Hero Health vs. AskFirst

Hero Health vs. Sensely AskFirst: Why It Is Time To Consider Hero

‍Sensely's AskFirst was one of the early players on the online consultation market. Recently, the business was acquired, which has left some practices considering alternatives. Today we want to compare Hero Health with AskFirst, to ask the question - what is best for you? While both offer triage tools, that's where the similarities end.  So, which one fits your practice best? Let’s break it down.

Similarities Between Hero Health and Sensely AskFirst

Both platforms aim to simplify care access and reduce admin workload, but they tackle these goals from unique angles. Here’s where they overlap:

1. Symptom Triage

• Sensely AskFirst leans on conversational AI and clinically backed algorithms to guide patients through symptom checks.
• Hero Health offers a more practical, customizable approach, allowing practices to create their own triage workflows with simple web forms.

2. Multi-Channel Accessibility

Both systems let patients connect through various devices - Sensely offers an app, where as Hero is available via the browser.

3. Admin Efficiency

Each platform reduces the grind for admin teams. Sensely automates symptom routing, while Hero simplifies bookings and pathways for better time management.

The Big Differences

Here’s where Hero Health and Sensely AskFirst diverge:

1. Triage Flexibility

• Hero Health: Practices call the shots. Whether it’s directing patients to book appointments, submit forms, or seek outside care, Hero’s triage is configurable to local workflows. It’s a “build-your-own-pathway” vibe.
• Sensely AskFirst: Picture a chatbot avatar leading patients through a slick, voice-guided symptom-check. It’s polished but pre-defined, relying on general care pathways rather than bespoke ones.

2. Patient Engagement

• Hero Health: Offers batch messaging to engage patients en masse—think appointment invites with booking links sent out via SMS or email. It’s a straightforward way to drive outcomes.
• Sensely AskFirst: Pulls out the AI big guns with a conversational avatar available in over 30 languages. It’s ideal for large, diverse healthcare ecosystems but less practical for hyperlocal needs - and really only focused on inbound query management, not outbound.

3. Costs

• Hero Health: A no-nonsense flat rate: 45p per patient annually. Messaging, booking, triage—it’s all included. No surprise invoices.
• Sensely AskFirst: Pricing is wrapped in mystery. The high-tech conversational AI likely comes with a price tag to match, especially if you’re after its premium features. Certainly if you add Sensely's costs to a separate messaging tool, pricing will exceed Hero's 45p.

4. Target Audience

• Hero Health: Built for primary care teams that need practical tools to reduce admin headaches and keep patients flowing through the right care pathways.
• Sensely AskFirst: Designed for broader healthcare markets, including pharma and payers, with extras like chronic condition monitoring and mental health support.

Why Practices Choose Hero Health

Hero Health doesn’t just fit into your existing workflows; it adapts to them.

• More Control, Less Hassle: Configurable triage and integrated booking reduce admin work and give patients a smoother experience.
• One Tool For All: No need to have multiple tools in action. Use Hero for triage and outbound communication (no need for Mjog, iPlato or Accurx)
• Transparent Pricing: A flat annual fee that’s accessible for practices of any size.
• Batch Messaging Mastery: Engage patients efficiently without burning through budgets.

Should You Choose Hero Health or Sensely AskFirst?

If your practice wants customizable tools for triage and bookings at an affordable price, Hero Health is the clear winner. Sensely AskFirst’s conversational AI is flashy, but unless your needs include multilingual voice bots or chronic care monitoring, it’s likely overkill.

Want to find out how Hero Health can simplify your practice? Get in touch.