whether the platform provides a good return on investment by considering its features, workflow improvement potential, and support for easier regulatory compliance against its price.
Compliance with Healthcare Regulations: Telemedicine apps must adhere to healthcare regulations to ensure legal and ethical operations. Verify that the app complies with relevant healthcare regulations, such as those from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Features and Functionality: Essential features like video conferencing, secure messaging, appointment scheduling, prescription management, and access to Electronic Health Records (EHR) are fundamental for effective telemedicine delivery.
Conclusion
The potential of telehealth apps extending healthcare services to remote communities, ensuring continuity of care, and facilitating better health monitoring and patient engagement is immense. For healthcare providers and businesses, telehealth apps offer a pathway to expand their reach, improve operational efficiencies, and foster stronger patient relationships.
However, navigating the challenges of telemedicine app development—such as ensuring data privacy, regulatory compliance, and creating intuitive user experiences—requires expertise and a strategic approach.
We invite healthcare organisations, practitioners, and entrepreneurs to explore how Appscrip’s Telehealth App development solutions can transform their approach to digital healthcare.
