1. Introduction

Did you know that over 70% of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are actively seeking new technology partners to improve care coordination, streamline workflows, and enhance data-driven decision-making for 2025 and beyond? As the senior care landscape rapidly evolves, SNFs are under increasing pressure to do more with less—balancing tight margins, ongoing staffing shortages, and the ever-growing demand for high-quality, personalized care.

The problem? Many SNFs have discovered that popular healthcare platforms like Athenahealth—while robust for physician practices—often fall short in meeting the unique needs of post-acute and long-term care. From cumbersome workflows and limited integration capabilities to a lack of SNF-specific analytics, relying on a one-size-fits-all EHR can leave facilities struggling to keep pace in a data-driven world.

In this article, we’ll explore why forward-thinking SNFs are searching for solutions better than Athenahealth. We’ll dive into the must-have software features for 2025, including advanced analytics, seamless interoperability, and staff-friendly interfaces. You’ll discover how leading-edge technologies are empowering SNFs to leverage real-time data, optimize staffing, and improve resident outcomes—without the headaches of legacy systems. If you’re ready to see what’s possible beyond the status quo, read on for an in-depth look at the future of SNF technology and how your organization can lead the way.

2. Current Challenges in Better Than Athenahealth

Healthcare facilities striving for “better than athenahealth” electronic health record (EHR) and practice management solutions encounter a complex array of challenges. While advanced EHRs promise greater efficiency and improved care, the journey to optimal digital transformation is fraught with technical, operational, and compliance hurdles. Here are the most pressing pain points, supported by recent research and industry data.

• 1. Implementation Complexity and Disruption
  Transitioning to a new EHR system is a significant undertaking. According to Azzly, the implementation process often leads to workflow disruptions, staff resistance, and temporary productivity drops. Facilities must dedicate substantial resources for training, data migration, and system customization, which can disrupt daily operations and patient care.
• 2. High Costs and Budget Constraints
  The upfront investment for EHR adoption goes beyond software licensing. Costs include hardware, IT support, ongoing maintenance, and staff training. As MedibillMD highlights, hidden expenses such as downtime during transition and potential overtime for staff can strain already tight budgets, especially for smaller facilities seeking “better than athenahealth” performance.
• 3. Data Migration and Interoperability Issues
  Migrating data from legacy systems or different EHRs is complex and error-prone. Facilities face difficulties in ensuring data integrity, completeness, and compatibility with new systems. According to MedibillMD, over 90% of US hospitals have switched to EMRs, yet interoperability remains a significant barrier, leading to fragmented patient information and care delays (source).
• 4. Staff Training and User Adoption
  Successful EHR implementation hinges on staff proficiency. Facilities often encounter resistance to change, especially among clinicians accustomed to previous workflows. Inadequate training can result in user errors, decreased productivity, and ultimately, compromised patient safety (Virtelligence).
• 5. Regulatory Compliance and Security Risks
  Ensuring ongoing compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory standards is a growing concern. New EHR solutions must provide robust security features to protect sensitive patient data. However, gaps in configuration or user practices can expose organizations to costly breaches and penalties, as outlined in the Azzly report.
• 6. Workflow Customization Limitations
  While striving for systems “better than athenahealth,” many facilities find that off-the-shelf EHRs lack the flexibility to accommodate unique clinical or administrative workflows. This can lead to inefficient workarounds or the need for costly custom development, impacting care coordination and operational efficiency.
• 7. Impact on Patient Experience
  Technical glitches, learning curves, and workflow disruptions during EHR transitions can negatively affect the patient experience. Delays in documentation or communication errors may reduce patient satisfaction and trust, as noted by Virtelligence.

These challenges collectively impact healthcare operations, regulatory compliance, and—most importantly—patient care. Facilities seeking to surpass athenahealth’s capabilities must plan strategically to address these obstacles, investing in robust change management, comprehensive staff training, and continuous system optimization.

For further reading and in-depth strategies to overcome these hurdles, visit Azzly, MedibillMD, and Virtelligence.

3. How Sparkco AI Transforms Better Than Athenahealth

Healthcare providers and skilled nursing facilities face growing demands to achieve true interoperability, streamline workflows, and extract actionable insights from their data. While athenahealth is a well-known player, Sparkco AI delivers a next-generation solution that addresses these challenges more effectively. Leveraging advanced AI and automation, Sparkco AI empowers organizations to not only meet compliance mandates but also realize tangible operational and clinical benefits. Here’s how Sparkco AI stands out:

• 1. Seamless CMS Interoperability Compliance
  Sparkco AI is engineered to simplify and automate compliance with the latest CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rules. Unlike traditional systems, Sparkco AI dynamically adapts to regulatory changes, reducing the risk of non-compliance and audit penalties. Automated data validation and real-time policy updates ensure your workflows always meet evolving federal requirements—without manual intervention.
• 2. Intelligent Data Integration and Usability
  Sparkco AI integrates effortlessly with existing EHRs, billing platforms, and third-party data sources. Its AI-powered data harmonization engine automatically cleans, standardizes, and merges patient data from disparate systems. This means clinicians and administrators always have a single, accurate view of each patient, improving care coordination and reporting without time-consuming manual data entry or reconciliation.
• 3. Advanced Predictive Analytics and Insights
  Going beyond basic dashboards, Sparkco AI harnesses machine learning to identify trends, forecast patient risks, and surface actionable insights. Providers receive proactive recommendations for patient care, resource allocation, and workflow optimization. This predictive intelligence translates directly into better patient outcomes and more efficient facility operations.
• 4. Automated Prior Authorization and Workflow Optimization
  Sparkco AI automates prior authorization processes by extracting relevant clinical information, pre-filling forms, and flagging missing documentation. Automated routing and approval workflows drastically reduce administrative burden and accelerate patient access to care, directly addressing a common bottleneck in legacy systems like athenahealth.
• 5. Robust Security and Privacy by Design
  With end-to-end encryption and real-time anomaly detection, Sparkco AI keeps patient data secure and compliant with HIPAA and CMS standards. Automated monitoring and rapid threat response keep your data safe without slowing down operations.
• 6. Effortless Integration and Scalability
  Sparkco AI offers flexible APIs and plug-and-play modules that integrate with your current ecosystem—no need for costly rip-and-replace migrations. Whether you operate a single facility or a national network, Sparkco AI scales with your needs, ensuring performance and reliability at every stage.

In summary, Sparkco AI combines advanced automation, seamless integration, and intelligent analytics to deliver a healthcare data platform that not only meets regulatory requirements, but also drives measurable ROI. By solving interoperability, workflow, and compliance challenges more effectively than athenahealth, Sparkco AI empowers your organization to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional patient care.

4. Measurable Benefits and ROI

Automated healthcare technology platforms are delivering unprecedented ROI and operational advantages for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and other providers. Compared to legacy systems such as Athenahealth, next-generation automation solutions provide significantly higher returns, greater efficiency, and enhanced compliance. Recent case studies illustrate how these platforms are transforming care delivery and business operations.

• Exceptional ROI: 751% in Less Than Two Months
  A national healthcare provider achieved a staggering 751% return on investment in under two months after automating core operational and clinical workflows. This rapid payback far exceeds typical industry benchmarks and demonstrates the outsized impact of modern automation platforms.
  Read the case study.
• Time Savings: 60% Reduction in Administrative Tasks
  Automated platforms cut time spent on manual data entry and administrative functions by up to 60%. Staff can redirect hours each week to higher-value activities such as direct patient care and quality improvement.
• Cost Reduction: Up to 35% Lower Operational Expenses
  Facilities report up to 35% cost reduction in billing, claims management, and compliance operations. Automation minimizes human error, reduces overtime, and streamlines staffing needs.
• Accelerated Revenue Cycle: 40% Faster Claims Processing
  Automated claims management enables 40% faster reimbursement cycles compared to manual or semi-automated systems. This improves cash flow and reduces days in accounts receivable.
• Improved Compliance and Audit Readiness: 99% Accuracy
  Automated documentation and audit trails achieve 99% accuracy in regulatory compliance, supporting successful survey outcomes and reducing the risk of costly penalties.
• Enhanced Patient and Family Satisfaction: 25% More Engagement
  By automating communications and updates, facilities saw a 25% increase in patient and family engagement scores, driven by faster responses and improved transparency.
• Reduced Denials: 30% Fewer Claims Rejected
  Automation of eligibility verification and documentation cuts claim denial rates by 30%, directly boosting revenue and staff productivity.
• Data-Driven Insights: Real-Time Analytics Adoption
  Facilities leveraging advanced platforms report a 50% increase in actionable analytics utilization, supporting better decision-making and continuous improvement.

The measurable benefits of automated solutions clearly surpass those of traditional systems like Athenahealth. As demonstrated by leading providers, the combination of rapid ROI, substantial cost and time savings, and improved compliance makes automation an essential investment for SNFs seeking operational excellence and sustainable growth.

For more details and in-depth case studies, explore resources from Workday and leading healthcare automation providers.

5. Implementation Best Practices

Successfully implementing a healthcare technology platform that outperforms athenahealth requires a structured approach, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong focus on compliance. Here are 7 actionable steps—with practical tips, common pitfalls, and change management considerations—to guide your journey:

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Needs Assessment

   Engage stakeholders from all departments to identify workflow pain points and compliance gaps. Use surveys, interviews, and process mapping to create a clear requirements list.

   Tip: Involve both clinical and administrative teams to ensure all voices are heard.

   Pitfall: Skipping this step can result in overlooked needs and costly rework.

2. Select a Scalable, Interoperable Solution

   Choose a platform that not only addresses current needs but also adapts to future regulatory changes (like 2025 CMS and HIPAA updates) and integrates smoothly with existing systems.

   Tip: Prioritize vendors with a proven track record in regulatory compliance and robust API integrations.

   Pitfall: Avoid locking into proprietary systems that hinder data exchange.

3. Build a Cross-Functional Implementation Team

   Assemble a team with representatives from clinical, IT, compliance, and finance. Assign clear roles and responsibilities to drive accountability.

   Tip: Designate a project champion with authority to make decisions and escalate issues.

   Pitfall: Lack of leadership buy-in can stall progress and reduce staff engagement.

4. Develop a Detailed Project Plan

   Create a timeline with milestones, deliverables, and risk assessments. Incorporate time for user acceptance testing and compliance checks.

   Tip: Use project management software to track tasks and deadlines.

   Pitfall: Overlooking change management activities can lead to confusion and resistance.

5. Prioritize Data Security and Compliance

   Ensure the solution meets the latest HIPAA, CMS, and interoperability standards. Implement robust access controls and audit trails.

   Tip: Schedule regular compliance reviews and staff training to stay ahead of updates.

   Pitfall: Neglecting regulatory nuances can expose your facility to costly penalties.

6. Deliver Tailored Training and Ongoing Support

   Offer role-based training sessions and provide easy-to-access resources. Establish feedback loops for continuous improvement.

   Tip: Include superusers on each shift to serve as on-the-ground support.

   Pitfall: A “one-size-fits-all” approach to training typically results in low adoption rates.

7. Monitor, Measure, and Optimize

   Track key performance indicators (KPIs) like user adoption, error rates, and compliance metrics. Hold regular review meetings to identify optimization opportunities.

   Tip: Use dashboards to visualize progress and celebrate team milestones.

   Pitfall: Failing to act on feedback can erode trust and stall long-term success.

Change Management Considerations: Proactive communication, leadership engagement, and transparent feedback channels are essential. Regularly update staff on project progress and celebrate quick wins to build momentum. Remember, successful implementation isn’t just about technology—it’s about empowering people through purposeful change.

6. Real-World Examples

Real-World Examples: Outperforming Athenahealth in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Many skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are searching for EHR and practice management alternatives that outperform Athenahealth in real operational settings. Below, we highlight a real-world case study demonstrating how one SNF achieved transformative results by switching to a specialized platform designed for post-acute care.

• Situation:

  In 2023, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility in the Midwest struggled with inefficient workflows, slow billing cycles, and limited interoperability using Athenahealth. The facility’s clinical staff reported time-consuming documentation processes, which led to delayed care coordination and increased overtime costs. Additionally, their average days in accounts receivable (AR) hovered at 45 days, impacting cash flow.

• Solution:

  The facility transitioned to a skilled-nursing-specific EHR and revenue cycle management platform. This solution featured streamlined clinical documentation, real-time care plan updates, and advanced analytics tailored to SNF regulatory requirements. The implementation included staff training and data migration support, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

• Results:
  • Documentation Efficiency: Clinicians reduced documentation time by 40%, freeing up an average of 2.5 additional patient care hours per nurse per week.
  • Billing and Revenue Cycle: Days in AR dropped from 45 to 26 within four months, improving cash flow and reducing administrative burden.
  • Quality Metrics: The facility saw a 22% reduction in medication errors (tracked quarterly), and care plan compliance increased by 30% due to real-time alerts and easier interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Staff Satisfaction: Overtime costs were reduced by 18% as staff spent less time on manual entry and follow-ups.
• ROI Projection:

  Factoring in reduced overtime, improved billing turnaround, and enhanced occupancy through better care quality, the facility projects a 190% ROI over 18 months. This calculation includes measurable cost savings, increased collections, and intangible benefits such as improved staff retention and higher family satisfaction scores.

This case study exemplifies how SNFs can achieve superior performance and measurable business outcomes by choosing solutions purpose-built for their unique workflows—proving a clear advantage over generic platforms like Athenahealth.

7. The Future of Better Than Athenahealth

The future of "better than athenahealth" in healthcare is being shaped by rapid technological innovation and a growing demand for seamless, patient-centered care. As healthcare providers look for solutions beyond traditional EHR platforms, several emerging trends and technologies are setting a new standard for what’s possible.

• AI-Driven Clinical Decision Support: Next-generation platforms will leverage artificial intelligence to analyze patient data in real time, offering actionable insights and predictive analytics to improve outcomes and reduce errors.
• Interoperability and Integration: Future systems will break down silos by integrating effortlessly with other health IT tools—such as remote patient monitoring devices, telemedicine platforms, and billing software—creating a unified ecosystem for providers and patients alike.
• Personalized Patient Engagement: Enhanced patient portals and mobile apps will foster deeper engagement, allowing patients to schedule appointments, view results, and communicate securely with care teams, all while receiving tailored educational content.
• Cloud-Native Architecture: A shift to fully cloud-based solutions will enable rapid scalability, robust data security, and real-time updates without the limitations of legacy infrastructure.

Long-term, the vision for a platform "better than athenahealth" centers on a truly connected healthcare environment. Providers will have access to a single, intuitive interface that brings together all aspects of patient care, from initial intake to post-discharge follow-up. Automated workflows, voice recognition, and blockchain-backed data security will further streamline operations and protect sensitive information.

Ultimately, these advancements will empower clinicians to spend more time with patients and less on administrative tasks, improve care coordination, and drive better health outcomes—setting a new benchmark for what healthcare technology can achieve.

8. Conclusion & Call to Action

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, choosing the right technology partner is more crucial than ever. While athenahealth offers a traditional suite of solutions, Sparkco AI stands out by delivering unmatched automation, advanced analytics, and seamless workflows tailored for skilled nursing facilities. Our platform empowers your staff to focus on what matters most—patient care—while reducing administrative burdens and maximizing operational efficiency.

Don’t settle for outdated systems or one-size-fits-all platforms. Sparkco AI’s intuitive interface, robust security features, and real-time insights ensure your facility stays ahead of the curve. By embracing innovative tools designed for your unique needs, you’ll enhance compliance, improve patient outcomes, and drive profitability—all with the support of our dedicated, responsive team.

The future of healthcare technology is here, and the time to act is now. Don’t let your facility fall behind—experience the Sparkco AI advantage today.

Contact us now at info@sparkcoai.com or Request a free demo to see firsthand how Sparkco AI can transform your operations. Elevate your facility with the smarter, faster, and more reliable solution that’s truly better than athenahealth.