Thinking about launching a telehealth service? Before you pick a vendor, you need to know where the money will disappear. A clear budget helps you avoid surprise bills and keeps your project on track. Below we break down the biggest cost buckets, point out hidden fees, and share easy tricks to stretch every pound.
First up, software licensing. Most platforms charge a monthly fee per clinician or per active user. Prices can range from £15 to £150 a month, depending on features like AI triage or custom branding. If you have a small team, a per‑user plan usually makes sense; larger practices often get a flat‑rate deal.
Second, video‑call infrastructure. High‑quality, secure video isn’t free – you’ll pay for bandwidth, server hosting, and sometimes a separate video SDK. Expect about £0.05‑£0.10 per minute of consultation if you’re using a pay‑as‑you‑go model. Bulk packages lower the per‑minute cost but add an upfront expense.
Third, integration and API work. Connecting the telehealth app to your electronic health record (EHR), pharmacy system, or billing software often requires a developer or a third‑party integration service. One‑off costs can be £2,000‑£10,000, and ongoing maintenance runs about £200‑£500 a month.
Fourth, compliance and security. GDPR, HIPAA, and local data‑protection rules mean you may need encryption, audit logs, and regular security reviews. Some vendors bundle this into their price; others charge extra £100‑£500 a month for compliance modules.
Finally, training and support. Your clinicians will need onboarding sessions, and you’ll want a help desk for technical glitches. Budget £500‑£1,500 for initial training and a modest monthly support fee of £50‑£200.
Start small. Pilot the service with a handful of clinicians and a limited patient group. This lets you test costs before scaling up.
Shop around for a pay‑as‑you‑go video provider instead of a fixed‑rate contract. If your appointment volume fluctuates, you’ll only pay for what you use.
Negotiate bundled pricing. Many vendors will combine licensing, video, and support into one package if you commit to a 12‑month term.
Use open‑source components where possible. Platforms built on open‑source teleconferencing can shave off up to 30% of video costs.
Track usage daily. A simple spreadsheet showing minutes billed, users active, and support tickets helps you spot overruns early.
Consider a revenue‑share model. Some providers let you pay a small percentage of each consultation instead of a flat fee, which aligns costs with income.
Don’t forget hidden fees like data storage, extra API calls, or premium analytics dashboards. Ask for a full price breakdown before signing any contract.
Lastly, revisit your budget every quarter. Technology prices shift fast, and a renegotiated contract can save you thousands.
With a clear picture of where money goes and a few smart moves, you can build a telehealth service that stays affordable and delivers great care.
