The Best Healthcare APIs to Streamline Patient Care in 2024
Published On April 8th, 2024 Communication
Explore the top 14 healthcare APIs and SDKs that power patient monitoring, medical management, accessibility, and innovation across apps!
Looking for the best Healthcare API providers to streamline your healthcare apps and services? You are in the right place! This comprehensive guide aims to provide the best highlights of the top 14 providers, their features, and how they can benefit your business.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is A Healthcare API?
A Healthcare API is a set of protocols/standards that communicate and transfer health data from one system to another. It seamlessly connects healthcare applications and systems, eventually boosting interoperability.
The 5 Main Categories of Healthcare APIs
1. Clinical Data API
Clinical Data API are application programming interfaces that lets patients/healthcare providers access clinical data and information from various healthcare systems, and exchange with others for medical purposes.
Clinical Data APIs can be classified into 3 types:
A. Electronic Health Record (EHR) APIs
An EHR is a digital record of a patient’s medical history that includes information like diagnoses, treatments, allergies, scans and lab test reports. When developers build a healthcare app, they can connect the EHR API to access and exchange the patient health information (PHI) stored in the EHR systems.
B. Medication APIs
Medication APIs retrieves information like name of the medicine, dosage, and manufacturing details from EHRs and medication databases. Using this healthcare API, you can build apps for prescription management and medication reconciliation.
C. Health Monitoring APIs
Healthcare monitoring APIs collect and track health-related information like heartbeat, steps, blood pressure, oxygen levels and more from sources like wearable devices, medical devices and EHRs.
2. Payment APIs
Healthcare Payment APIs are software interfaces that let patients, doctors or other medical professionals process and manage their payments related to their healthcare services. You can include payment gateway integration, claims management and e-payments using this best API for healthcare apps.
3. Patient Engagement APIs
Patient Engagement API is the software that lets you implement features like chat, video calls, voice calls, appointment scheduling, remote patient monitoring, virtual consultation and more into your apps.’
4. Healthcare Provider Directories APIs
Healthcare Provider Directories APIs offer various tools and protocols that allow you to retrieve data from directories of healthcare providers.
The databases include details such as contact info, location, specialties, and insurance networks
5. Medical Image and Video Management APIs
Medical Image and Video Management APIs enable you to integrate medical imaging and video management capabilities into your apps and services.
It lets your users upload, retrieve, store, and exchange medical images or videos with others. Also, It supports different image modalities like X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and surgical videos.
Well, you now know what these healthcare APIs are all about. Let’s now explore the top providers in each category of the APIs.
The Top Healthcare API Providers in 2024
We have compared the best healthcare APIs for your Android, iOS, and Web apps. Here some of the top 14 best Healthcare APIs are Cerner, Allscripts, National Drug Code, OpenFDA Drug, Validic, Welltok, MirrorFly, Stripe, etc… choose your provider today based on their features, infrastructure, and more.
I. Clinical Data APIs
A. Electronic Health Record (EHR) APIs
1. Cerner API
Cerner APIs are healthcare software interfaces that let you connect your healthcare app to Cerner’s EHR systems for accessing PHI data.
Purpose
To access patient health data and administrative information in apps.
Key Features
- Access to Patient Health Information (PHI)
- Administrative Data Integration
- Patient Interaction Features
- Clinical Decision Support Tools
- Customizable Data Management Tools
- Analytical Tools
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Data Encryption HIPAA Compliance Developer Certification Process Auditing and monitoring | Java, .NET, and Python Language Support Integration with Healthcare Platforms On-premises and Cloud-based Deployment Customization Support Third-party Integration Support |
2. Allscripts API
Allscripts is a healthcare API that lets you connect your apps to EHR systems to manage the clinical and operation needs of the healthcare organization.
Purpose
For healthcare apps/ services to access PHI info from EHR systems
Key Features
- Administrative data integration
- Access to PHI
- Engagement tools
- User analytics
- Data management
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Role-based access control Data encryption Monitoring Audit Logs | Cloud-based deployment Integration with other healthcare apps/ services Mobile device compatibility |
B. Medication APIs
3. National Drug Code (NDC) Directory API
The National Drug Code (NDC) directory API is a data service offered by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that lets you access the information on the medications.
Purpose
This healthcare API retrieves accurate and up-to-date drug information
Key Features
- Contains info above 20000+ drugs
- Drug search with NDC code
- Avails drug label information like dosage, warning and side effects
- Regular updates
- Supports XML, JSON and CSV
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Encryption protocols Only allows users authorized by FDA | Compatible with HTTP, XML or JSON supported platforms Supports on-premise/ cloud deployment |
4. OpenFDA Drug API
The OpenFDA Drug API is a software developed for the web platforms to access and retrieve medicational drug related information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Purpose
Gives public access to information on medicational drugs from the FDA
Key Features
- Lets users filter and find information about a medication like a drug name, National Drug Code (NDC), manufacturer and more.
- Includes detailed information like drug labels, dosage, warnings and indications.
- Event and Error reports related to the medication and their outcomes.
- Allows third-party FDA integrations like Food API and Device API.
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Uses HTTPs protocol to secure the API requests and responses. Implements authentication mechanism for authorized personnels to access restricted information. Protects PHI with HIPAA and GDPR regulations. | Compatible with almost all web and mobile platforms and softwares that are capable of making HTTP requests. Supports data formats including XML and JSON. |
C. Health Monitoring APIs
5. Validic API
Validic API is a popular healthcare API that allows organizations to collect patient-generated health data from various sources.
Purpose
Gives public access to information on medicational drugs from the FDA
Key Features
Retrieves patient-generated health data from different sources into apps/ systems.
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Protects health data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols. Compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA regulations. Allows access controls and monitoring. | Compatible with web, iOS, and Android platforms. Lets you integrate with major EHR systems such as Allscripts and Cerner. Uses APIs and webhooks for integration with third-party healthcare apps and platforms. |
6. Welltok API
Welltok API specifically for integrating apps with the Welltok’s health optimization platform, to access its features and data to provide customized healthcare solutions to patients.
Purpose
Retrieves personalized health information from Welltok platform.
Key Features
- Personalized plans for healthcare optimization.
- Lets integration with third-party health sources.
- Engagement solutions for patient healthcare.
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Provides HIPAA and GDPR grade privacy. Role-based access control. Audit trails. | Supports both on-premise and on-cloud deployment. Can be integrated into mobile, wearables and other health-related wearables. |
II. Payment APIs
7. Stripe API
Stripe is a payment processing platform that offers healthcare-specific API for integrating payment gateways into healthcare apps and softwares.
Purpose
Lets healthcare organizations to accept payments for medical products or services from patients.
Key Features
- Integration with EHR and other healthcare software systems.
- Fraud detection and prevention tools.
- Customizable checkout forms and payment flows.
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| TLS encryption Tokenization Compliance with PCI and HIPAA | Can be integrated with EHR systems, billing apps/software of a medical organization, and patient portals. Compatible with web and mobile applications. |
8. Paypal API
Paypal is one of the most widely used payment gateway that provides APIs for the healthcare industry to accept payments via web/ mobile apps for medical products or services leveraged by the patients.
Purpose
PayPal payment API is designed for secure, fast, and convenient payment processing.
Key Features
- Multiple payment modes (Debit card/ Credit card/ Paypal Balance).
- Advanced user analytics and reporting.
- Support for multiple languages and currencies.
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Two-factor authentication Fraud detection tools Industry-standard encryption protocols | Compatible with a wide range of operating systems and platforms including iOS and Android. Supports programming languages, including Java, .NET, Ruby, Python, and PHP. |
III. Patient Engagement APIs
9. MirrorFly API
MirrorFly is the most developer-friendly chat API that lets you add more than 150+ video, voice, and chat capabilities to your healthcare apps. The highlight of this provider is that you can flexibly host your app on your own premise or on our cloud servers.
Purpose
To add in-app communication features into healthcare platforms.
Key Features
- Free chat API
- HD video calls and HQ voice calls
- Online Presence Indicators
- User Analytics and Dashboard
- Unlimited Messages and Storage
- Push notifications
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Compatible with HIPAA and GDPR regulations. End-to-end encryption with AES-256 and SSL. | Offers both self-hosted and cloud-based deployment Compatible across any Android, iOS or web apps. |
10. Krames On FHIR API
Krames On FHIR API is a software built for the web platforms to allow healthcare providers access up-to-date information on the medical industry and related educational content.
Purpose
Easy access to high-quality patient medical information and educational materials.
Key Features
- Contains a library of educational materials.
- Lets you integrate with Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other health information systems.
- Patient tracking with analytics and reporting.
- Multi-lingual support.
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Adheres to industry-grade protocols and encryption methods. Compliant with HIPAA regulations. | This healthcare API can be integrated into any EHR system, mobile apps, patient portals, and telemedicine apps. Offers developer tools and resources. |
IV. Healthcare Provider Directories APIs
11. BetterDoctor API
BetterDoctor API is a US-based platform that gives accurate information on doctors, clinics, and insurance plans to help patients easily get the medical help they need.
Purpose
Gives the accurate healthcare provider data.
Key Features
- Robust search functionality.
- Filtering based on location, insurance network and specialties.
- Regular updates and verification of healthcare provider data.
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| HIPAA compliance HTTPS encryption | Compatible with web and mobile apps, along with EHR systems. Supports programming languages including Java, Python, and Ruby. |
12. Healthgrades API
Healthgrades API is a flexible platform that offers healthcare provider data and online appointment scheduling to hospitals, EHRs and patient portals.
Purpose
Gives provider data for ease of healthcare access.
Key Features
- Easy integration.
- Extensive provider data.
- Customizable workflows.
- Patient reviews and ratings.
- Robust analytics and insights
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| HIPAA regulations Industry-grade security compliance | Supports programming languages including Java, .NET, and Python. This healthcare API can be integrated into EHRs, patient engagement apps, physician practice management platforms. |
V. Medical Image and Video Management APIs
13. Ambra Health API
Ambra Health API is a cloud-based medical image management platform that lets developers create healthcare apps that can perform custom imaging and exchange them across systems.
Purpose
Facilitates cloud-based medical image management and exchange.
Key Features
- AI-powered medical image analysis tools
- Customizable APIs
- Seamless integration
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| HIPAA compliance Audit logs Automatic data backup Access controls | Can be integrated into EMRs, PACS, and EHRs. Provides SDKs and developer tools for easy integration and customization. |
14. Dicom Systems Unifier API
Dicom Systems Unifier API is an enterprise imaging interface that lets your apps process medical imaging, connect to healthcare systems and exchange them seamlessly.
Purpose
Lets healthcare providers to store, manage and exchange medical imaging data.
Key Features
- Interoperability
- Workflow automation
- Analytics and Reporting
- Secure exchange of medical imaging data
| Security & Privacy | Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| HIPAA compliance Audit trails Data encryption Access controls | Purely a cloud-based platform. Can be integrated into EHRs, PACs and modalities. Allows seamless integration across DICOM, HL7, and FHIR. |
Conclusion
To sum up, this article enlisted the best healthcare APIs, their types, and features along with the top players in the market. I hope this has helped you make an informed decision on the API you must choose for your app.
Finally, If you’d like to know more about specific healthcare APIs in this list or prefer to know more about other providers, post in your queries as comments. And, my team and I will get back with yet another insightful article soon. Until then, I wish the best to you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does API mean in healthcare?
In a healthcare environment, an API or Application Programming Interface acts as a bridge that supports the exchange of patient information between different healthcare systems.Â
This means, doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers can access and exchange data more easily, which ultimately leads to improved care for patients.
What is API connected healthcare?
An API connected healthcare refers to an interface that connects different softwares in a healthcare ecosystem. This helps doctors and other healthcare professionals access patient information seamlessly and provide the required care for better outcomes.Â
On the other hand, patients can also make use of the system to book appointments and take video consultations.
What is API used for in healthcare?
In a healthcare app, an API is used for connecting two or more softwares for sharing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) between patients and healthcare professionals.Â
This ensures easy access to Patient Health Information (PHI) to provide informed care, at the right time.
What is secure messaging in healthcare?
In a healthcare system, secure messaging system refers to the chat features that are built with strict adherence to industry-grade compliances like HIPAA, OWASP, and GDPR. Also, it ensures that every Patient’s Health Information (PHI) is end-to-end encrypted.Â
Which means, every message is ciphered at the sender’s end and decrypted only at the recipient’s end. This way, no third-party can access the messages, which essentially contains the healthcare information.
What are the health benefits of APIs?
APIs make it easy for exchanging and sharing of patient information in a healthcare ecosystem.Â
This lets patients access their own health information (Electronic Health Records – EHR), meanwhile enabling doctors and healthcare professionals to use this record for efficient care and outcomes.
What is an example of a health API?
Google Cloud Healthcare API is an example of a health API. This API enables exchange of patient information, access cloud analytics and use machine learning capabilities, in your healthcare app.Â
Further Reading
- 10 Best Live Video Calling APIs In 2024
- 10+ Best Voice Call APIs & SDKs Providers in 2024
- How to Integrate Video Call API into Your Android & iOS Apps?
- How to Build a Live Video Chat App in 2024?
- How to Build a Video Calling App in Flutter?
Krishi Shivasangaran is a digital nomad and a veteran of Digital Marketing strategies. She is passionate about learning the newest trends in video APIs. And, when she's off-role, she loves to sketch and make people realize the true color of nature.
This blog provides an insightful overview of the best healthcare APIs available. The information is well-organized and presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to understand the benefits and functionalities of each API. The inclusion of real-world examples and use cases further enhances the credibility of the content. Overall, this blog is a valuable resource for developers and healthcare professionals looking to leverage APIs for seamless integration and innovative solutions in the healthcare industry. Kudos to the author for their expertise and comprehensive coverage of the topic!
Hi, I develop a learning platform with many features and want to integrate a healthcare API for an Android app. Can I get the price sheet for your product? And would be very good if I can pay for used time, not for a month. I need your API costs and hosting plan.
We are developing a healthcare solution, so we need an API & SDK to continue the development of the communication module.
Hi, we are a healthcare company located in Singapore and Indonesia, we are looking for an in-app messaging feature for our banking app. Would be great if we could arrange a time for a discussion. Thanks and please share the price list of your healthcare api for ios apps
We need to integrate healthcare features into our existing app. What could be the costs? Will MirrorFly SDK fit my business requirements?
Hello , I am in need of a healthcare chat solution with video and voice calling for Hospik. I am building a chat platform to connect healthcare providers to patients.
We are looking to integrate a healthcare API with a web-based software and a mobile application. MirrorFly is one of the providers that we are looking into and would like to discuss more about its capabilities and specific features
We would like to have a call as soon as possible to understand your healthcare sdk pricing and how you compare to Agora, which we have been working with to date. We build apps in the sports space, including TennisONE and the soon-to-be-released Bleacher App that utilizes multi-directional interactive video to join sports fans around their favorite sport. It is somewhat time sensitive so please let me know when you have your earliest time slot available. Thanks, Brito