The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) finalized its proposals for the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) on August 1 and we expect it to impact care delivery patterns and expectations of post-acute care providers. Unlike most CMMI models, this five-year episodic model will have mandatory participation for acute care hospitals in certain designated Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs).

The TEAM model incentivizes coordination among providers during and for 30 days following a surgery. Covered surgeries include lower extremity joint replacement, surgical hip and femur fracture treatment, spinal fusion, coronary artery bypass graft, and major bowel procedure. The model will begin January 2026.