Healthcare Saas Development in the US: How to Build a HIPAA-Compliant Solution in 2026

The healthcare industry is at a crossroads; with the surge in digital transformation across sectors, healthcare is no exception. In 2026, the demand for innovative healthcare solutions is expected to increase by 21% annually, as more healthcare providers look to enhance patient care through technology. 

Yet, there’s an uncomfortable truth: while healthcare is transforming, many startups are still struggling to meet the complexity of HIPAA-compliant and scalable SaaS application development that can seamlessly integrate with legacy systems.

Here’s a surprising statistic: 68% of healthcare organizations report that inefficient, disconnected software systems hinder their digital transformation services. As a result, healthcare SaaS startups are left grappling with multiple challenges, from regulatory compliance to interoperability with existing healthcare software. 

The truth? Building a successful healthcare SaaS platform in 2026 isn’t just about the code; it’s about ensuring security, compliance, and seamless integration.

As the market grows, the need to build HIPAA-compliant apps and effectively navigate EHR SaaS integration will be paramount. 

In this blog, we’ll guide you through:

• What are the key challenges in healthcare SaaS development, and how to navigate them?
• How to build a HIPAA-compliant healthcare SaaS application in 2026?
• The must-have features to include in your healthcare SaaS product to stay competitive.
• How does Scalevista help in healthcare SaaS solution development?

So, let us start!

What is Healthcare SaaS Development?

Healthcare SaaS development refers to cloud-based software solutions that allow healthcare organizations to manage, store, and process patient data, streamline administrative tasks, and automate workflows. 

Unlike traditional on-premise solutions, SaaS healthcare provides scalable, secure, and cost-effective options for managing everything from electronic health records (EHR) to billing, scheduling, and patient communication. With the software hosted in the cloud, healthcare providers can access real-time data from anywhere, at any time, ensuring seamless collaboration and faster decision-making.

Why Is It Crucial for the Healthcare Industry in 2026?

The Need for SaaS Healthcare:

In 2026, healthcare organizations are expected to face a surge in demand for digital transformation. The industry is under pressure to improve care outcomes, reduce costs, and streamline operations. 

Healthcare SaaS is the answer to these challenges, offering the following key advantages:

• Efficiency: Cloud-based platforms automate numerous tasks, reducing the burden on healthcare professionals and allowing them to focus on patient care.
• Scalability: As the demand for healthcare services grows, SaaS development companies can scale quickly without the need for costly infrastructure investments.
• Accessibility: SaaS architecture ensures that data is accessible in real-time, enabling remote consultations, faster decision-making, and improved patient outcomes.
• Compliance: SaaS healthcare platforms are designed to meet the stringent requirements of HIPAA and other regulatory standards, ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive patient data.

What are the Top Features to Include in Your Healthcare SaaS Solution?

The top features to include in your SaaS healthcare solution are:

• User-centric features 
• Real-time data processing and analytics
• Integration with medical devices and third-party APIs
• Scalable architecture for growth

When developing a SaaS healthcare solution, it’s essential to prioritize features that will not only ensure compliance with healthcare regulations but also drive value for healthcare providers, patients, and stakeholders. These features will empower your platform to stand out in a competitive market. 

Let’s examine the key features in detail that should be integrated into your healthcare SaaS product development services in 2026.

1. User-Centric Features: Patient Portal and Secure Messaging

Patient Portal:

• Provides access to medical records, appointment scheduling, prescription requests, and secure communication with healthcare providers.
• Empowers patients with more control over their healthcare, boosting satisfaction and engagement.

Secure Messaging:

• Ensures protected communication between patients and providers.
• Implements encryption to safeguard sensitive healthcare data, ensuring HIPAA compliance.
• Builds trust and improves patient outcomes by keeping data secure.

Why it matters in 2026:

• Increased demand for remote care: The rise of telehealth, secure messaging, and patient portals enables seamless, virtual patient interactions.
• Better patient engagement: Empowering patients to take control of their health data leads to improved engagement, which is linked to better health outcomes.

2. Real-Time Data Processing and Analytics

Real-Time Data Processing:

• Enables instant collection, analysis, and presentation of data to healthcare professionals.
• Helps doctors, nurses, and admins make faster, informed decisions, improving care quality.

Real-Time Analytics:

• Tracks patient vital signs, treatment progress, and medication adherence.
• Predicts potential risks, allowing proactive intervention by healthcare providers.

Why it matters in 2026:

• AI and machine learning integration: Predictive analytics powered by AI can offer actionable insights, reducing errors and improving treatment plans.
• Better resource allocation: Real-time insights into resource usage, like bed occupancy or doctor availability, can optimize hospital operations.

3. Integration with Medical Devices and Third-Party APIs

Integration with Medical Devices:

• Ensures seamless communication with devices like heart rate monitors, blood pressure cuffs, and wearables that track patient health data.

Third-Party API Integration:

• Connects with insurance companies, pharmacies, and labs to provide a comprehensive healthcare solution.
• Allows real-time functions like checking insurance eligibility, processing claims, and ordering lab tests.

Why it matters in 2026:

• Automation and efficiency: Integration allows for the automation of administrative tasks, improving efficiency and reducing human error.
• A unified patient experience: Patients can have all their medical records, prescriptions, and insurance details in one place, making their experience smoother and more cohesive.

4. Scalable Architecture for Growth

Scalable Architecture:

• Essential for handling increased patient data, user load, and geographic expansion as your platform grows.
• Ensures long-term growth without compromising performance.

Cloud-Based Solutions:

• Leverages cloud infrastructure to scale seamlessly.
• Avoids heavy infrastructure costs while supporting widespread adoption and uninterrupted service.

Why it matters in 2026:

• Expansion across regions: A scalable platform can quickly adapt to new regulations and patient needs in different states or countries.
• Cost-efficiency: With a scalable platform, you only pay for the resources you need, making it a cost-effective solution for healthcare providers.

How to Build a HIPAA-Compliant Healthcare SaaS Application in 2026?

To build a HIPAA-compliant SaaS application, follow these steps:

Step 1: Understand HIPAA Requirements

Step 2: Implement Data Encryption 

Step 3: Implement Role-Based Access Control 

Step 4: Perform Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing

Step 5: Implement Secure User Authentication

Step 6: Maintain Comprehensive Audit Trails

Step 7: Use Secure Cloud Hosting Providers

Step 8: Secure Communication Channels and Data Storage

Step 9: Provide Ongoing HIPAA Training for Your Team

Step 10: Prepare for Incident Response and Data Breach Management

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance is a set of standards designed to protect the privacy and security of health information. When building a SaaS healthcare application, it’s essential to ensure that your app meets the strict guidelines set by HIPAA to safeguard patient data and avoid costly penalties.

So, here are the crucial steps to build a HIPAA-compliant healthcare SaaS application:

Step 1: Understand HIPAA Requirements for Healthcare SaaS Applications

Before diving into development, it’s essential to understand what HIPAA compliance entails and how it affects the design and development of your SaaS application.

• HIPAA Security Rule: This rule sets national standards for the protection of electronic health information. It outlines administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that must be implemented to protect PHI.
• HIPAA Privacy Rule: This rule governs the use and disclosure of PHI and gives patients rights over their health information.
• Business Associate Agreement (BAA): If you work with third-party vendors (e.g., cloud services), you must have a BAA in place to ensure they also meet HIPAA standards.

What to do:

• Familiarize your team with HIPAA’s requirements.
• Consult with legal and compliance experts to ensure your app meets all necessary regulations.

Step 2: Implement Data Encryption (At Rest and In Transit)

Data encryption is one of the cornerstones of HIPAA compliance. It ensures that all patient data, both when stored and during transmission, is protected from unauthorized access.

• Data at rest: Encrypt sensitive data stored in your databases, whether it’s patient information or transactional data.
• Data in transit: Use SSL/TLS encryption for all communications between the SaaS application and external sources, ensuring secure data transfer.

What to do:

• Use encryption algorithms like AES-256 for data at rest.
• Implement SSL/TLS for all data transmitted between users and servers.

Step 3: Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

HIPAA emphasizes the importance of restricting access to PHI to only those individuals who need it for their role. Role-based access control (RBAC) allows you to define access levels and permissions based on users’ roles.

• Create roles for administrators, healthcare providers, support staff, and patients with different levels of access to data.
• Ensure that each role can only access the data required for their job functions.

What to do:

• Implement RBAC in your application to restrict access based on user roles.
• Regularly audit user permissions to ensure they align with the least privilege principle.

Step 4: Perform Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing

Security audits and penetration testing are mandatory for ensuring that your healthcare SaaS development process is secure from vulnerabilities and meets HIPAA’s technical safeguards.

• Regular security audits will help identify any vulnerabilities in your system and ensure that your security protocols are up to date.
• Penetration testing involves simulating an attack on your system to identify potential weaknesses before they can be exploited.

What to do:

• Schedule regular security audits and penetration tests by certified professionals.
• Keep a record of these audits to demonstrate ongoing compliance with HIPAA.

Step 5: Implement Secure User Authentication

User authentication is critical for protecting patient data. A strong authentication process ensures that only authorized users can access the application.

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security, requiring users to provide more than just a password.
• Implement strong password policies and enforce periodic password changes for users with access to sensitive data.

What to do:

• Set up MFA for all users accessing PHI.
• Enforce strong password policies and require password changes at regular intervals.

Step 6: Maintain Comprehensive Audit Trails

HIPAA requires that all access to PHI be logged and monitored. Audit trails help track who accessed the data, when, and what actions were taken. These logs are crucial for maintaining compliance and providing transparency.

• Store detailed logs of all data access, including the user’s identity, time of access, and specific actions taken (e.g., viewing or modifying patient records).
• Implement log retention policies to keep audit logs for a specified period, as required by HIPAA.

What to do:

• Implement an automated system for capturing audit logs.
• Ensure logs are encrypted and stored securely to maintain their integrity.

Step 7: Use Secure Cloud Hosting Providers

Since most SaaS healthcare applications are hosted on cloud platforms, it’s essential to ensure that your cloud hosting provider complies with HIPAA standards. Many leading providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud offer HIPAA-compliant solutions.

• Ensure that your cloud provider signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
• Use cloud services that provide built-in security features, including data encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications.

What to do:

• Choose a cloud provider that is HIPAA-compliant and signs a BAA.
• Ensure that your cloud hosting solution supports the necessary compliance features, such as data encryption and secure access controls.

Step 8: Secure Communication Channels and Data Storage

All communications and data storage within the application must be secured to protect PHI. Ensure that your app is not vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks or unauthorized data leakage.

• Implement secure email communication for patient notifications.
• Use secure data storage solutions that are HIPAA-compliant and ensure that PHI is encrypted both in transit and at rest.

What to do:

• Use encrypted email solutions for communication with patients and healthcare providers.
• Choose HIPAA-compliant storage solutions like AWS S3 or Azure Blob Storage, with strong encryption.

Step 9: Provide Ongoing HIPAA Training for Your Team

Ensuring HIPAA compliance isn’t just about technology; it’s also about ensuring that your team understands the importance of maintaining privacy and security. Continuous HIPAA training is vital for all employees, particularly those who handle PHI.

• Offer regular HIPAA training for your development, support, and management teams.
• Ensure all team members are familiar with the compliance requirements and understand their role in protecting patient data.

What to do:

• Implement mandatory HIPAA compliance training for all employees and contractors.
• Update training materials regularly to reflect new regulations or changes to the healthcare sector.

Step 10: Prepare for Incident Response and Data Breach Management

Even with all the best security measures in place, data breaches can still happen. HIPAA requires that healthcare organizations have an incident response plan in case of a data breach.

• Develop and maintain a data breach response plan that includes protocols for identifying, containing, and notifying affected individuals of a breach.
• Ensure that your team knows how to respond quickly to mitigate the impact of a breach and stay compliant with HIPAA’s breach notification requirements.

What to do:

• Create a data breach response plan and ensure it is tested periodically.
• Have a dedicated team for incident response, ready to act swiftly if any security incidents arise.

Cost Considerations in Healthcare SaaS Development

When developing a healthcare SaaS platform, it’s crucial to understand the various cost factors that will impact the overall project. 

Let’s explore the major elements that affect the cost of development.

1. Complexity of the Solution

The more features and functionalities you add to your SaaS platform, the higher the development costs. For SaaS healthcare, complexity often involves integrating with medical devices, EHR systems, and third-party APIs, which can drive up costs. The application needs to handle sensitive patient data securely, comply with HIPAA regulations, and support real-time data processing and analytics.

• Basic MVP (Minimum Viable Product): An MVP development service for a healthcare SaaS application typically includes core functionalities like patient records, appointment scheduling, and messaging systems. The cost for MVP app development can range from $100K to $300K.
• Full-Scale Product: An MVP to full-scale product with advanced features, including AI-powered analytics, telemedicine integration, secure cloud storage, and complex integrations, can cost upwards of $500K or more, depending on the complexity.

2. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

One of the most significant costs in developing a SaaS healthcare product is ensuring that the application is HIPAA-compliant. This requires investment in data security, encryption, audit logging, and securing patient health data.

• Security Protocols: Implementing strong data encryption (both in transit and at rest), multi-factor authentication, and secure user authentication will add to the overall cost.
• Legal and Certification Costs: Hiring legal experts to draft Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) and ensuring proper certification can be expensive, but is necessary to avoid potential legal risks.

3. Scalability and Infrastructure

Healthcare SaaS solutions often need to scale rapidly as the number of users (patients, healthcare providers) increases. Building a scalable infrastructure is critical for future growth, but adds significant costs.

• Cloud Hosting: Utilizing cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud offers scalable solutions, but these come with ongoing costs for storage, bandwidth, and data processing.
• Continuous Monitoring: Ensuring the platform can handle heavy traffic and real-time data processing requires investment in automated scaling and load balancing systems.

4. Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

After the initial launch, continuous updates and maintenance are necessary to ensure the platform remains secure, compliant, and functional. Regular updates for security patches, adding new features, and maintaining system performance can account for 15% to 20% of the initial development cost annually.

What Are the Key Challenges in Healthcare SaaS Development?

The key challenges in healthcare software as a service development are:

1. Compliance with HIPAA and HITECH Regulations
2. Data Privacy and Security Concerns
3. Integrating with Legacy Systems like EHR and Medical Devices
4. Addressing Operational Inefficiencies and Cost Concerns

Building a SaaS healthcare application in the US presents several challenges that must be addressed for the product to succeed. 

Here’s a summary of the most critical obstacles and how to tackle them.

1. Compliance with HIPAA and HITECH Regulations

• Challenge: Ensuring compliance with HIPAA and HITECH regulations for protecting protected health information (PHI) is mandatory and complex.
• Solution:
  • Implement data encryption and role-based access control (RBAC).
  • Establish audit trails to track access to PHI.
  • Work with legal experts to ensure Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) are in place with third-party vendors.

2. Data Privacy and Security Concerns

• Challenge: Healthcare data is highly sensitive, and any breach can lead to severe penalties and damage to reputation.
• Solution:
  • Use end-to-end encryption for data both at rest and in transit.
  • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users accessing PHI.
  • Regularly update security protocols to address evolving threats.

3. Integrating with Legacy Systems like EHR and Medical Devices

• Challenge: Integrating modern SaaS platforms with legacy systems like EHRs and medical devices can be technically challenging and time-consuming.
• Solution:
  • Use open APIs that support HL7 standards to ensure interoperability.
  • Collaborate closely with healthcare providers to understand existing systems and plan seamless integrations.
  • Focus on modular architecture that can integrate with third-party applications without major overhauls.

4. Addressing Operational Inefficiencies and Cost Concerns

• Challenge: Development and maintenance costs can escalate due to compliance, security, and complex integrations.
• Solution:
  • Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) focusing on core features to reduce initial development costs.
  • Use cloud-based solutions to scale without incurring high infrastructure costs.
  • Plan for ongoing maintenance and updates with a subscription model to spread out costs.

Best Practices for HIPAA-Compliant Healthcare SaaS Development in 2026

A HIPAA-compliant SaaS application must prioritize the protection of patient data, all while offering scalable and efficient solutions. 

Below, we’ll explore best practices for HIPAA compliance for SaaS development and ensuring your SaaS platform can handle the demands of modern healthcare systems.

1. Implement a Strong HIPAA Compliance Checklist for Software Development

Building a HIPAA-compliant healthcare SaaS involves several key steps, from securing sensitive patient data to ensuring data is properly protected at all stages. Here’s what needs to be done:

• Data Encryption: Ensure that all patient data, both at rest and in transit, is encrypted. Use strong encryption algorithms like AES-256 for storage and SSL/TLS for communication.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Implement RBAC to limit access to patient data only to those who need it, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot access sensitive health information.
• Regular Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests to identify potential vulnerabilities in the system before they can be exploited.

2. Design Scalable Solutions for National Healthcare Data

A healthcare SaaS development company must be able to scale quickly and handle large volumes of data as patient records grow. This is crucial for ensuring that the platform can meet the demands of healthcare organizations across the country.

• Cloud-Based Infrastructure: Leverage cloud-based solutions like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud to store and manage patient data securely, with the ability to scale seamlessly.
• Database Management: Use a HIPAA-compliant database that meets the requirements for handling sensitive healthcare data, ensuring both security and scalability.

3. Partner with a Healthcare SaaS Development Company

Creating a HIPAA-compliant healthcare SaaS solution requires specialized knowledge and expertise. A healthcare SaaS development company can provide the necessary technical guidance to ensure your application meets compliance standards.

• Expertise in HIPAA Regulations: Choose or hire healthcare SaaS developers with experience in healthcare compliance, who can ensure SaaS solutions handling national healthcare data scale is fully HIPAA-compliant and secure.
• Custom Solutions: A healthcare SaaS development company can provide tailored solutions that meet your organization’s unique needs, integrating seamlessly with your existing systems and data sources.

4. Ongoing Training and Updates

Healthcare compliance is an ongoing process. Regular updates and continuous training are essential to keeping your HIPAA compliance SaaS secure and compliant with evolving regulations.

• HIPAA Training: Ensure your development team and any staff interacting with patient data are regularly trained on HIPAA requirements and the latest security protocols.
• Continuous Monitoring: Implement a continuous monitoring system to detect and respond to any potential data breaches or security issues in real-time.

5. Engage with Developer Communities for Best Practices

Staying engaged with developer communities can provide valuable insights and help address common challenges in healthcare SaaS development.

• Reddit and LinkedIn Discussions: Participate in healthcare SaaS discussions on platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with industry trends and learn from others’ experiences.
• Stack Overflow: Explore Stack Overflow for technical advice and best practices on implementing HIPAA compliance in your SaaS platform.
• Slack/Discord Groups: Join Slack or Discord groups where developers discuss challenges specific to healthcare SaaS development, such as integrating medical devices or managing compliance for large-scale systems.

How Does Scalevista Help in Healthcare SaaS Solution Development?

Healthcare software as a service development is a nuanced, complex process that demands not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of industry regulations, scalability, and user needs. As healthcare technology continues to evolve, businesses need partners who can seamlessly navigate the intricate landscape of compliance, integration, and security. 

This is where Scalevista excels, helping you build a cutting-edge, HIPAA-compliant healthcare SaaS solution that meets the ever-growing needs of the healthcare industry. 

Here’s how we stand out in the world of healthcare SaaS development.

Why Choose Scalevista for Your Healthcare SaaS Development?

At Scalevista, we leverage our deep technical expertise and years of experience in custom software development to build secure, scalable, and compliant healthcare SaaS solutions. 

Here’s why businesses, from startups to mid-size enterprises, turn to us for their healthcare software needs.

1. Expertise in Custom Software Development for Healthcare SaaS

• Tailored Solutions: We provide custom software development solutions that fit the unique needs of your business and target users.
• Industry Knowledge: Our custom software solutions understand the nuances of the healthcare sector, including patient management, medical records, and regulatory requirements.
• End-to-End Services: From consultation and design to deployment, we ensure your product meets healthcare standards.

2. Expertise in HIPAA-Compliant Software Development

• Data Privacy & Security: We implement advanced security protocols to safeguard patient data, including data encryption, access control, and audit logs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Our custom software development services ensure that your SaaS application meets HIPAA standards for data privacy and security, avoiding costly compliance violations.
• Privacy by Design: We integrate privacy features from the ground up to ensure your solution is secure and compliant at every level.

3. Proven Experience in EHR Integration and SaaS Medical Devices

• Seamless EHR Integration: Scalevista ensures smooth integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, improving data flow and accessibility.
• Device Integration: We handle medical device integration to allow real-time data collection, improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
• Interoperability: We focus on data interoperability, ensuring your SaaS product can work seamlessly across various healthcare platforms.

4. Scalable and Secure Cloud-Based Solutions

• Cloud-First Approach: We develop cloud-based healthcare SaaS solutions that are scalable, flexible, and secure, ensuring that your product grows with your business.
• Infrastructure Optimization: We use cloud computing to optimize the infrastructure, reducing costs while improving system performance and uptime.
• Future-Proof: Our cloud solutions are future-ready, built to scale as your business and user base expand.

5. Tailored Approach for Startups and Mid-Size Businesses

• Affordable Solutions: Scalevista offers cost-effective custom healthcare SaaS development for startups and mid-size enterprises, ensuring a balance between budget and innovation.
• Quick Time to Market: We help you launch your product faster without compromising on quality, getting your healthcare SaaS solution into the hands of users quickly.
• Business Growth Support: As your business scales, Scalevista is here to assist with continuous development, feature enhancements, and evolving market needs.

Final Thoughts 

As we approach 2026, the landscape of healthcare SaaS development is rapidly evolving, driven by growing demand for more efficient, secure, and scalable solutions. With the continuous advancement of technologies, increased regulatory requirements, and patient-centric models, the future of Healthcare SaaS will be marked by greater integration, compliance, and efficiency.

Here’s a quick recap of the challenges, opportunities, and best practices discussed in this blog:

Key Takeaways:

• Challenges: Navigating strict regulations like HIPAA, ensuring data security in an increasingly connected world, and managing complex healthcare data integrations across multiple platforms.
• Opportunities: The growth in healthcare SaaS startups, the integration of medical devices, and the ever-evolving need for cloud-based solutions and EHR SaaS integrations will shape the industry.
• Best Practices: Employ agile development methodologies, continuously collaborate with healthcare providers, and ensure ongoing compliance and security updates.

The future is bright for healthcare SaaS development, but it requires a strategic approach to ensure success.

So, are you ready to build a HIPAA-compliant healthcare SaaS solution that addresses industry challenges and positions your business for long-term growth? At Scalevista, we specialize in custom healthcare SaaS development, offering expert guidance and end-to-end services to bring your vision to life.

Contact Scalevista today to schedule a consultation and start building your next healthcare SaaS solution. Let us help you create a product that stands out in 2026 and beyond.

FAQs

1. What is SaaS in healthcare?

SaaS in healthcare refers to software solutions delivered over the cloud, providing services such as patient management, data storage, and billing without the need for on-premises infrastructure. These solutions enable healthcare providers to access tools that improve efficiency, enhance data security, and enhance patient care at lower operational costs.

2. What is the most used software in healthcare?

The most widely used software in healthcare includes Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, such as Epic and Cerner, which are used for managing patient information, scheduling, and billing. Other popular tools include patient management systems, telemedicine platforms, and healthcare CRM systems, which help streamline communication and enhance care delivery.

3. How to become a healthcare software engineer?

To become a healthcare software engineer, pursue a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Gain experience in healthcare systems, data security (especially HIPAA), and healthcare regulations. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java and Python, combined with knowledge of healthcare tech stacks like EHR, is crucial.

4. What are the main challenges in developing medical SaaS software?

Key challenges in developing medical SaaS software include ensuring HIPAA compliance, managing patient data security, integrating with legacy systems (like EHR), and ensuring scalability. Additionally, keeping up with regulatory changes, developing intuitive interfaces, and addressing healthcare-specific needs can complicate the development process.