Spreadsheets vs AdmitScore™
How do SNF operators currently evaluate admission profitability?
The Admission Decision Problem
Every SNF faces the same challenge: evaluate referrals quickly enough to secure good admissions, while avoiding the unprofitable ones that quietly erode margins.
Most facilities rely on experience, gut feel, or basic spreadsheets. Some build elaborate Excel models. But none of these approaches can analyze a discharge packet and predict PDPM reimbursement in real-time.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Spreadsheet Analysis | AdmitScore™ |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Decision | 30-60 minutes (manual data entry) | Under 5 minutes |
| PDPM Prediction | Estimates based on diagnosis only | Full 5-component classification |
| Document Analysis | Manual review required | AI extracts data automatically |
| Cost Estimation | Static formulas | Dynamic (meds, staffing, therapy) |
| Risk Flagging | Depends on reviewer experience | Systematic behavioral & clinical flags |
| Consistency | Varies by who fills it out | Same analysis every time |
| Learning Curve | Familiar tool (Excel) | Simple (upload and review) |
| Cost | Free (staff time only) | Subscription |
| Scalability | Limited by staff availability | Analyze any volume |
The Real Question
Spreadsheets can work for low-volume facilities with experienced admissions staff. But they can't keep up when you're competing for referrals. By the time you've manually reviewed a discharge packet and run your numbers, a competitor may have already accepted the patient.
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: High-Volume Facility
A 120-bed facility evaluating 20+ referrals per week can't afford 30-60 minutes per analysis. AdmitScore processes discharge packets while the admissions team handles other tasks.
Scenario 2: Complex Payer Mix
Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and private pay all have different reimbursement rates. AdmitScore calculates margins for each payer automatically. Spreadsheets require maintaining separate rate tables.
Scenario 3: Medication Cost Surprises
A patient on expensive specialty medications can turn a profitable admission into a loss. AdmitScore flags high-cost medications before you commit. Spreadsheets can't analyze medication lists.
Financial Impact
The cost of one bad admission can exceed a year of AdmitScore subscription:
- One unprofitable 30-day stay: -$3,000 to -$10,000
- Missed high-margin admission (competitor was faster): +$5,000 to +$15,000 opportunity cost
- Denial due to inadequate documentation review: Full stay revenue at risk
See Your Margin Before You Admit
Watch AdmitScore analyze a real discharge packet in under 5 minutes.
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