If you’ve ever had to care for someone with a chronic condition—or manage one yourself—you know how frustrating and tiring it can be. Constant doctor visits, medication schedules, tracking blood sugar or blood pressure, logging meals, and just staying on top of things—it’s a lot. That’s exactly where chronic care management apps step in and make life a bit easier.
Apps like Livongo have been a big deal in this space. They give users real-time health data, coaching, and tools to track conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. And let’s be honest—being able to do all that from your phone makes a massive difference.
Now, here’s something that puts things into perspective:
According to Statista, over 133 million Americans live with at least one chronic condition. That’s nearly 40% of the entire U.S. population. And globally? The numbers are even more staggering.
Here’s another stat that stands out—the global digital health market is expected to reach $660 billion by 2025 (source), with chronic care apps being a big part of that pie.
So if you’re thinking of building an app like Livongo—or just curious about what makes them work well—you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the must-have features that turn a chronic care app from just another tool into something people actually rely on.
1. Easy-to-Use Interface (Because No One Wants to Struggle with Tech When They’re Unwell)
This might sound obvious, but it’s often overlooked. If you’re designing for people managing long-term health issues, simplicity is everything.
- Big, clear buttons
- Minimal scrolling
- Easy navigation
- Support for accessibility (like screen readers or text size adjustment)
In my experience, the best apps don’t try to look fancy—they just work.
2. Personalized Health Tracking
Let’s face it, no two people are the same. A person managing diabetes might need to track glucose and carbs, while someone with hypertension cares more about salt intake and blood pressure.
Your app should let users:
- Log their vitals (like BP, glucose, weight)
- Set custom reminders for medication or meals
- View trends and progress in a visual, friendly way
You could also throw in a voice input option. Not everyone likes typing things out all day.
3. Remote Monitoring + Real-Time Data Syncing
This one’s non-negotiable now. Users (and their doctors) need real-time access to data. Devices like smart glucose meters or wearables should easily sync with the app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
If you’re working with a solid App development company that knows healthcare, they’ll help you set up this kind of syncing.
Here’s why this matters:
“Access to real-time data can literally be the difference between a good day and a hospital visit.”
— A quote I once heard from a diabetes educator that’s always stuck with me.
4. Health Coaching and Chat Support
Sometimes, people just need someone to talk to—or someone to nudge them in the right direction. Apps like Livongo offer 24/7 chat with health coaches, and it’s a game-changer.
Consider integrating:
- AI-powered health tips (but make sure they’re actually useful)
- Option to message a human coach
- Crisis or emergency support
This isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—for many users, it’s the reason they stick around.
5. Medication Tracking and Alerts
It’s easy to forget meds. Especially if you’re juggling several prescriptions.
A well-made chronic care app should let users:
- Set custom reminders
- Mark doses as taken or skipped
- Get alerts if they miss a dose
Even better if it syncs with their pharmacy or doctor to update prescriptions automatically.
6. Integration with EHR
This one’s more on the techy side, but worth understanding. If your app can talk to hospital systems, it saves users a ton of effort. They don’t have to type in every test result—they can just see it right in the app.
A good healthcare app development services provider will help you connect with EHR systems using FHIR or HL7 standards (don’t worry, they’ll know what that means).
7. Progress Reports and Visual Dashboards
Let people see their progress. Use graphs, charts, emojis—anything that makes it feel more real.
Some fun (and helpful) ideas:
- Weekly mood check-ins
- Weight and activity graphs
- Celebrate small wins with badges or messages
These things make people feel seen and keep them motivated.
8. Multi-Condition Support
Chronic conditions often don’t show up alone. Someone with diabetes may also have high blood pressure or anxiety. Your app should be smart enough to manage more than one condition at a time.
It doesn’t mean you need a hundred features—just make sure the main ones are adaptable.
9. Family and Caregiver Access
A lot of users aren’t going through it alone. Their kids, partners, or caregivers are right there with them. That’s why having a “Care Team” feature can really help.
Let users share:
- Progress updates
- Emergency info
- Doctor messages
Caregivers love this because it keeps them in the loop without having to nag.
10. Security and Privacy That’s Actually Understandable
Medical info is personal. Your app should not only be secure, but also explain clearly what’s being collected and why.
Things to include:
- Easy-to-read privacy policy
- Data encryption (both at rest and in transit)
- Simple user controls over data sharing
People are way more likely to trust and use your app if they feel safe.
Wrapping Up
Building a chronic care app isn’t just about adding features—it’s about solving real problems. Whether it’s medication reminders, real-time health tracking, or just someone to chat with—it all makes a difference.
If you’re planning to create something like Livongo, focus on making it simple, supportive, and personal. Don’t build an app that overwhelms people—build one that fits into their lives.
And if you’re working with an app development company that understands how healthcare works, you’re already ahead of the game.
Remember: People with chronic conditions aren’t just “users.” They’re folks trying to feel a bit better every day. Your app should help with that—without making things harder.