Never has it been a more critical need to optimize and streamline processes in the healthcare industry, a field that hugely depends on precision and efficiency. The Hospital Management System (HMS) has emerged like a unicorn over time, offering medical facilities a digital backbone. They automate, optimize patient care, streamline tasks, and boost performance, and all goes well in the setup. However, cost is one of the first considerations that comes to mind for a normal HMS.

Here, we will examine the cost of developing an HMS. We will take a ground-zero approach, breaking down the components that contribute to the overall software development cost. 

What is Healthcare Management Software?

One study revealed that physicians waste patients’ time submitting the paperwork, which is half of their time spent on it. Indeed, the paperwork workload in hospitals cannot be eliminated. Still, with automated systems and automated processes, less work and stress would go around physicians and counter-medical staff. Computer-based solutions aptly handle operations and procedures within hospitals. This system is termed the healthcare management system or the hospital management system.

A hospital administration system allows medical staff to securely collect, obtain, recover, and broadcast patient data. This will help make patient care more effective and process medical records quickly. The system offers an ecosystem of software tools and applications to help medical professionals, doctors, lab technicians, and nurses rapidly get the information they need to make informed decisions.

Hospital Management Software Development Cost Breakdown

It will narrow down the granularity of the hospital management software price by focusing on critical aspects that mold healthcare facilities’ investment levels. We will shed some light on the hospital management software development costs from the conceptual phase through implementation to maintenance.

• Research and Planning

This involves identifying the target market, establishing the boundaries of a project, and developing a well-planned plan. It could cost around $800-$1,200 for a simple project requiring 20-30 hours, $1,600-$2,400 for an average project of 40-60 hours, and finally, $2,800-$4,800 for a complex one requiring 70-120 hours.

• Design

This is the natural development of the user interface and experience in the software solution. The design cost, therefore, would further break down to a basic project that is 25-50 hours at $1000-$2000, a mid-level project ranging between 60 and 120 hours at $2400-$4800, and a complex project going for 100-300 hours at $4000-$12,000.

• Development 

This involves writing and constructing the code and the program. In most cases, the development phase is the highest-cost accelerator; thus, it can be $6400-$8000 for a simple project of 160 – 200 hours. An average project of 230-440 hours will fall between $9200 and $17600. It would cost $30000 – $60000 for a complex project requiring 750-1500 hours.

• Testing and QA

This will ensure the software does not develop bugs by serving the necessary functions accordingly. Solution testing and QA usually cost between $5,000 and $8,000.

• Deployment and Integration

This involves setting the product up with corresponding systems, such as electronic health records. Software development cost between $3,000 and $7,000.

• Maintenance and Updates

It would provide continuous maintenance and regular updates so that there are no problems with the software and it is uninterrupted. It may cost you around $5,000 – $10,000 annually.

• Training and Support

This established training will be offered to the staff, and ongoing support will be provided. It is estimated to cost between $5000 and $10,000.

Factors Influencing the Cost for Development of Hospital Software Systems

A lot of components drive the cost of developing a hospital software system. It ranges from several features and functions in the system because the health sector is digitalizing at a rapid rate. Some critical factors for hospital management software development would include:

Scope and Complexity

 The development cost is primarily driven by the number of features and functions to be included in the system. Complex functionalities, such as EHR integration, telemedicine, and patient portals, raise the cost of the system to a greater extent.

Technology Stack

The technology stack selection in terms of languages, frameworks, and databases may have implications for the budget content. This will cover popular technologies that are well-maintained and relatively low-cost in contrast to systems focused on narrow interests or proprietary healthcare software solutions.

Development Approach

Whether you are developing the software in-house or outsourcing it to some specialized hospital management software development team or a combination, both can affect the costs. Outsourcing to countries that offer lower labor costs may be cheaper; however, that only creates other project problems for you.

Compliance with Regulations

Hospital management software must comply with the prevalent regulations and standards, such as HIPAA, ACHC, GHA, etc. Indeed, implementing it often becomes expensive during project development.

Integration Requirements

Integrating the software with other applications, such as EHRs, financial systems, laboratory systems, etc., can result in a higher cost, mainly if those systems use different technologies.

User Interface and User Experience

Additional design and development may be required to create a user-friendly interface and positive user experience, which can prove costly for you.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Healthcare software requires thorough testing and quality checking. This may also increase the software development cost to be bug-free and meet all requirements.

Conclusion

It is anticipated that the field of modern healthcare will soon become fully computerized. Clinics, physicians, and patients will intermingle seamlessly in an area in the near future. One way to remain a part of this is by developing a hospital administration system.

Although this guided you through many aspects of the development process, to build this software, you need to contact a hospital management software development team specializing in services.