18 popular types of healthcare software in 2024

Gone are the days of endless waiting rooms and frustrating phone calls to schedule appointments or refill prescriptions. Thanks to digital advancements, everyone can now take care of their health from the comfort of their own couch. But with so many different types of software available, it is easy to get confused. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the 18 most popular healthcare solutions in 2024.

Types of medical software programs used in the healthcare industry

Just like there’s a specific tool for every job, there’s software for every need in healthcare. Each type of program has its own set of features and functionalities, and some are better suited for certain tasks than others. In the following sections, we’ll look at the particular characteristics and discuss how healthcare web design can help you get the most out of your software investment.

1. Medical database software

With medical database software, specialists can access a constantly updated encyclopedia in just a few clicks. This type of program lets everyone search for information using keywords, filter by diagnosis or procedure, and even generate reports to track trends and analyze patient data. Doctors might have years of experience, but sometimes, a rare condition throws them a curveball. That’s where this solution becomes handy.

It’s also a great tool for students and residents. They can use these databases to explore specific diseases, find different treatment options, and see real-world examples of how things play out.

To make accessing information and managing care even more convenient, some medical database software leverages minimalist design with elements like a search bar and filters. For those who prefer a physical copy, downloadable healthcare records options can be available as well.

2. Electronic health record (EHR) software

EHR software is the digital upgrade replacing cabinets full of medical records with a secure filing system for each person. This solution captures a patient’s history, allergies, medications, immunizations, and even lab results. Such records can be easily updated and shared between authorized healthcare providers, leading to better collaboration and a more holistic view of a client’s health.

For patients, it means easier access to their own medical history. Need to remember the medication you were prescribed last year? No problem, it’s right there. EHRs can also help patients manage chronic conditions and stay on top of preventative care.

While the core functionality resides within the EHR software itself, user-friendly design is crucial. Common elements include clear dashboards for easy access to patient information, intuitive navigation for efficient data entry, and secure messaging functionalities for smooth communication between patients and providers. Some solutions even offer mobile applications for on-the-go access, further enhancing convenience for both patients and providers.

3. Hospital management system (HMS)

A Hospital Management System (HMS) handles the entire intake process — collecting insurance information, recording vital signs, and even coordinating with lab tests. This saves time and reduces errors, allowing staff to focus on what matters most — providing excellent patient care.

But the benefits extend far beyond emergency care. An HMS can help manage appointments, ensuring patients see the right doctors at the right time. It can also track inventory so that the hospital is always stocked with necessary supplies and medications. And for the finance department, this system is a lifesaver, streamlining billing and insurance claims.

Centralized dashboards are a hallmark of HMS design, offering real-time snapshots of key metrics like patient admissions, bed occupancy, and departmental performance. Plus, there may be some customizable modules that allow different departments (e.g., billing, pharmacy) to tailor workflows to their specific needs.

4. Appointment scheduling software

The endless phone calls and frustrating hold music to make a doctor’s visit are fading into the past thanks to appointment scheduling software. These solutions allow patients to set up appointments online, accessible anytime and anywhere.

The software can integrate with the calendar and EHR system, ensuring patients don’t get double-booked. They can see available slots, choose the time that works best for them, and even get automated reminders to be on time for their consultations. The design, in this case, includes clear boards with real-time availability displayed and simple appointment booking forms with customizable fields.

One advantage of this software is that it can collect patient information beforehand, saving valuable time during the actual visit. Users can pre-fill out a form with the necessary information, add a photo if applicable, and confirm the appointment with a doctor.

5. Medical imaging software

Medical imaging has come a long way from simple X-rays. Today, visualization software takes things to a whole new level, especially when it comes to MRI, CT, and PET scans. It allows for the creation of 3D models for printing customized medical equipment or even prosthetics. For example, a dentist could use this to design and print a 3D model of a patient’s jaw before complex oral surgery.

The design of such software adapts to the needs of specialists. There should be intuitive image acquisition tools for clear and consistent image capture, advanced visualization features for detailed analysis (like 3D reconstruction or image overlays), and secure image-sharing functionalities with access controls for collaboration among healthcare providers.

6. E-prescribing software (eRx)

E-prescribing software (eRx) optimizes the prescription process. It allows doctors to electronically transmit prescriptions directly to pharmacies, eliminating the need for handwritten scripts, faxes, and phone calls. Patients benefit from faster access to their medications, with some programs even offering refill reminders and the ability to request them electronically.

eRx software keeps things clean and digital. Doctors have a handy dashboard with all their patients and their medications laid out neatly, simplifying the process of writing prescriptions. Pharmacies, on the other hand, get a clear list or structured info blocks about valid prescriptions, ensuring they dispense the right meds to the right people. And patients can simply log in to their own personal portal to see an up-to-date list of their prescriptions, making refills and staying on track with their medication a breeze.

E-prescribing software provides a more convenient experience for everyone involved in the process.

7. Telemedicine software

Telemedicine software allows patients to connect with doctors using video conferencing or secure messaging platforms. This opens up a world of possibilities, making healthcare more accessible for people in remote locations, those with busy schedules, or anyone who simply prefers the convenience of a virtual visit.

Developing telemedicine products means providing patients with a personal health hub where all their info is neatly organized — name, age, medical history, the whole nine yards. The software also features a handy calendar that keeps track of all scheduled appointments, ensuring that patients never miss a visit. And to top it off, users receive timely reminders about upcoming appointments, so they’re always prepared for their virtual checkups.

8. Medical billing software

Medical billing software takes the headache out of healthcare finances for both patients and providers. This system automates the billing process, generates accurate invoices, and streamlines insurance claim submissions — all wrapped up in a user-friendly design that simplifies managing healthcare finances. This saves time, reduces errors, and improves cash flow for medical providers.

But the benefits extend to people as well. Medical billing software can help generate clear and concise patient statements, making it easier for them to understand bills and manage out-of-pocket costs. Some programs even offer features like online bill payment, allowing users to pay their bills quickly and conveniently.

9. Medical diagnosis software

Medical diagnosis software offers advanced tools and a global knowledge base to assist in making accurate and timely diagnoses. This software goes beyond simply storing patient data. It leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze vast amounts of information, including anonymized patient records shared securely between healthcare professionals. This allows doctors to fill in any informational gaps, potentially leading to a more complete picture of a patient’s health. Some medical diagnosis apps even let users check their symptoms and see whether a visit to the clinic might be necessary.

10. Medical research software

Medical research software goes beyond basic data storage. It allows doctors to analyze vast datasets, including clinical trial results, genetic information, and public health statistics. Advanced features like data visualization tools and statistical analysis capabilities help researchers identify patterns, test hypotheses, and ultimately unlock new insights into human health.

Research platforms allow medical staff to share data and findings with colleagues around the globe, accelerating the development of new treatments and therapies. Interactive dashboards with drag-and-drop functionalities for exploring trends, built-in collaboration tools for communication, and secure data-sharing options let investigators focus on the science, not the software.

11. Medical equipment management software

Medical equipment management software ensures that the hospital arsenal stays in top shape, compliant, and readily available for patient care. It helps track equipment maintenance schedules, identify potential issues before they arise, and optimize the process of ordering replacement parts. With such programs, doctors can easily keep tabs on the quantity of each item, upload new lists to the platform, and create a report on all the inventory in a few clicks.

Medical management software ensures that every piece of equipment is at peak performance.

The benefits extend beyond equipment longevity. Medical management software can help improve patient safety by ensuring all hardware is functioning properly.  Additionally, some programs offer features for tracking equipment location within the facility, saving valuable time when healthcare providers need specific devices.

12. Remote patient monitoring (RPM)

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) software removes the distance barrier, letting healthcare providers keep a watchful eye on individuals online. RPM solutions collect and send vital health info like heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar to a central hub. This gives doctors a much clearer picture of a patient’s health beyond the traditional office visit and allows them to confirm diagnoses based on the data collected.

From the user’s side, the design of such an application should be minimalist, with large, easy-to-read fonts and intuitive navigation. Inclusive design plays a key role here. Web accessibility for people with limited mobility should remove any barriers and ensure that all elements are perceived correctly. For healthcare professionals, it is important to provide a clear list of patients and an intuitive distribution of metrics for each profile.

13. Health tracking apps

Health-tracking apps provide a suite of tools in our smartphones designed to monitor and enhance various aspects of physical and mental well-being.

Fitness enthusiasts can track workouts, log runs, and smash goals with data-driven insights and motivational challenges. Dieters can experience mindful eating, using apps to track calorie intake, analyze food choices, and stay on track with their dietary plans. For those seeking inner peace, apps offer guided meditations, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques to manage stress and improve overall well-being.

Health-tracking apps are becoming even smarter. Many of them work hand-in-hand with gadgets you can wear, giving a more complete picture of your health. Take, for example, wristbands that track your sleep, smart jewelry that monitors your heart rate, or even high-tech thermometers that send your data straight to the app.

14. Remote medical training

Remote medical training software offers healthcare professionals a convenient and engaging way to level up their skills from anywhere in the world.

These platforms provide interactive online courses where users can learn from experts through engaging video lectures, case studies, and quizzes. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) simulations are another set of features that put future doctors right in the thick of things. Students can practice complex surgical procedures or experience rare medical conditions in a virtual environment before ever stepping into a real operating room.

Given the complexity of the applications themselves, developers have to work hard to integrate various tools that will provide all the necessary functions. Speaking of design, it is important to structure a diverse library of resources. Interactive online courses, immersive VR simulations for practicing procedures, and on-demand webinars should be organized with filtering capabilities so that healthcare professionals can access high-quality education anytime and on any device.

15. Personal health record software

Unlike fitness trackers with their daily metrics, Personal Health Record (PHR) software focuses on storing your medical history. It empowers you to take charge of your health data, keeping everything from doctor’s notes and medication lists to lab results and imaging scans in one place. PHR software is a digital health journal that is accessible on your personal device or smoothly integrated with your doctor’s or hospital’s system.

The registration process on the platform should be straightforward and quick. After that, patients can update personal information on the dashboard, including allergies, medical history, symptoms, and more. Doctors, in turn, can synchronize these accounts with the current information and attach necessary records, images, and prescriptions to the patient’s profile. The design of such a platform does not require much — a minimalist interface and an easy-to-navigate menu.

16. Clinical trial management software

Clinical trial management software empowers researchers to efficiently plan, monitor, and oversee their clinical studies. These web-based platforms ensure regulatory adherence, track patient recruitment and manage financial aspects. They offer flexibility, foster real-time collaboration, and, what’s important, can be accessed from any device. This accessibility translates into a central hub for all clinical trial data, boosting the accuracy, quality, and consistency of info collection.

CTM software is often built with a modular architecture, allowing for customization based on specific trial needs. Researchers can choose the modules they require, such as patient recruitment, electronic data capture (EDC), or randomization tools. Plus, role-based entry control ensures data security by granting access to specific features and data sets based on user roles (e.g., investigator, research assistant).

17. Mobile health (mHealth) apps

Once viewed with skepticism, mHealth apps have become powerful tools that improve healthcare delivery. These user-friendly apps put patients in control, allowing them to manage appointments, settle bills, and even connect with nurses or doctors virtually.

Top-tier mHealth apps integrate with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems. This secure exchange of data, with patient consent, of course, allows healthcare professionals to access vital medical history during online consultations.

When thoughtfully integrated with local or global healthcare networks, mHealth apps become a positive disruption, reshaping patient access to care and setting the bar for future digital healthcare solutions.

18. Laboratory information systems (LIS)

A Laboratory Information System (LIS) manages and automates a multitude of tasks, transforming the workflow from sample receipt to result delivery. Designed to minimize errors and optimize efficiency, this software collects patient data, tracks test samples, and generates accurate reports, supporting better patient care.

LIS interfaces are designed for ease of use, often featuring drag-and-drop functionality for tasks like sample ordering and result entry. For specimen identification, barcodes are leveraged throughout the LIS. This ensures accurate tracking from collection through analysis, minimizing the risk of mix-ups and delays. Plus, real-time dashboards provide laboratory managers and staff with a quick snapshot of key metrics like test volume, turnaround times, and resource utilization.

Level up with digital tools

The digital revolution in healthcare is far from over, and its impact will only continue to grow. As we’ve seen, this transformation brings a wave of benefits — simplified workflows, cost reductions, and enhanced control over finances and user data. With both specialists and patients embracing digital health solutions and governments recognizing the potential of these apps, we can expect even more innovative technologies to emerge.

For medical service providers, customized software solutions are becoming increasingly critical. Even small clinics now require tools like CRM systems and EHR software to deliver competitive care. At Halo Lab, we get it. That’s why we’re all about providing top-notch healthcare software development services. Our team of specialists brings a wealth of experience and a personalized approach to every project. If you’re interested, drop us a line, and let’s craft the perfect medical software solution to boost your healthcare services.