Maple vs. Felix: Key Features of a Successful Telemedicine App

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how patients seek medical help in Canada, with more people turning to virtual healthcare.

Telemedicine, which offers remote diagnosis and treatment via phone or online, was around before the pandemic, but its importance has grown due to lockdowns and restrictions.

Surveys by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) found that 91% of patients are satisfied with virtual care, and 46% of Canadians prefer virtual visits as their first contact with their doctor.

Canadian Telemedicine Market

Revenue in the digital health market is expected to reach $3,514 million in 2024.

The Canadian telemedicine market was valued at $4.864 billion in 2022. 

It is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% from 2022 to 2030. By 2030, it will reach $18.532 billion.

In a global comparison, the United States is expected to generate the most revenue, reaching $47,120 million in 2024.

Telemedicine is emerging as a powerful tool for convenient and accessible medical care. 

In Canada, apps like Maple and Felix have taken the lead, offering patients innovative solutions for their healthcare needs.

Overview of Maple and Felix

Maple

Founded in 2015, Maple is a leading virtual care platform in Canada, offering 24/7 access to Canadian-licensed doctors. 

Through secure text, audio, or video consultations, Maple provides prompt diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptions across various specialties. 

Since its launch in Ontario in 2016, Maple has expanded its services nationwide, ensuring accessible and convenient healthcare for all Canadians.

Maple USPs

• Doctor-led access: Quick care from licensed doctors.
• User-friendly platform: Designed with patient ease in mind.
• Healthcare navigation: Simplified guidance for navigating health services.
• Comprehensive care: Supports both mental and physical health.
• Continuous care: Shareable records for seamless patient history.
• Integrated support: Smooth setup with dedicated account management.

Felix Health

Founded in 2019, Felix provides convenient treatment for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, weight loss, hair loss, HIV prevention, acne, and birth control. 

 Canadians can connect with healthcare practitioners via text, audio, or video calls. 

Users simply select their medication, complete a brief questionnaire, and, if approved, Felix Pharmacy handles the prescription and delivery directly to their door. 

Currently, Felix Health operates in Ontario and British Columbia, adhering to local healthcare regulations for a secure experience.

Felix holds LegitScript certification, a significant mark of trust in the medical community.

felix for you has successfully raised $18 million CDN. 

Felix Health USPs

• Doctor-backed prescriptions: Personalized healthcare, prescribed online and delivered to the door.
• Science-supported treatments: Prescription treatments with professional guidance.
• Stigma-free care: No judgment—just supportive, accessible healthcare practitioners.
• Convenient access: Easy treatment on any device.
• Free shipping: Free shipping on all medications.
• Trusted by millions: Over 1,000,000 Canadians trust Felix for their healthcare needs.

Maple vs. Felix App: Key Feature Comparison

Both Maple and Felix offer convenient access to healthcare professionals, but they cater to different needs. Here's a breakdown of their key features to help you choose the right fit:

What Makes a Telemedicine App Successful? Essential Elements

• User-Friendly Design
• Reliable and Secure Communication
• Comprehensive Healthcare Services
• Efficient Appointment & Prescription Management

1. Supportive Features and Costs

To support these essential elements, the app should include features like secure messaging for encrypted communication, appointment scheduling for hassle-free booking, and EHR integration to connect with existing health records. 

ePrescriptions enable electronic medication orders, while remote monitoring tracks health metrics through wearable devices. Payment processing and insurance integration help manage financial transactions, and analytics offer valuable insights for healthcare providers.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Security

In both Canada and the USA, adhering to data protection regulations is crucial. 

In Canada, the app must comply with PIPEDA to ensure the protection of patient information. In the USA, the app must follow HIPAA standards to safeguard patient data.

3. User Experience and Design

A well-designed user interface and experience are critical. Custom UI/UX design enhances usability but can be pricier. Including accessibility features ensures the app is inclusive for all users.

You can also explore our guide to healthcare UI/UX for deeper understanding.

4. Development Team and Expertise

The development costs for your telemedicine app are influenced by the team's location and expertise. 

Opting for a local Canadian healthcare IT company is a smart choice. They are familiar with local PIPEDA regulations and healthcare requirements, ensuring your app meets all necessary standards. 

Plus, they offer cost-effective solutions, combining local knowledge with competitive pricing. This approach balances quality and budget, making it a practical choice for your project.

Add Advanced Features to Make Your App Stand Out from Maple & Felix

1. AI-powered Symptom Assessment

Chatbots powered by AI can help evaluate symptoms and guide patients toward the most appropriate care options. 

By implementing Custom GPT AI in your practice, you can provide patients with quick access to health information through intelligent chatbots. 

This not only improves patient engagement but also streamlines your clinic's operations. 

AI-driven Custom GPT can deliver tailored responses, manage routine inquiries, and support decision-making processes, ultimately enhancing care delivery and optimizing your practice's efficiency.

2. Integration with Wearable Devices

Integrating wearable devices with your telehealth app allows for remote monitoring of vital signs, such as blood pressure and glucose levels. 

This IoT-based system eliminates the need for manual data collection and in-person visits, automating data transmission and storage. 

This streamlines patient management, provides real-time insights, and enhances overall care efficiency.

3. Mental Health Support

With over 10 years in healthcare and having developed 200+ telemedicine apps, we've observed a growing trend in addressing mental health concerns through telemedicine. 

Many of our inquiries are about developing mental health apps. Incorporating mental health support into your app can be highly beneficial. 

Consider adding features for consultations with therapists or counselors to provide valuable resources for users.

Choose Our White-Label Telemedicine Solution over Maple, Felix & other SaaS Options: Get Started

If you want a superior telemedicine solution compared to Maple and Felix, opt for our white-label solution.

Maple and Felix are SaaS-based platforms that require monthly subscription fees and offer limited features. 

They lack flexibility in ownership costs, source code ownership, and customization & personalization.

With SaaS solutions like Maple and Felix, the high cost of ownership over time is a significant challenge. 

Additionally, these platforms do not allow for customization to fit your clinical workflow. 

For instance, you wouldn’t expect Dropbox to customize its solution solely for you, and the same applies here.

As health-tech experts, we know that both software and hardware are crucial. 

Our dedicated team will assess your hardware needs, order, configure, and install the telemedicine hardware, providing a complete and tailored solution for your practice. 

But we offer more than that.

At SyS Creations, we've built over 200 applications for a range of clients, from startups that went public to Fortune 500 companies and WHO-featured NGOs. 

Our extensive and exclusive experience gives us an edge in understanding both the technical and business aspects of healthcare.

We don’t just code; we build businesses. 

Our solutions are designed to be more successful and impactful than those offered by Maple and Felix, bringing value to a larger part of the world.

If you're ready to be the next big success story, get a live demo from us today.