TEAM Preparation: Why Data and Provider Networks Matter More Than Ever

APMConnect
May 23
3 min read

Updated: Jul 2

Navigate the CMS Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM)

The healthcare industry is entering a significant transition, and it is coming quickly.

The Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM)—CMS’s latest mandatory Alternative Payment Model—requires hospitals and provider organizations to account for the total cost and quality of care across 30-day episodes.

While this model aims to enhance efficiency and improve outcomes, its success hinges on how well participants prepare, utilize data, and create robust provider networks.

Let’s explore this further.

1. TEAM Preparation: Your Strategic Advantage

With TEAM, success begins long before performance kicks off. Hospitals must evaluate their existing systems, assess risk exposure, and refine episode workflows. The clearer your understanding of your weaknesses, the better positioned you’ll be to avoid penalties and capture opportunities.

Where to Start

Conduct an internal readiness assessment: Identify current strengths and gaps.
Educate your teams on TEAM's framework and CMS requirements: Knowledge is power.
Align operations and staffing with performance-based reimbursement objectives: Integration is key.

Preparation is an ongoing process. It demands a leadership mindset and serves as the best defense against surprises once TEAM is operational.

2. Data: The Power to Drive Action

TEAM rewards hospitals that don’t simply report data but actively leverage it.

You’ll need more than just monthly reports. Essential is real-time visibility into quality metrics, financial objectives, and patient outcomes. Here are some effective strategies:

Implement predictive modeling to identify high-risk patients before discharge: Early flagging can prevent complications.
Monitor episode costs by category to identify areas of waste: Awareness leads to action.
Benchmark your performance against national CMS standards: Continuous improvement is essential.

Organizations without a robust data infrastructure risk missing out on shared savings and even facing penalties. In the realm of TEAM, being reactive won’t suffice.

3. Provider Networks: Collaboration or Collapse

In TEAM, success doesn’t stem from individual performance; it emerges from system-wide coordination. Hospitals need to establish solid partnerships and shared accountability throughout the continuum of care. Consider the following steps:

Build networks with high-performing post-acute providers: Strong alliances enhance care quality.
Develop standardized care pathways and communication protocols: Consistency improves outcomes.
Create financial alignment models that distribute both risk and reward: Equitable sharing fosters collaboration.

Organizations that collaborate strategically will see better performance metrics. Conversely, those that do not may find it challenging to meet CMS standards.

4. Overcoming Challenges on the Path to TEAM Success

Transitioning to the TEAM model will present challenges. Hospitals must be ready to adapt and evolve. Here’s how:

Embrace Flexibility

Adaptability is crucial. The fast-paced nature of healthcare demands a willingness to rethink processes. Invest in training for staff to ensure they can respond quickly to changes.

Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Encourage a mindset focused on improvement. Gather feedback from all levels of staff and implement changes based on this insight. Regularly reviewing processes will help maintain high standards.

Engage Patients in Their Care

Patients play a pivotal role in their health outcomes. Empower them by providing clear information and encouraging active participation in their care journeys. This engagement aligns with the goals of TEAM and can lead to better results.

Final Thought: TEAM is a Test—and a Turning Point

The TEAM model represents CMS’s next step in the shift toward value-based care. However, it's not just a set of policies; it’s a performance mandate that will reward those who are prepared while exposing those who aren’t aligned.

If you haven’t started planning yet—now is the time.

Let’s navigate this transition together.

💬 *Drop a comment or question. What steps do you need to get ready for TEAM?