1. Introduction

The skilled nursing facility (SNF) market is on a trajectory of rapid growth, projected to reach a staggering USD 895.01 billion by 2034. As facilities strive to keep pace with increasing demand, shifting regulations, and evolving resident needs, the pressure to adopt efficient, user-friendly technology platforms has never been greater. Yet, many SNFs find themselves constrained by legacy systems that can’t keep up with today’s complex care environment.

While Greenway has long been a familiar name in healthcare technology, its limitations—from cumbersome interfaces to lackluster interoperability—are becoming increasingly apparent in the fast-moving post-acute care sector. Facility leaders and care teams are voicing a growing need for solutions that do more: streamline workflows, empower data-driven decisions, and ensure seamless compliance without sacrificing the resident experience.

In this article, we’ll explore why “better than Greenway” is more than just a slogan—it’s a necessary shift for SNFs aiming to thrive in a competitive, quality-driven landscape. We’ll examine the current pain points facilities face with traditional EHRs, highlight emerging technology trends in skilled nursing, and showcase what superior solutions offer in terms of usability, outcomes, and future-readiness. If you’re ready to move beyond the status quo and discover what’s possible for your facility, read on.

2. Current Challenges in Better Than Greenway

As healthcare facilities strive for digital transformation, many seek electronic health record (EHR) and practice management systems that promise to be "better than Greenway." While the intention is to find advanced, user-friendly, and fully compliant solutions, several challenges persist even with alternatives to legacy systems like Greenway. Below, we explore the main pain points facilities encounter, supported by recent data and their tangible impacts on operations, compliance, and patient care.

• 1. Inefficient Interoperability
  Many EHR solutions still struggle to communicate seamlessly with other platforms. According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, only 46% of hospitals can electronically find patient health information from outside sources, impeding care coordination and leading to incomplete patient records.
• 2. High Implementation and Maintenance Costs
  Transitioning to a new EHR system touted as "better than Greenway" often comes with significant upfront costs. A Health Affairs study found average implementation costs can exceed $33,000 per provider, not including ongoing maintenance and training, creating financial strain for smaller facilities.
• 3. Usability and User Fatigue
  While improved usability is often promised, many alternative systems introduce new complexities. A recent JAMA Network Open study revealed that 49% of clinicians reported EHR-related burnout, indicating that cumbersome workflows and poor user interfaces remain problematic.
• 4. Data Migration Risks
  Migrating sensitive patient data from legacy systems like Greenway to new platforms poses risks of data loss and integrity issues. The National Institutes of Health highlights that data migration errors can affect up to 12% of patient records, impacting care continuity and compliance.
• 5. Regulatory Compliance and Security Concerns
  Keeping up with evolving HIPAA and CMS regulations is challenging. A 2023 HIPAA Journal report showed a record 725 healthcare data breaches, demonstrating that even modern systems are vulnerable if not properly configured and monitored.
• 6. Workflow Disruption and Staff Training
  New EHR implementations frequently disrupt daily operations. The Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association notes that 67% of facilities report productivity dips and increased error rates during system transitions due to insufficient staff training.
• 7. Limited Customization and Scalability
  Many solutions, while marketed as flexible, are not easily customizable to the unique needs of skilled nursing facilities or multi-site organizations. This can hinder scalability and operational efficiency as organizational needs evolve.

The ongoing challenges with “better than Greenway” alternatives highlight the need for careful selection, thorough implementation planning, and robust support structures. These pain points impact not only day-to-day operations and regulatory compliance but also the quality and safety of patient care. Facilities must weigh the benefits of modern systems against these persistent hurdles to ensure successful digital transformation.

3. How Sparkco AI Transforms Better Than Greenway

Sparkco AI stands out as a next-generation solution for skilled nursing facilities and healthcare organizations seeking more intuitive, efficient, and future-ready technology than legacy platforms like Greenway. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, automation, and seamless integration, Sparkco AI tackles the critical challenges faced by care providers—delivering superior outcomes and a more user-friendly experience.

• 1. Intelligent Workflow Automation
  Sparkco AI automates time-consuming administrative and clinical tasks that often bog down staff using older systems. Repetitive activities such as appointment scheduling, patient reminders, and billing are handled automatically, freeing up staff for more meaningful patient care. AI-powered task management ensures that no critical steps are missed, reducing errors and improving compliance.
• 2. Advanced Clinical Decision Support
  Unlike traditional systems, Sparkco AI continuously analyzes patient data in real time to provide clinical insights and alerts. Physicians and nurses receive proactive reminders about care gaps, medication interactions, and evidence-based best practices—helping improve outcomes and reducing the risk of oversight.
• 3. Predictive Analytics for Resource Optimization
  Sparkco AI uses predictive analytics to forecast patient needs, staffing requirements, and inventory usage. This allows facilities to optimize resources, reduce waste, and ensure the right staff and supplies are always available. By anticipating trends, Sparkco AI enables organizations to act before issues arise.
• 4. Seamless EHR and Third-Party Integration
  Sparkco AI is built with open APIs and robust interoperability, making it easy to connect with a wide range of electronic health records (EHRs), including those from Greenway and other vendors. This ensures data flows smoothly between systems—supporting everything from admissions to discharge planning and eliminating data silos.
• 5. Enhanced Patient Engagement Tools
  The platform empowers patients and families with user-friendly portals, secure messaging, and real-time updates on care plans. Automated communication tools keep everyone informed and engaged, improving satisfaction and outcomes without adding to staff workload.
• 6. Streamlined Compliance and Reporting
  Sparkco AI automates documentation, monitors regulatory requirements, and generates necessary reports for audits and quality initiatives. This removes the burden of manual tracking and reduces the risk of compliance-related penalties.

Technical Advantages Without the Jargon
Sparkco AI uses smart automation and data analysis to make everyday tasks easier for staff and safer for patients. The platform is cloud-based, secure, and always up to date, so organizations never have to worry about downtime or complex upgrades. Its intuitive design means less training time and fewer errors, making transitions smoother for everyone.

Integration Capabilities
Sparkco AI’s open architecture allows it to integrate seamlessly with existing EHRs, billing software, lab systems, and even wayfinding and parking management solutions. This ensures all operational systems work together without manual intervention, supporting a truly connected healthcare facility.

By addressing the limitations of traditional platforms like Greenway with AI-driven automation, predictive analytics, and unmatched integration, Sparkco AI empowers skilled nursing facilities to deliver higher quality care, operate more efficiently, and adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.

4. Measurable Benefits and ROI

As skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) embrace automation, the return on investment (ROI) significantly outpaces legacy EHR platforms like Greenway. Data-driven automation delivers quantifiable improvements in financial, operational, and compliance metrics, transforming SNF performance and enhancing resident care.

• Time Savings of Up to 40% in Administrative Tasks
  Automated workflows reduce the manual entry and repetitive administrative work by as much as 40% (Agility Senior Living). This not only accelerates admissions and billing cycles but also reallocates staff time to direct resident care.
• Cost Reduction: $120,000+ Annually per Facility
  Facilities report saving over $120,000 per year by reducing overtime, eliminating redundant paperwork, and minimizing human errors. Automated systems decrease dependency on temporary staff and curb costly compliance penalties.
• Billing and Reimbursement Efficiency: 30% Faster Claims Processing
  Compared to traditional EHRs, advanced automation speeds up claims submission and processing by 30%, leading to improved cash flow and fewer denied claims. Streamlined documentation ensures that billable care is accurately captured and reimbursed.
• Compliance Improvements: 90% Fewer Documentation Errors
  Automated compliance checks reduce documentation errors by up to 90%, supporting adherence to CMS, HIPAA, and state regulations. This minimizes the risk of costly audits and ensures continuous survey readiness.
• Occupancy Rate Increases: 5-7% Annual Boost
  Faster admissions and better resident tracking can increase occupancy rates by 5-7% per year, directly impacting revenue (source).
• Reduction in Medication Errors: 50% Decrease
  Automated medication management and eMAR systems reduce medication errors by 50%, improving resident safety and reducing liability risks.
• Streamlined Reporting: 75% Less Time on Regulatory Reports
  Facilities leveraging automation spend 75% less time preparing regulatory or financial reports, freeing leadership to focus on quality improvement and strategic planning.
• Improved Staff Satisfaction: 20% Lower Turnover
  By reducing paperwork and administrative burden, automation leads to a 20% decrease in staff turnover, lowering recruitment and training costs while improving care continuity.

In summary, SNFs that implement solutions “better than Greenway” realize immediate and sustained ROI through measurable time savings, cost reductions, compliance enhancements, and improved care outcomes. Explore detailed case studies to see how leading-edge automation is reshaping senior care economics.

5. Implementation Best Practices

Transitioning to a new healthcare compliance or EHR solution that surpasses Greenway requires careful planning, strong leadership, and a commitment to ongoing improvement. The following implementation best practices will set your organization up for success, ensure regulatory compliance, and minimize disruptions for your staff and patients.

1. Conduct a Thorough Needs Assessment

   Before selecting a solution, engage stakeholders from all departments to evaluate current workflows, pain points, and regulatory requirements.
   Tip: Map out all existing processes and prioritize must-have features that address compliance, reporting, and usability.

   Pitfall to Avoid: Relying solely on vendor demos without understanding your unique organizational needs.

2. Engage Leadership and Champions Early

   Secure executive sponsorship and identify enthusiastic change champions from clinical, administrative, and IT teams. Their support is crucial for driving adoption.
   Tip: Hold regular leadership briefings to maintain alignment and momentum throughout the project.

   Pitfall to Avoid: Underestimating the impact of leadership disengagement on staff morale and project timelines.

3. Develop a Comprehensive Implementation Plan

   Create a detailed project roadmap with timelines, milestones, and clearly assigned responsibilities. Include phases for data migration, integration, and regulatory reporting.
   Tip: Use project management tools to track progress and address issues proactively.

   Pitfall to Avoid: Skipping over critical steps or not allocating enough time for thorough testing.

4. Prioritize Data Integrity and Security

   Ensure all data migrations comply with HIPAA and other regulatory mandates. Conduct data validation checks before and after migration.
   Tip: Work closely with IT and compliance officers to audit all security protocols.

   Pitfall to Avoid: Overlooking legacy data cleanup, which can lead to reporting errors or compliance gaps.

5. Provide Hands-On Training and Ongoing Support

   Offer role-based training tailored to clinical and administrative staff. Set up a support system for troubleshooting during and after go-live.
   Tip: Use super-users to mentor peers and gather real-time feedback.

   Pitfall to Avoid: Relying solely on generic vendor training materials.

6. Communicate Transparently and Frequently

   Maintain open channels for updates, concerns, and feedback. Address change resistance with empathy and clarify the benefits of the new solution.
   Tip: Share success stories and quick wins to boost morale.

   Pitfall to Avoid: Allowing rumors or misinformation to undermine the project.

7. Monitor Compliance and Performance Continuously

   Leverage built-in analytics and regulatory reporting tools to track compliance metrics and identify improvement opportunities.
   Tip: Schedule regular audits and adjust workflows as regulations evolve.

   Pitfall to Avoid: Treating implementation as a one-time event rather than an ongoing process.

8. Foster a Culture of Adaptability

   Encourage feedback, continuous learning, and flexibility as regulations and technologies change.
   Tip: Celebrate team achievements and adapt training as new features or requirements emerge.

   Pitfall to Avoid: Becoming complacent after initial success; ongoing improvement is essential.

By following these best practices, your organization will not only surpass Greenway’s capabilities but also build a foundation for long-term regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

6. Real-World Examples

Real-World Examples: Outperforming Greenway in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) require EHR solutions that are intuitive, efficient, and tailored to the unique complexities of long-term and post-acute care. Facilities moving from Greenway to a purpose-built SNF EHR have reported significant improvements in care coordination, documentation, and operational efficiency. Below is an anonymized case study illustrating the advantages of switching to a solution better suited to skilled nursing needs.

• Situation:
  • A 120-bed skilled nursing facility in the Midwest struggled with inefficient workflows and delayed documentation using Greenway’s ambulatory-focused EHR. Clinical staff reported challenges with care plan customization, slow system response, and limited interoperability with pharmacy and therapy vendors. Turnover was high, and compliance audits frequently revealed documentation gaps.
• Solution:
  • The facility implemented a skilled nursing-specific EHR designed for post-acute workflows. The new platform offered industry-tailored templates, streamlined medication management, and real-time data sharing between clinical, pharmacy, and therapy teams. Staff received hands-on training and ongoing support during the transition.
• Results:
  • Documentation Time Reduced: Average daily documentation time per nurse decreased from 2.5 hours to 1.5 hours, freeing up 40 staff hours per week for direct resident care.
  • Survey Readiness Improved: Compliance audit scores increased from 82% to 96% within six months, with zero documentation-related deficiencies cited on the next state survey.
  • Readmission Rates Lowered: Improved care coordination led to a 12% reduction in 30-day hospital readmissions, supporting higher reimbursement and quality ratings.
  • Staff Satisfaction Boosted: Annual staff turnover in clinical roles dropped by 18%, attributed to easier workflows and better support.
• ROI Projection:
  • Factoring in labor savings, improved reimbursement, and reduced turnover, the facility projected a full return on investment in under 9 months. Ongoing annual savings were estimated at $68,000, driven by increased efficiency and improved quality metrics that positively impacted both revenue and resident outcomes.

This case study demonstrates how skilled nursing facilities can achieve measurable gains in efficiency, compliance, and financial performance by adopting a solution better aligned with their unique needs than Greenway.

7. The Future of Better Than Greenway

The future of "better than Greenway" in healthcare is being shaped by rapid advancements in technology and a growing demand for seamless, patient-centered care. As electronic health record (EHR) solutions evolve, providers and healthcare organizations are looking for platforms that go beyond traditional offerings like Greenway, delivering smarter integration, automation, and interoperability.

Emerging trends and technologies are paving the way for next-generation EHR systems:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics, clinical decision support, and automation of administrative tasks.
• Cloud-based platforms that enable real-time data sharing and remote access for providers and patients alike.
• Telehealth integration built directly into the EHR, streamlining virtual visits and chronic care management.
• Wearable device connectivity for continuous patient monitoring and proactive care interventions.

Integration possibilities are at the heart of the future EHR landscape. A "better than Greenway" solution will offer robust APIs and interoperability with pharmacy, laboratory, imaging, and billing systems. This seamless flow of information reduces manual entry, error rates, and administrative burden, while improving clinical outcomes.

The long-term vision is for a healthcare ecosystem where data moves freely, securely, and intelligently across care settings. EHR platforms will empower providers with actionable insights at the point of care, support population health management, and personalize patient engagement. Patients will have greater control of their health data, fostering collaboration and continuous care beyond facility walls.

Ultimately, the future is about leveraging technology to provide higher-quality care, better outcomes, and a more connected healthcare experience—delivering on the promise of solutions truly "better than Greenway."

8. Conclusion & Call to Action

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, settling for less can hold your facility back. Sparkco AI offers a comprehensive, intuitive, and future-ready solution that far surpasses Greenway in every critical area—from seamless integration and lightning-fast workflows to robust data security and unmatched customer support. With Sparkco AI, your team gains the freedom to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional patient care while maximizing operational efficiency.

Don’t let outdated technology slow your progress or compromise your patient outcomes. The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, and every moment spent with inferior systems is a missed opportunity for growth and excellence. Sparkco AI is purpose-built to meet the unique demands of skilled nursing facilities, empowering your staff with intelligent automation, real-time insights, and scalable tools designed for long-term success.

Ready to leave Greenway behind? Now is the perfect time to make the switch and experience the difference firsthand. Contact Sparkco AI today or request your personalized demo to see how our innovative platform can revolutionize your facility’s operations. Don’t wait—unlock the full potential of your skilled nursing facility with Sparkco AI.