Accurx vs. Anima: A Comprehensive Comparison for Primary Care Teams

Accurx vs. Anima: An Overview

The push for modern patient communication and streamlined operations continues in UK primary care. While Accurx is a long-time messaging incumbent, Anima emerged as a well-backed triage start-up. Though both tools aim to boost efficiency, they differ in features, usability, and price tags. Let’s break down their key differences—and highlight Hero Health as a simpler, 45p-per-patient alternative.

What is Accurx?

Accurx focuses on communication between healthcare providers and patients, offering:

• Two-way messaging for patient communication
• Online triage tools to streamline request management
• Appointment scheduling via self-booking links with automated reminders
• Remote consultations, including video calls

Accurx is integrated across multiple NHS settings, with a modular pricing structure that can see costs climb. You can read more about their pricing in our article "How Much Does Accurx Cost? Let’s Do the Maths".

What is Anima?

Anima frames itself as a “care enablement” platform, emphasising automation. It includes:

• Online consultations for digital request submission
• Automated patient history collection to fast-track clinical assessments
• Collaborative dashboards for real-time communication among staff

Though its advanced automation is appealing, Anima’s complexity can be a learning curve for staff and patients alike.

Comparing Functionality

1. Communication Tools

• Accurx: Known for user-friendly messaging, secure file sharing, and batch notifications (e.g. flu reminders). Integrated questionnaires exist, but fully custom forms can involve extra costs.
• Anima: Features an all-in-one dashboard for triage and messaging. However, some patients struggle with the platform’s technical aspects, which could impede uptake.

2. Triage and Workflow Management

• Accurx: Provides a straightforward triage system and video consultations to keep contact points simple.
• Anima: Assigns urgency automatically through an “intelligent” triage system. Not yet registered as a medical device, but aims to automate requests—similar to other medical-device solutions like eConsult.

3. Integration and Data Compliance

• Accurx: Deeply integrated with NHS systems, storing and coding communications into clinical records—great for record-keeping and auditing.
• Anima: Pulls clinical records into the product via GP Connect, offering richer capabilities. As a newer product, some feedback suggests integration details can be patchy but improving.

Pricing Structures

When it comes to cost-effectiveness, neither Accurx nor Anima is particularly budget-friendly for GP practices. Both are supported by venture capital, which can translate to higher fees.

Accurx Pricing

Accurx operates on a modular pricing model:
Costs scale based on patient list size and features, often exceeding £1 per patient annually if you add self-booking, batch messaging, or video consultations. Some modules alone can cost upwards of 25p per patient, so it all adds up quickly.

Anima Pricing

Anima generally comes in slightly cheaper than Accurx, at around 80p per patient. That said:

• Pros: Straightforward pricing, fewer hidden fees.
• Cons: Might still feel pricey for practices unused to triage tools—or for those whose patients don’t embrace the platform.

Key Challenges for Practices

1. Budget Constraints

Many practices simply can’t justify paying more than 80p to £1 per patient, per year:

• Accurx: Costs can spiral if you need multiple modules.
• Anima: Potentially underutilised if patient adoption is low.

2. Usability for Patients and Staff

• Accurx: Often praised for its intuitive user interface, even for those uneasy with tech.
• Anima: Powerful automation can also be overwhelming. Thorough training might be needed to get your investment’s worth.

“We want something that’s easy for staff and patients, without swallowing our budget.” – A typical GP Partner, probably.

An Alternative Solution: Hero Health

If you’re on the hunt for a cost-effective, streamlined platform, Hero Health offers a refreshing contrast at just 45p per patient per year. Our features include:

• Effortless messaging: Two-way, with attachments and custom templates for quick replies.
• Streamlined appointment booking: Self-booking links that automatically update EMIS or SystmOne.
• Dynamic triage pathways: Customise patient flows, getting them to the right service or booking straight into an appointment slot if needed.
• Batch messaging for campaigns

Hero Health significantly undercuts the cost of both Accurx and Anima. It’s a nimble platform specifically built for NHS GPs who want quick wins in efficiency and patient engagement.