What is clinical document processing?
Clinical document processing turns incoming letters and discharge summaries into information a GP practice can act on. The workflow includes matching correspondence to the right patient, reviewing clinical details, recording relevant codes and assigning follow-up tasks. Each letter needs to reach the patient record, and each follow-up task needs someone responsible for completing it.
Anima, Docman and BetterLetter help GP teams process clinical correspondence. Here’s how Anima and BetterLetter handle the work, from preparing the letter to reviewing codes and follow-up tasks.
Comparing Anima and BetterLetter
BetterLetter describes AI-assisted letter coding, consultation notes and task management, with access to experienced coders for additional support. Compare the software workflow and any coding service separately so you know which activities your team will retain.
| BetterLetter | Anima Documents |
|---|---|
| Document summaries: Letters converted into summary care notes Source: BetterLetter | Document summaries: Prepares a clinical summary of the letter for staff to review Source: Anima Documents |
| Clinical coding: Code suggestions cross-checked against patient history Source: BetterLetter integration and workflow FAQ | Clinical coding: Suggests clinical codes from the letter for staff to approve and save Source: Anima Documents |
| Tasks & next steps: Suggested workflows and tasks, including existing Docman groups Source: BetterLetter integration and workflow FAQ | Tasks & next steps: Suggests next steps and routes tasks for the team to review and complete Source: Anima Documents |
| EHR integration: EMIS and SystmOne; codes and letters filed to the record Source: BetterLetter integration and workflow FAQ | EHR integration: Saves reviewed documents and codes to EMIS or SystmOne Source: Anima Documents |
Published by Anima. Feature evidence comes from our comparison review of 2026-10-07; linked sources show the supporting documentation. “Not listed” means the reviewed source does not describe the feature, not that the supplier cannot provide it. Confirm availability, integrations and commercial terms for your practice.
FAQs
What should you check when comparing clinical coding tools?
Use a representative sample of letters, including complex histories, medication changes and duplicate diagnoses. Check whether suggestions fit the clinical context and how staff accept, edit or reject them. Follow the approved codes into the clinical record, rather than judging the tool only by its first draft.
Does AI document processing remove the need for review?
AI suggestions still need an agreed review process. Establish which staff approve codes, which letters need clinical input and how uncertain information is escalated. If a supplier provides a managed coding service, clarify its responsibilities and how your practice checks the completed work.
How should you compare document processing costs?
Ask what the quote covers: software, document volumes, coding support, implementation and ongoing service. Use your practice’s actual correspondence volumes and include the time spent reviewing exceptions. Confirm how existing Docman workflows and historical documents will be handled.
Are you planning a change in document management?
Agree how incoming letters, outstanding tasks and historical documents will remain accessible during the change. Include your coding and clinical teams in the demonstration, and use your own workflow to assess the fit.
Explore Anima document processing or Contact the Anima team to learn more.
Thinking about digital transformation? Compare the other tools your practice uses.