1. Introduction

Did you know that over 70% of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in North America now rely on electronic health record (EHR) platforms to streamline care and operations? As the demand for efficient, coordinated, and evidence-based care continues to surge, SNFs are turning to advanced software solutions to support their clinical teams, optimize reimbursement, and navigate complex regulations. PointClickCare has long led the pack as the industry standard for post-acute EHR and care coordination, but the landscape is rapidly evolving. With increased expectations for interoperability, real-time analytics, and user-friendly interfaces, many providers are exploring robust alternatives to ensure they’re equipped for tomorrow’s challenges.

Yet, finding the right EHR partner is no simple task. Facilities face mounting pressure to improve resident outcomes, maximize staff efficiency, and maintain compliance—all while keeping costs in check. The wrong technology choice can hinder collaboration, create workflow bottlenecks, and even impact revenue cycle management. As a result, SNF leaders are asking: What are the best PointClickCare competitors, and how do they compare?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the top PointClickCare competitors in the skilled nursing space. We’ll examine how alternatives like MatrixCare and others stack up in terms of features, usability, and support. Whether you’re considering a switch or simply want to stay informed, read on for insights that will empower your facility to make the most informed EHR decision possible.

2. Current Challenges in PointClickCare Competitor

As skilled nursing and long-term care facilities explore alternatives to PointClickCare, many encounter significant challenges that can affect clinical, operational, and financial outcomes. While PointClickCare remains a leading EHR and care platform, its competitors often fall short in several critical areas. Below are key pain points, supported by recent data, highlighting the impact on facility operations, compliance, and patient care.

• Poor Interoperability and Data Integration
  Many PointClickCare competitors struggle to offer robust interoperability with other healthcare systems. According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, only 62% of nursing facilities reported that their EHR system could electronically exchange patient health information with external providers. This lack of seamless integration causes data silos, delays in care coordination, and increased administrative burden.
• User Interface Complexity
  Complicated and non-intuitive interfaces are a common complaint among users of PointClickCare alternatives. A 2023 Software Advice survey found that 41% of healthcare staff cited “difficult navigation” as a main reason for workflow inefficiencies with EHR systems. Cumbersome interfaces can lead to errors, staff frustration, and longer onboarding times for new employees.
• Limited Customization and Scalability
  Some competitors offer rigid solutions that cannot easily adapt to the evolving needs of facilities. According to a Gartner report, 35% of long-term care facilities expressed dissatisfaction with their EHR’s ability to scale or be customized. This limitation can hinder growth, specialty care programs, and integration with new regulatory requirements.
• Compliance and Regulatory Gaps
  Ensuring compliance with evolving CMS, HIPAA, and state regulations is non-negotiable. However, some PointClickCare competitors are slow to update their systems to meet new mandates. A HealthIT.gov brief revealed that nearly 24% of facilities using non-leading EHRs reported difficulties keeping up with regulatory changes, increasing the risk of survey deficiencies and costly penalties.
• Poor Customer Support and Training
  Adequate support is critical during implementation and beyond. A KLAS Research survey indicated that 38% of facilities using PointClickCare competitors were dissatisfied with vendor support, citing slow response times and inadequate training resources. This can lead to prolonged downtimes, unresolved issues, and reduced staff morale.
• Data Security Concerns
  Cybersecurity remains a top priority in healthcare. Competitors with outdated security protocols expose facilities to increased risk of data breaches. According to HIPAA Journal, 2023 saw a record 725 healthcare data breaches, many attributed to EHR vulnerabilities in less robust systems.
• Inadequate Reporting and Analytics
  Actionable data is essential for quality improvement and compliance. Some alternative systems lack comprehensive reporting tools, making it harder for facilities to track clinical outcomes or meet quality programs such as QAPI. This hampers decision-making and can negatively impact patient care.

In summary, while exploring PointClickCare competitors, healthcare facilities frequently face interoperability issues, usability challenges, limited customization, regulatory risks, poor vendor support, data security gaps, and subpar analytics. Each of these pain points can hinder operational efficiency, threaten compliance, and ultimately impact patient outcomes. For facilities considering a switch, it’s critical to weigh these factors and scrutinize vendor capabilities to ensure long-term success.

3. How Sparkco AI Transforms PointClickCare Competitor

PointClickCare is a well-established EHR provider for skilled nursing and long-term care, but many organizations seek alternatives that offer greater efficiency, automation, and flexibility. Sparkco AI directly addresses the challenges posed by PointClickCare competitors—such as MatrixCare and Net Health—by offering a next-generation, AI-powered platform tailored for skilled nursing facilities. Here’s how Sparkco AI stands out in the competitive landscape:

• 1. Intelligent Workflow Automation
  Unlike traditional EHR systems, Sparkco AI automates repetitive administrative tasks—from admission documentation to discharge planning. This minimizes manual data entry, reduces errors, and frees up staff to focus on direct resident care. AI-driven workflows adapt to each facility’s unique processes, ensuring that no task is overlooked while maximizing operational efficiency.
• 2. Predictive Analytics for Improved Outcomes
  Sparkco AI leverages advanced analytics to provide real-time insights into resident health risks, staffing needs, and compliance trends. By forecasting potential challenges such as hospital readmissions or staffing shortages, administrators can proactively allocate resources and intervene early—something many PointClickCare competitors offer only in limited forms or through add-ons.
• 3. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
  Integration is often a pain point with legacy EHRs. Sparkco AI is designed for interoperability, connecting effortlessly with pharmacy, lab, billing, and other healthcare software through standardized APIs. This ensures a smooth data exchange and eliminates information silos, enabling care teams to access a complete resident profile in one platform.
• 4. Enhanced Regulatory Compliance
  Staying compliant with evolving state and federal regulations is critical. Sparkco AI continuously updates documentation templates and automated audit tools, helping facilities maintain accurate records, track quality measures, and prepare for surveys. Built-in AI checks flag potential compliance risks before they become costly issues.
• 5. User-Friendly Experience for All Staff Levels
  Staff shortages and high turnover demand software that is easy to learn and use. Sparkco AI features an intuitive interface, smart prompts, and adaptive training modules that quickly onboard new staff and minimize disruption. This empowers facilities to maintain high quality care, even with new or temporary employees.
• 6. Scalable and Secure Cloud Infrastructure
  Sparkco AI’s cloud-native architecture ensures secure, reliable access from any device while scaling effortlessly as your census grows. Automatic updates and robust data protection measures provide peace of mind and reduce IT overhead.

By combining powerful AI capabilities with seamless integration and a user-centric design, Sparkco AI addresses the shortcomings of PointClickCare competitors. Facilities gain a smarter, more flexible platform that elevates care, streamlines operations, and adapts to evolving needs—positioning them for success in today’s complex healthcare landscape.

4. Measurable Benefits and ROI

Automated Electronic Health Record (EHR) platforms, including leading PointClickCare competitors, are transforming skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) by streamlining operations and improving financial performance. Numerous studies and case reports demonstrate the tangible return on investment (ROI) and multiple operational benefits these systems deliver. Below, we highlight key measurable outcomes and cite industry data to showcase the impact of adopting an automated EHR solution.



  

    Significant Time Savings for Clinical Staff

    Automated EHRs reduce documentation time by up to 45% per shift, according to a HealthIT.gov case study. This equates to nearly 2 hours saved per nurse, per day, allowing staff to focus more on resident care and less on paperwork.
  
  

    Reduction in Medication Errors

    Integration of eMAR and pharmacy modules decreases medication administration errors by up to 50% (source). Facilities report improved resident safety and reduced liability risk as a direct result.
  
  

    Administrative Cost Savings

    Automation can cut administrative labor costs by 15-25% annually, with one case study showing savings of $120,000 per year for a 100-bed SNF, thanks to reduced overtime and paper usage.
  
  

    Accelerated Billing and Revenue Cycle

    Facilities using advanced EHRs report a 30% decrease in claim denials and a 20% faster billing cycle (RevCycle Intelligence), resulting in improved cash flow and more predictable revenue streams.
  
  

    Enhanced Regulatory Compliance

    Automated audit trails and built-in compliance checks help SNFs maintain 99%+ accuracy in MDS submissions and reduce survey deficiencies by up to 60% (NIH study).
  
  

    Reduced Readmission Rates

    Improved care coordination and alerts lead to a 15-20% decline in 30-day hospital readmissions (Health Affairs), lowering penalties and enhancing facility reputation.
  
  

    Improved Occupancy and Referral Rates

    SNFs with efficient EHR systems report 10-15% higher occupancy rates and receive more referrals from hospitals seeking compliant, high-quality post-acute partners (LeadingAge CAST).
  
  

    Data-Driven Quality Improvements

    Real-time analytics help facilities boost their CMS Five-Star Quality Ratings by up to 1 full star within 12 months (CMS Five-Star Ratings).
  



In summary, automated EHR platforms rivaling PointClickCare offer SNFs compelling ROI, driven by substantial time and cost savings, improved compliance, and better resident outcomes. These benefits are well documented across the industry, providing a strong business case for facilities considering a modern EHR upgrade.

5. Implementation Best Practices

Switching to a new electronic health record (EHR) or care management platform is a significant operational shift for skilled nursing facilities. Whether you are moving away from PointClickCare or implementing a competitor solution, following structured best practices is key to ensuring compliance with 2025 CMS survey changes and Requirements of Participation (RoP). Below are actionable steps, practical tips, and common pitfalls to help guide your transition:

1. Assemble a Cross-Functional Implementation Team
   Tip: Include clinical, administrative, IT, and compliance representatives to ensure all perspectives are considered.
   Pitfall to Avoid: Don’t rely solely on IT—neglecting end-user input can lead to workflow mismatches.
   Change Management: Assign clear roles and foster ownership across departments.
2. Conduct a Thorough Needs Assessment
   Tip: Map current workflows, identify pain points, and align system capabilities with CMS survey priorities for 2025.
   Pitfall to Avoid: Skipping this step can result in missed regulatory requirements or poor user adoption.
   Change Management: Solicit feedback to build buy-in from frontline staff.
3. Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan
   Tip: Set realistic timelines, milestones, and a communication cadence. Include contingencies for unexpected delays.
   Pitfall to Avoid: Overly ambitious timelines can overwhelm staff and compromise patient care.
   Change Management: Communicate milestones regularly to maintain momentum and transparency.
4. Prioritize Data Migration and Validation
   Tip: Cleanse legacy data before migration and perform validation checks to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.
   Pitfall to Avoid: Incomplete or inaccurate data migration can lead to documentation errors and compliance risks.
   Change Management: Educate staff on new data entry protocols to reduce transition errors.
5. Customize Workflows to Match Regulatory Requirements
   Tip: Tailor templates and forms to align with updated CMS and RoP guidelines for 2025, especially regarding resident rights, quality of life, and discharge policies.
   Pitfall to Avoid: Using out-of-the-box workflows may not meet specific compliance needs.
   Change Management: Involve compliance officers in every phase of workflow design.
6. Deliver Comprehensive Training and Support
   Tip: Offer hands-on training, quick reference guides, and ongoing support channels to all user groups.
   Pitfall to Avoid: One-size-fits-all training fails to address varied staff competencies.