Healthcare is one of the most robust industries for startups worldwide, and there are also virtually countless opportunities in affiliated fields such as wearable technology. It’s not surprising that so many entrepreneurs have begun eying healthcare as a way to make money, especially when you consider that the industry in the U.S. alone brings in an annual revenue of more than $1.6 trillion.

Other markets, including Australia, have begun tapping into the potential of these startups. As a result, the health industry in Australia is changing, and healthcare startups like Infocare could rightfully be credited with revolutionizing it in several vital ways.

1. Improving In-Home Care

Studies have shown that people recover better at home, especially when they’re elderly. Therefore, unless an individual needs constant medical care, they may be better off working with an in-home caregiver who stops by as needed. Doing the research for something like this may seem daunting, but healthcare startup Honor provides an easier option.

Family members and the elderly can reach out to caregivers via an app, which enables them to compare providers and make an informed decision. Apps of this type are becoming increasingly popular in many areas, including Asia, and this enables people to take better control of the care they receive.

2. Making Health Information More Accessible

Heading to Google to learn more about symptoms has become common place. This shouldn’t replace a doctor’s visit, but it can make it easier to determine when medical assistance is necessary. Unfortunately, many throughout Asia have a difficult time accessing quality healthcare information online because most of it is written in English. Alodokter has filled some of this gap by offering healthcare related articles, an A-Z illness guide, studies and other useful details in Bahasa Indonesia.

Being able to find these high-quality resources helps Asian people take better care of their health. This startup is also giving users the chance to become educated enough to get more out of each visit to their doctor.

3. Boosting Management of Chronic Conditions

Whether a patient suffers from frequent migraines, fibromyalgia or any other chronic condition, it can be extremely useful for them to track their symptoms and other life factors on a regular basis. Instead of having to write everything down and take it to the doctor, Asian-based startup Healint has made it simple to collect and share this necessary data. Mobile devices and sensors make management less of a headache, which is appropriate considering that Healint started with the Migraine Buddy app.

Discovering what daily triggers have a negative or positive impact on chronic conditions can lead to a much higher quality of life. Additionally, doctors can get a better look at what’s actually happening to their patients instead of relying solely on short visits.

4. Bringing Better Prescription Access and Prices to Asia

Residents of Southeastern Asia have long suffered from inconsistent medication availability and exorbitant pricing that can make treating an illness very difficult. To help remove these obstacles, Singapore startup mClinica launched a platform that makes communication easier.

The main issue with prescription medication access in Asia is a breakdown in the supply chain between drug companies and pharmacies. This means that some pharmacies cannot get much-needed medications, and it also drives prices up. Fortunately, mClinica gives pharmacies and drug companies a direct way to connect with each other in order to avoid the typical supply chain breakdown. Now, patients can use the app to secure discounts, and pharmacies can get reimbursed from drug companies.

5. Simplifying the Appointment Process

For some people, making an appointment with their doctor is just as cumbersome as going to the office. This problem is even worse if someone needs to find a new doctor in a hurry. For example, what would you do if your primary care physician’s office was closed for a week and you needed non-emergency room healthcare? Also, what if you needed to schedule an appointment but couldn’t get through on the phone?

DocDoc has addressed both of these issues in one resource. Asian patients can now search a database of more than 23,000 doctors. When they find one they like, DocDoc helps them secure an appointment time and provides the best possible pricing.

Asian healthcare startups, and those that are importing their services into Asia, have the ability to create a very notable difference. Already, patients throughout Asia can access better healthcare information online, and they can also schedule a doctor’s appointment or find in-home care from the palm of their hand. Each of these options make it easier for people to take care of themselves, and they also help doctors maximize their time with each patient.