Onsurity Editorial
November 26, 2024
9 min read
1739Table of Contents
Telemedicine Apps
Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare services from a distance using electronic information and technology, such as computers, cameras, videoconferencing, and mobile devices. It allows healthcare providers to evaluate, diagnose, inform, and treat patients without an in-person visit.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in India, leading to the rapid implementation of virtual care solutions like teleconsultation, teleradiology, telepathology, and teleconsultation.
The Government of India issued Telemedicine Practice guidelines on March 25, 2020, to provide a robust framework for telemedicine practice. These guidelines cover norms and protocols related to physician-patient relationships, liability, informed consent, medical records, privacy, and security of patient records, among other aspects
The telemedicine market in India has been steadily growing, with a market value of $1.10 billion in 2022. It is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% from 2022 to 2030, reaching $5.15 billion in 2030.
Looking at the growing demand for telemedicine and its numerous advantages, we explore the top 5 telemedicine apps in India.
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Top 5 Telemedicine Apps in India
Here are the best telemedicine apps in India that provide healthcare delivery by leveraging technology to enhance access, convenience, and quality of care.
1. Tata 1mg
Tata 1mg is India’s leading online healthcare platform that offers a wide range of services including online pharmacy and doctor on demand. It is a joint venture between Tata Digital and 1mg Technologies Pvt. Ltd., combining Tata Group’s expertise in various sectors with 1mg’s experience in the healthcare industry.
The company boasts over 2 lakh+ allopathic medicines being available on the platform at the best prices. The medicines cover homoeopathy, ayurvedic medicines, medical devices, health supplements, and personal hygiene products.
The app offers discounts and savings on medical bills and delivers medicines to over 1000+ cities within the same day or the next day.
The app also allows online doctor consultations from various specialties like general physicians, gynecologists, dermatologists, etc. The app offers over 2,000 types of lab tests and health check-ups and has partnered with 120+ top verified labs like Dr Lal Path Labs, SRL Diagnostics, Thyrocare etc.
Tata 1mg has a rating of 4.7 on the App Store and 4.6 ratings on the Google Play Store, propelling it to among the best telemedicine apps in the country.
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2. Practo
Practo is a leading integrated healthcare app founded in 2007 in Bangalore by Shashank and Abhinav Lal. Initially known for booking doctor appointments (doctor on demand), Practo has evolved into a comprehensive platform offering various medical services. It operates in over 100 Indian cities and is popular for its doctor-on-demand consultation services.
Practo has a comprehensive medical directory with detailed information on over a lakh doctor partners nationwide. The company provides partnerships with local pharmacies for prescription upload and delivery. Members are allowed online appointment booking with doctors at over 9,000 leading hospitals and clinics.
The app also offers a reminder based on previous purchases and one can use Practo coupons for savings on blood tests or medical tests. Practo is known for its user-friendly interface, extensive network of healthcare providers, and wide range of healthcare services available on its platform.
Practo has a rating of 4.7 on the App Store and 4.5 ratings on the Google Play Store, making it among the best telemedicine apps in the country.
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3. MFine
MFine is a leading telemedicine platform that connects users with qualified doctors and healthcare professionals for online consultations, diagnosis, and treatment. Users can book appointments with healthcare providers for video consultations, audio consultations, or chat-based consultations, depending on their preferences and requirements.
MFine offers access to a wide range of medical specialities, including general medicine, dermatology, paediatrics, gynaecology, psychiatry, orthopaedics, cardiology, and more. After a teleconsultation, doctors at MFine can issue digital prescriptions (e-prescriptions) for medications, diagnostic tests, or follow-up consultations as needed.
Users can conveniently access their prescriptions through the MFine app and use them to purchase medicines or book diagnostic tests.
Mfine has 4.2 ratings on the app store and 4.6 ratings on Google Play.
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4. Netmeds
Netmeds is a leading online pharmacy and healthcare platform in India. It allows users to purchase prescription and over-the-counter medications, wellness products, personal care items, and medical devices through its website and mobile app. The company was acquired by Reliance Retail, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), one of India’s largest conglomerates.
Netmeds offers a comprehensive selection of prescription medicines, generic drugs, and branded medications across various therapeutic categories. Users can search for specific medicines, browse by medical condition, or explore curated health categories.
Netmeds frequently offers discounts, promotional offers, and cashback deals on medicines and healthcare products, allowing users to save on their purchases. The platform also provides loyalty programs and referral benefits to incentivise repeat purchases and user engagement.
Netmeds has a rating of 4.7 on the App Store and 4.3 ratings on the Google Play Store.
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5. PharmEasy
PharmEasy is a consumer healthcare “super app” that offers services like teleconsultation, medicine deliveries, home tests and sample collections. For extensive medical needs, the company also has an online pharmacy that connects patients with their local pharmacies and diagnostic centers.
The company was founded in 2015, as a subsidiary of Ascent Health, by Dharmil Sheth, Mikhil Innani, and Dhaval Shah.
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Benefits of Telemedicine Apps
Here are the best telemedicine apps in India that provide healthcare delivery by leveraging technology to enhance access, convenience, and quality of care.
1. Convenience
Telemedicine apps provide convenient access to healthcare services from the comfort of home or any location with internet access. Patients can schedule appointments, consult with doctor on demand, and receive medical advice without the need for travel or waiting rooms, saving time and effort.
2. Accessibility
Telemedicine apps improve access to healthcare, particularly for individuals in remote or underserved areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. Patients can connect with healthcare providers regardless of geographical barriers, helping to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities.
3. Timely Care
One of the benefits of Telemedicine is that it enables timely medical intervention, especially for non-emergency conditions and minor ailments. Patients can receive prompt medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment without having to wait for in-person appointments, reducing the risk of delayed care and complications.
4. Cost Savings
Telemedicine apps can lead to cost savings for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients save on travel expenses, parking fees, and time off work associated with traditional clinic visits. Healthcare providers can reduce overhead costs associated with physical infrastructure and administrative expenses.
5. Continuity of Care
Telemedicine facilitates continuity of care by enabling follow-up consultations and ongoing monitoring of patients’ health remotely. Patients can maintain regular communication with their healthcare providers, receive medication adjustments, and track their progress, leading to better health outcomes.
6. Reduced exposure to infections
Especially relevant during pandemics or disease outbreaks, one of the benefits of telemedicine is that it reduces the risk of exposure to infectious diseases by minimising in-person contact. Patients can receive medical care while minimising the risk of transmission of contagious illnesses.
7. Access to Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Telemedicine apps with integrated EHR systems allow for quick access to patient records, reducing errors, improving efficiency, and facilitating seamless communication of health information across platforms.
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Choosing the Right Telemedicine App for You
When choosing the right telemedicine app, several key factors should be considered to ensure the success and effectiveness of the platform. These factors include:
1. User Interface and Experience
The chosen app should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for users who may not be tech-savvy. Clear and well-organised menus, buttons, and navigation paths help users find what they need quickly and efficiently. The registration process should be simple and straightforward, with clear instructions and minimal required fields. Onboarding screens or tutorials can help users understand how to use the app and its features effectively.
2. Range of Services Offered
When choosing the right telemedicine app, it’s essential to consider the range of services offered to ensure it meets your healthcare needs comprehensively. Look for diverse services like online doctor consultations, appointment scheduling, prescription services, medicine delivery and diagnostic test booking.
Ensure the app provides access to emergency services or facilitates referrals to physical healthcare facilities when needed, ensuring continuity of care and appropriate medical intervention in emergencies.
The app should support various communication channels for consultations, including video calls, audio calls, and text-based chat, allowing users to choose the most convenient option for their needs.
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3. Doctor Availability
When choosing a telemedicine app, it is essential to consider the availability of doctors on demand to ensure that patients can access healthcare services when needed, especially in urgent or emergency situations.
Some apps provide a comprehensive medical directory, appointment booking, and online consultations. One must also look for 24×7 access to doctors, allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers at any time.
4. Security and Privacy Measures
Ensuring security and privacy measures are paramount when selecting a telemedicine app to safeguard sensitive medical information and maintain patient confidentiality. The app should use robust encryption protocols to secure all communications between users and healthcare providers, ensuring that sensitive data transmitted during consultations remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.
The app should employ secure user authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication or biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition), to ensure that only authorised users can access the app and their medical records. It should maintain comprehensive audit trails and activity logs to track access to patient data, record user activities, and detect and investigate any unauthorized access or suspicious activities.
Apart from these, the app should have transparent privacy policies that clearly outline how patient data is collected, used, stored, and shared, as well as the rights and options available to users regarding their personal information.
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5. Patient Feedback and Ratings
Patient feedback and ratings play a crucial role in enhancing the quality, transparency, and trustworthiness of telemedicine apps. Sincethese apps are available for download on app stores such as the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices., users can view ratings and read reviews left by other users who have downloaded and used the app.
Many telemedicine apps have official websites where they may showcase user testimonials, reviews, or ratings. Visiting the app’s website can provide additional information about the app’s features, services, and user feedback.
There are several third-party review platforms and websites that specialise in reviewing and rating telemedicine apps and healthcare services. These platforms may offer detailed comparisons, user reviews, expert opinions, and ratings for various telemedicine apps, helping users make informed decisions.
Conclusion
Telemedicine apps have steadily emerged as an invaluable bridge between patients and healthcare providers. These apps are alleviating the burden on healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes. By providing accessibility and affordability to patients, these apps are revolutionising the healthcare ecosystem. The road ahead looks promising due to their growing popularity and increased adoption among digitally savvy users and wider market penetration. Even on Onsurity, businesses and their teams can access telemedicine services like – teleconsultations and e-pharmacy at attractive discounts.
If you are a fast-growing business looking to create a lasting impact on the lives of your team members, give them the gift of surity with Onsurity’s healthcare and wellness benefits. You can avail of these benefits on a monthly subscription basis, with subscriptions starting at just ₹49 per employee.
FAQs:
1. What is a telemedicine app?
A telemedicine app is a digital platform that enables remote access to healthcare services through telecommunications technology.
2. Which is the most used telemedicine app in India?
The most used telemedicine app in India is Practo.
3. Is telemedicine allowed in India?
Yes, telemedicine is allowed and regulated in India. The practice of telemedicine is governed by the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
4. Are telemedicine apps secure for sharing personal health information?
Telemedicine apps prioritise the security and confidentiality of personal health information to ensure that patient data is protected and privacy is maintained. However, the level of security can vary depending on the app’s implementation, compliance with regulations, and adherence to best practices.
5. What services can I access through a telemedicine app?
Whether you need medical advice, prescriptions, diagnostic tests, or wellness support, telemedicine apps provide a convenient and efficient way to manage your health remotely.
6. Can I get a prescription through a telemedicine app?
Yes, one of the most important service of a telemedicine app is that you can get a prescription through it. Telemedicine apps enable you to consult with qualified healthcare professionals remotely, and if deemed necessary, they can issue electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) for medications, treatments, or diagnostic tests after a teleconsultation.
7. Does health insurance cover telemedicine appointments?
Whether health insurance covers telemedicine appointments depends on various factors, including the specific insurance plan, the type of coverage provided, and the regulations in your region.
8. Are telemedicine apps suitable for emergencies?
Telemedicine apps are generally not suitable for medical emergencies that require immediate, in-person medical attention. Emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or other life-threatening conditions require urgent medical care that cannot be adequately addressed through remote consultations alone.
