On Demand Medical Device Delivery App: Features, Example & Development

The home medical equipment (HME) industry is growing fast. 

This is mainly due to the aging population and the shift towards home-based healthcare. 

For example, in the U.S., the number of people over 65 is expected to jump from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050. 

In Canada, the senior population is also set to rise by 68% in the next 20 years.

As more people prefer healthcare at home, it’s crucial they get the right medical equipment quickly and easily. 

If they don't, it can lead to poor health outcomes and higher costs.

This is where user-friendly apps come in. 

They simplify the process for patients to order and receive HME, including managing online medical equipment prescriptions.

In this blog, we'll walk you through the steps to build a successful On demand medical device delivery app. 

We’ll also look at Equipt Health, founded by Rebecca Weisinger and Max Greenfeld in 2021, as an example to guide you.

How to Understand the Market and Meet User Needs

To build a successful HME delivery app, it's important to know the market you're entering and what your users need. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Research the HME Market

Start by identifying which medical equipment is most in demand. 

For example, sleep apnea products like CPAP machines are highly sought after. Other popular items include infusion pumps for diabetic patients, home dialysis equipment, breast pumps, and mobility devices.

Next, figure out who your target audience is. Seniors, especially those 65 and older, are a growing group that needs these products. 

It’s also essential to study your competition. Learn who the big players are and what they offer. This will help you create an app that stands out.

2. Understand User Needs

Market research is important, but you also need to understand the challenges users face when ordering medical equipment.

Try conducting surveys or interviews to get direct feedback. For example, Rebecca Weisinger, co-founder of Equipt Health, found that patients often struggle with the complicated process of getting medical devices. This confusion can come from physical limitations or simply not knowing how it all works.

By identifying these pain points, you can create features that make things easier for users.

3. Consider Accessibility

Make sure your app works for everyone, including those with different abilities. This could include features like:

• Text-to-speech for users with visual impairments
• Adjustable font sizes for people with low vision
• Voice commands or alternative input methods for those who can’t use touchscreens

By focusing on these elements, you'll create an app that not only meets market demands but also offers a smooth and inclusive experience for all users.

Equipt Health: A Case Study in Success

Equipt Health is a great example of a successful HME delivery platform. The company provides a complete solution for delivering home medical equipment.

Here’s what you can learn from their approach:

1. Niche Focus

They started by focusing on sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment through their sub-brand, Helio Sleep. 

They aim to help the 24 million Americans who are undiagnosed with sleep apnea. By targeting this specific market, they built their expertise and gained traction.

2. Partnerships

Equipt Health partners with medical device companies to help bring their products to market. 

This collaboration expands their product range and helps those companies reach more customers.

3. Insurance Integration

They are working to accept insurance payments, making it easier for patients to access essential medical equipment.

6 Essential Features: Building a User-Centric On Demand Medical Device Delivery App

To create a successful HME app, focus on what your users want. Here are essential features to include:

1. User-Friendly Interface

Ensure the app is easy to navigate, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Use large fonts, high-contrast colors, and simple language to enhance usability.

2. Comprehensive Product Catalog

Offer a wide range of HME products with detailed descriptions and high-quality images. Organize the catalog for easy searching and include user reviews to help others make informed decisions.

3. Secure Ordering and Payment System

Protect user data by complying with HIPAA regulations. Provide multiple payment options and use a secure payment gateway.

4. Real-Time Order Tracking

Allow users to track their orders from placement to delivery. Include estimated delivery times and notifications to keep users informed.

5. Seamless Communication

Add in-app messaging for easy communication between users, providers, and the delivery team. This helps users ask questions and get support.

6. Integration with Insurance Providers

Let users submit claims and check their insurance coverage directly through the app. This simplifies the reimbursement process and reduces out-of-pocket costs.

By including these features, you can build a healthcare marketplace for home medical devices that meets user needs and streamlines online medical equipment prescriptions. 

Building a Reliable Backend for Your HME App

A strong backend infrastructure is key to the success of your HME delivery app. Here are the important parts to focus on:

1. Inventory Management System

You need a system to track your inventory and manage orders. This ensures smooth operations. Your inventory system should:

• Show real-time inventory levels.
• Automatically reorder stock to avoid shortages.
• Connect with your ordering system to fulfill orders quickly.

2. Logistics and Delivery Network

Having a reliable delivery network is crucial. Partner with trusted shipping companies that provide:

• Nationwide coverage to reach more users.
• Real-time tracking to monitor shipments.
• Fast shipping options for urgent needs.
• Secure transport for sensitive medical equipment.

3. Clinical Support Integration

Adding clinical support makes the app more helpful. Connect users with healthcare professionals for:

• Virtual consultations to assess HME needs and guide product choices.
• Assistance with setting up equipment safely and correctly.
• Ongoing support for questions or troubleshooting.

Here’s a blueprint for how we built the backend process for our HME app.

Tech Stack for Your Online Medical Equipment Prescription App

Here’s a quick look at the tech stack for an effective Home Medical Equipment (HME) delivery app:

Frontend:

• Framework: React, Vue.js, or Angular for dynamic interfaces.
• UI Library: Material UI or Bootstrap for user-friendly design.
• State Management: Redux or Vuex for efficient data handling.

Backend:

• Language: Node.js with Express.js for scalability.
• Database: MongoDB for flexibility or PostgreSQL for strong consistency.
• APIs: RESTful APIs for order processing and user authentication.

Additional Technologies:

• Cloud Hosting: Use AWS or Google Cloud for reliable hosting.
• Payment Gateway: Integrate Stripe or PayPal for secure transactions.
• Shipping API: Partner with FedEx or UPS for real-time tracking.
• Real-time Communication: Implement WebSockets or Firebase for seamless interaction.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an On-Demand Medical Device Delivery App?

So, you're curious about the costs involved in developing an on-demand medical supply delivery app? 

We get it!

However, providing a specific number isn't feasible without understanding your app's unique requirements. 

We believe in transparency and want to avoid any misleading figures.

The overall development costs depend on several key factors:

• Design Complexity: More intricate designs will require more resources.
• Development Needs: Costs can vary based on the platforms you choose.
• Feature Complexity: Advanced features like real-time tracking can increase expenses.
• Security Compliance: Meeting regulations such as HIPAA and PIPEDA will impact both time and cost.

To get a better understanding of your project’s cost, consider these elements. If you’re ready to explore further, let’s discuss your app development needs!