CMS TEAM Model
Preparing Hospitals for the 2026 CMS TEAM Mandate
Preparing Hospitals for the 2026 CMS TEAM Mandate
Launching in 2026, the TEAM model holds hospitals accountable for the full 30-day surgical episode. PrePost+ delivers a complete solution for pre-op clearance, recovery monitoring, and quality performance to help your hospital succeed under this new mandate.
What is the TEAM Model?
TEAM applies to Medicare Part A & B patients undergoing five high-risk inpatient procedures, including joint replacements and spinal fusions, at over 700 selected hospitals. It evaluates hospitals on episode cost and a Composite Quality Score, creating significant financial risk around post-discharge complications and readmissions.
Get TEAM Ready
Does TEAM Affect Your Hospital?
TEAM applies to 741 acute care hospitals in selected Core-Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs). This includes large academic centers, rural hospitals, safety-net facilities, and hospitals that previously participated in BPCI Advanced or CJR models.
One Focus, Smarter Oversight
The TEAM model targets high-risk, high-cost procedures where complication and readmission rates are historically higher. By holding hospitals accountable for the full episode of care, TEAM aims to improve outcomes and control Medicare spending.
One Model, Aligned Incentives
TEAM is designed for Medicare Part A & B patients and prioritizes inpatient surgeries that demand coordinated recovery. Hospitals must manage the procedure and the transitions, risks, and recovery period that follow.
One List, Five Procedures
TEAM includes coronary artery bypass graft, lower extremity joint replacement, major bowel procedures, surgical hip and femur fracture treatment, and spinal fusion.
Understanding TEAM Tracks
Under TEAM, hospitals are evaluated on episode cost and a Composite Quality Score. Three participation tracks are available to manage financial risk, but success in any track depends on strong care coordination and readmission prevention.
Track 1
No downside risk in year one (or up to three years for safety-net hospitals). Modest rewards are available with no financial penalties during the adjustment period.
Track 2
Lower risk and lower reward. Begins in years two through five for eligible hospitals. Some accountability for episode cost and quality performance applies.
Track 3
This is the highest risk and highest reward. It is available for all five years for hospitals fully committed to value-based care and willing to accept full cost and quality risk.
Major Milestones for TEAM Accountability and Penalty/Incentive Payments
The Strategic Partner for TEAM Success
Physicians built PrePost+ to solve the care gaps that TEAM targets. Our model improves quality, streamlines operations, and supports better outcomes from admission through recovery.
One Visit, Complete Clearance
We streamline preoperative evaluation into a single visit, combining medical exams, mental health screening, in-house labs, and personalized pain planning to meet TEAM standards.
One Protocol, Consistent Outcomes
Our standardized, protocol-driven clearances are tailored to surgeon and hospital needs. We also include cognitive and behavioral assessments matched to each procedure's risk profile.
One System, Full Episode Support
From surgery through 30-day recovery, we provide real-time episode tracking, active post-discharge monitoring, automated compliance documentation, and risk-adjusted performance analytics.
TEAM Readiness Made Simple
We provide the tools and structure hospitals need to succeed under the 2026 CMS TEAM mandate, supporting safety, compliance, and outcomes from start to finish.
01 – Proactive Risk Stratification
We identify physical, mental, and procedural risks before surgery. Early intervention helps prevent delays, complications, and cancellations that affect TEAM performance and outcomes.
02 – Active Post-Discharge Management
Our team follows each patient through their 30-day recovery. We monitor symptoms, manage medications, taper opioids, and catch issues early to avoid readmissions and improve continuity.
03 – Performance & Reporting Alignment
We deliver structured documentation aligned with CMS benchmarks. Our reports support accurate TEAM scoring, track compliance, and reduce the burden of quality reporting.
Is Your Hospital Ready for the 2026 TEAM Mandate?
PrePost+ can help you prepare. Contact us today to discuss your hospital's TEAM readiness strategy.