No Automated Data Scrubbing Software: HAP’s Human Touch
To prevent costly mistakes, many skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) turn to automated data scrubbing software, or “scrubbers.” These tools are designed to scan for errors in claims and assessments, highlight missing information, and keep data clean. At first glance, that seems like a perfect solution. They process data quickly, reduce some manual burden, and promise efficiency.
But here’s the reality: scrubbers can only take you so far. They lack the ability to interpret clinical nuance, understand the broader patient picture, or recognize opportunities that fall outside of pre-set rules. For SNFs, where the stakes are uniquely high and data directly impacts both compliance and reimbursement, that limitation is a big problem.
That’s why Health Advisory Partners by Aegis Therapies® (HAP) takes a #NoScrubbers approach. Instead of relying on automated data scrubbing software alone, we put people (and their judgment, expertise, and context) at the center of the process.
What Is Data Scrubbing Software?
To understand why SNFs should be cautious with scrubbers, it helps to start with what data scrubbing actually means. According to Indeed, “data scrubbing is the process of fixing data in a database. This involves reviewing the currently stored data, fixing any errors, removing unimportant data and adding information to ensure accuracy.”
In many industries, this process is standard. Businesses use it to clean up customer lists, financial records, or marketing data. Clean information means better decisions, whether that’s where to allocate a budget, which customers to target, or how to measure performance.
For SNFs, the concept is the same but the stakes are higher. Instead of marketing strategies or customer outreach, the “decisions” tied to clean data involve patient care, compliance, and reimbursement. Every corrected data point can directly impact payment accuracy, survey outcomes, and even an organization’s reputation.
The Limits of Data Scrubbing Software
Automated data scrubbing software can seem appealing, especially to time-strapped SNF staff. As researcher Mohammadreza Mohebbi points out on LinkedIn, these tools can boost efficiency and consistency, minimize human error, and save resources by automating repetitive tasks. They scan large datasets, flag common issues, and create standardized processes.
But automation comes with serious limits. Mohebbi also notes that scrubbers can be difficult to implement, often miss nuanced clinical details, and generate false positives or negatives that staff must verify. Algorithms also follow rigid rules, leaving little room for exceptions or context.
For SNFs, context is everything. A scrubber might see a lab value out of range but miss the connection to a cognitive impairment diagnosis. It might flag missing documentation but fail to recognize how that detail affects the reimbursement category under PDPM. By focusing narrowly on individual data points, data scrubbing software may miss the bigger picture where true compliance risks and revenue opportunities live.
Why HAP Doesn’t Use Data Scrubbing Software
At HAP by Aegis Therapies, we believe technology has a place in post-acute care, but it should never replace the human touch. Automated systems don’t have judgment, clinical insight, or the ability to “connect the dots” across a complex patient record. That’s where our team of experts comes in.
Our approach is built around a proven process we call the Six Steps to Accuracy:
Provide detailed analysis of current performance
We start with a deep dive into your facility’s data. By identifying trends, patterns, and problem areas, we help you see where compliance gaps or revenue risks exist.Agree to network alignment and goals
Every facility operates within its own network of payors, patients, and partners. We align strategies to those realities, ensuring that improvements aren’t just theoretical but achievable and measurable.Review 100% of PDPM reimbursed assessments
Unlike automated systems that scan for generic errors, our consultants review every single PDPM reimbursed assessment. This ensures that nothing is overlooked and every possible reimbursement opportunity is considered.Uncover exceptions in real time
Healthcare doesn’t wait, and neither should your review process. By identifying issues as they arise, we give your team the chance to act quickly—whether that means correcting documentation, updating coding, or clarifying clinical details.Take immediate action to correct issues
Spotting problems is only half the battle. We work side-by-side with your team to resolve errors immediately, reducing compliance risks and protecting reimbursement before claims go out the door.Circle back for quality control
Continuous improvement is built into the process. By closing the loop and rechecking corrections, we make sure your facility isn’t just putting out fires—it’s building a stronger, more reliable system for the future.
This hands-on approach consistently produces results. In fact, while reviewing MDSs, HAP identifies coding opportunities in 35% of cases. Automated scrubbers simply can’t deliver that level of impact.
The Importance of HAP’s Human Touch
Skilled nursing is about more than charts, codes, and numbers. At the end of every line of data is a patient with unique needs, comorbidities, and circumstances that don’t always fit neatly into a rulebook.
For example, consider a patient admitted after a stroke. Data scrubbing software may confirm that the basic coding is correct. But a human reviewer may notice subtle details like secondary conditions, therapy intensity, or cognitive changes that shift the reimbursement classification. In one case, the difference could mean thousands of dollars in revenue, not to mention a more accurate reflection of the patient’s care needs.
This is where the human touch shines. HAP’s consultants don’t just scan for missing data; they interpret the clinical story. They connect the dots between documentation, patient condition, and reimbursement. And most importantly, they give your staff confidence that compliance and revenue are being managed correctly, without unnecessary guesswork.
Go Beyond Scrubbers with Health Advisory Partners
Automated data scrubbing software may have its place, but they can’t provide context, nuance, or strategy. They can’t adapt to exceptions or anticipate surveyor scrutiny. And they certainly can’t build relationships with your staff, provide training, or coach your team toward better outcomes. Our people-first approach ensures that SNFs have the support they need to achieve accurate reimbursement, strong compliance, and peace of mind.
Ready to see the difference the human touch makes? Contact HAP today.
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