Want to build healthcare software to simplify patient bookings and streamline operations but are worried about the cost of developing an app?
You’re not alone. Many clinics and hospitals across Australia are exploring digital transformation in healthcare to improve patient engagement and operational efficiency. But one of the first questions decision-makers ask is: “How much does it cost to develop an app like HotDoc?”
On average, HotDoc-like healthcare app development cost can range anywhere between AUD 30000 to AUD 200000 or more.
Why a wide range? As a top healthcare software development company in Australia, at Vrinsoft Pty Ltd, we have worked with 2000+ clients. And no client, irrespective of the industry, ever had the same requirements. So, this price range depends on several critical factors, from features and platforms to integrations and compliance requirements.
That’s why estimating the cost to develop an app for healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your unique requirements, features, integrations, and compliance needs.
Read on this blog to discover,
- How much does it really cost to develop a healthcare app like HotDoc?
- What drives the healthcare app development cost up or down?
- How to build a HotDoc-like solution that’s tailor-made for your business needs?
Let’s dive in!
What is HotDoc Healthcare Software Solution?
HotDoc is one of Australia’s most widely adopted healthcare engagement platforms, trusted by thousands of GPs, specialists, medical providers, and allied health professionals. It is designed to streamline communication between patients and practices with features like online appointment booking, automated reminders, digital forms, and more.
For patients, it means convenience and control. For healthcare providers, it means fewer no-shows, reduced admin burden, and improved patient retention.
But HotDoc is more than just a booking tool, it’s a full-stack healthcare software solution designed with compliance, usability, and integration in mind. It connects effortlessly with practice management systems, supports secure messaging, and helps clinics stay competitive in a fast-evolving healthcare industry.
Healthcare App Development Cost Like HotDoc – A Quick Overview
So, how much does it actually cost to build an app like HotDoc? The short answer: it depends. But to give you a realistic range, developing a healthcare software application with similar features typically costs between AUD 30000 to AUD 200000.
Why the wide range? Because no two healthcare apps are exactly alike. The total healthcare app development cost is influenced by factors like app complexity, number of features, backend infrastructure, third-party integrations, security standards, and whether you’re building for iOS, Android, or both.
For example,
A basic app that includes online booking, reminders, and patient management could fall on the lower end of the healthcare software cost. However, if you need advanced features such as telehealth, digital prescriptions, secure patient data storage, and full-scale EHR integrations, the price climbs significantly.
The bottom line? Your healthcare app development cost depends on your vision. Take note that investing in a compliant and scalable solution can save money in the long run by improving operational efficiency and enhancing patient care.
Factors Influencing HotDoc Like Healthcare App Development Cost
When planning to build a healthcare software like HotDoc, it’s important to understand the many factors that directly influence the healthcare app development cost. These variables can significantly affect your total investment from initial development through to long-term maintenance.
Let’s break down the most important ones,
1. App Complexity and Feature Set
This is the single most critical healthcare app development cost driver. A simple app with basic features like appointment scheduling and reminders is far more affordable than a comprehensive one. The custom healthcare software development solution that includes EHR integrations, telehealth capabilities, digital prescriptions, patient portals, and more will cost more.
It simply means the more advanced the features, the higher the development hours and the higher the cost. For instance,
- Basic app: Booking + reminders = AUD 30000 To AUD 50000
- Mid-level app: Booking + reminders + patient records + secure messaging = AUD 40000 to AUD 80000
- Enterprise-level app: All features above + telehealth, payments, AI integration = AUD 80000 to AUD 2,00,000
- This outlines a realistic cost of building an app for healthcare based on a feature set.
2. Platform Selection (iOS, Android, Web)
Are you targeting iOS users, Android users, or both? Each platform requires a separate codebase if you opt for native development. Alternatively, using cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native can reduce costs but may limit performance or customization for high-security app development for healthcare.
Adding a web dashboard for admins or doctors will also raise your healthcare app development cost but is often essential for full control over appointments and data analytics.
3. UI/UX Design
In healthcare software development, good design is more than just aesthetics, it’s about accessibility, clarity, and trust. Patients of all ages must be able to navigate the app intuitively, and staff should be able to manage back-end systems efficiently.
Designing a clean, responsive, and compliant interface tailored to both mobile and desktop users add to your project scope. Expect to invest more in UI/UX if you want a truly user-friendly experience that mimics the quality of platforms like HotDoc.
4. Compliance and Security
Healthcare apps must adhere to stringent data privacy and compliance regulations, including,
- HIPAA
- GDPR
- Australian Privacy Principles and My Health Record Compliance
These regulations require features such as data encryption, access controls, audit trails, secure data storage, and regular vulnerability assessments. Implementing and maintaining these security measures significantly increases development complexity and cost. But it’s non-negotiable for any serious healthcare app development.
5. Third-Party Integrations
To match the functionality of HotDoc, your app may need to integrate with,
- Practice management software – e.g., Best Practice, MedicalDirector
- Payment gateways – e.g., Stripe, Square
- Medicare and insurance claim systems
- SMS/email platforms for reminders
- Telehealth platforms or APIs
- Secure cloud services – e.g., AWS, Azure
Each integration can add anywhere from AUD 5,000 to AUD 30,000 to your healthcare app development cost, depending on API availability, complexity, and compliance considerations.
6. Development Team Location
Who you hire and where they’re located greatly affects your budget. For example,
Australian healthcare software development companies offer local expertise and strong regulatory knowledge at hourly rates, typically AUD 60 to AUD 100 /per hour
Offshore development teams in Eastern Europe or South Asia may cost less, around AUD 30–AUD 70/hour but can introduce risks around compliance and project delays.
For sensitive healthcare projects, most clinics and providers prefer to work with a healthcare software development company that understands Australian legal requirements and medical workflows.
7. Backend Development & Hosting
Healthcare apps require strong backend infrastructure to securely manage patient data, medical records, and appointment logs. You’ll need,
- A secure database
- Role-based access control
- Cloud storage
- API layers
- Admin panel/dashboard
Hosting on HIPAA-compliant cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure is essential, and the ongoing infrastructure costs must be included in your budget.
Expect initial backend development to cost anywhere from AUD 20,000 to AUD 60,000, depending on complexity.
8. Maintenance, Support & Updates
Post-launch support is just as important as development. You’ll need to budget for,
- Bug fixes
- Feature updates
- Security patches
- Server monitoring
- Compliance updates
On average, maintenance costs range from 15 to 25% of the initial healthcare app development cost annually.
9. Marketing and User Training
Though often overlooked, marketing and onboarding support are critical to app success. You may need to train your staff, educate patients, and promote the app across channels to drive adoption. This may include,
- In-app tutorials
- Website content
- Social media promotions
- Video demos or webinars
Marketing costs vary depending on your target audience, clinic size, and communication strategy but are crucial for the successful rollout of your custom healthcare software development project.
Want an exact quote for your custom healthcare software? Let’s talk.
Process to Build a Healthcare Software Like HotDoc
Developing a healthcare app like HotDoc isn’t just about coding, but it’s a strategic process that involves planning, compliance, design, and continuous iteration.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a top healthcare software development company in Australia would typically approach the project and manage the healthcare app development cost efficiently,
1. Discovery & Requirement Analysis
The first step involves deep-diving into your business goals, workflows, and target users. Whether you run a general practice, specialist clinic, or hospital, your needs will shape the app’s features and functionality. At this stage, your development team will:
- Identify must-have and nice-to-have features
- Define technical requirements and integration needs
- Establish compliance objectives – e.g., My Health Record integration, APPs adherence
This phase is critical for estimating the cost of building app for healthcare accurately.
2. Wireframing & UI/UX Design
Once the scope is defined, the design team creates wireframes and clickable prototypes. The goal? To ensure a frictionless experience for both patients and practitioners. For app development for healthcare, accessibility, trust, and simplicity are key. You’ll get a clear visual direction before development begins.
3. Backend and Frontend Development
Next comes coding. Developers will,
- Build a secure backend to store and process data
- Create APIs for communication with third-party systems
- Develop the frontend for mobile (iOS/Android) and/or web platforms
During this phase, the focus is on security, speed, and scalability. These are all essentials for any healthcare app development project. These elements also significantly impact the cost to develop an app for healthcare.
4. Third-Party Integrations
Your app may need to integrate with,
- Practice Management Systems – e.g., MedicalDirector, Best Practice
- Medicare APIs
- SMS/email providers
- Telehealth platforms
These integrations improve user experience and clinic efficiency, and they must be handled with precision and security. It’s a key factor in custom healthcare software development.
6. Deployment & Launch
Once everything checks out, the app is deployed to the App Store, Google Play, and/or your internal servers. The launch is typically phased to allow for real-world feedback and fine-tuning. The smoother the deployment, the better the return on your healthcare app development investment.
7. Post-Launch Support & Iteration
After launch, developers monitor usage, fix issues, and roll out feature updates. As the healthcare software industry evolves, your app should too. Continuous improvement ensures long-term value, offsetting the initial healthcare app development cost over time.
Must-Have Features of a Healthcare Software Application Like HotDoc
To build an app like HotDoc that truly adds value for healthcare providers and patients alike, certain core features are essential.
These features ensure the app is not only functional but also reliable, user-friendly, and compliant with healthcare regulations.
1. Online Appointment Booking
A smooth, intuitive booking system is the foundation. Patients should be able to view available time slots and book appointments with ease at anytime, anywhere. Real-time syncing with the clinic’s calendar minimizes double bookings and scheduling conflicts.
2. Automated Reminders & Notifications
Reducing no-shows is crucial for any healthcare provider. Automated SMS, email, or push notifications remind patients of upcoming appointments and prompt them to confirm or reschedule, improving clinic efficiency.
3. Patient Profile & Medical History
Secure patient profiles with access to appointment history, health records, and notes help providers deliver personalized care. Patients appreciate having their data accessible on-demand, fostering better communication.
4. Secure Messaging
HIPAA-compliant messaging between patients and providers facilitates quick questions, prescription renewals, and follow-ups without the need for phone calls or visits, saving time for both parties.
5. Integration with Practice Management Systems
Smooth integration with existing systems like MedicalDirector or Best Practice ensures data consistency, reduces duplicate entries, and streamlines administrative workflows.
6. Telehealth Support
The ability to conduct virtual consultations is increasingly expected. Video calls integrated within the app offer convenience and accessibility, especially for remote or immunocompromised patients.
7. Digital Forms & e-Prescriptions
Allowing patients to complete intake forms and receive prescriptions electronically simplifies administrative tasks and speeds up clinical processes.
Partner with Vrinsoft Pty Ltd for Affordable Healthcare App Development
If you’re ready to simplify patient bookings, enhance engagement, and streamline operations with a reliable app like HotDoc, you’re in the right place. At Vrinsoft Pty Ltd, we bring over a decade of experience in custom healthcare software development for clinics, hospitals, and healthcare providers across Australia.
Our team understands the unique compliance, security, and performance needs of the healthcare industry. Whether you need a basic appointment booking tool or a full-featured telehealth platform, we’ll create a solution tailored to your exact requirements, on time and within budget.
Don’t let healthcare app development costs hold you back. We’ll guide you through every step, from ideation to launch, with full transparency.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and personalised quote. Let’s turn your vision into a healthcare solution your patients and staff will love.
FAQs Related to HotDoc Like Healthcare App Development Cost
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to app development cost in healthcare industry,
1. How much does it cost to develop an Appointment scheduling app?
Developing a healthcare scheduling app typically costs between AUD 25,000 to AUD 50,000 or more. The final cost depends on the app’s complexity, platform, and required features.
2. How much does telehealth platform cost?
A custom telehealth platform can cost anywhere from AUD 60,000 to AUD 250,000 or more. Costs vary based on features like video calls, records integration, and data security.
3. How much does it cost to develop medical software in 2025?
Medical software development in 2025 may cost AUD 80,000 to AUD 300,000+. Pricing depends on features, integrations, compliance needs, and the development team’s location.
4. How to build an app like HotDoc?
To build an app like HotDoc, define your features and hire an expert healthcare app development company in Australia like Vrinsoft. They will design, develop, test, and launch with compliance and scalability in mind.
