The new CMS initiative, the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), aims to improve care for Medicare beneficiaries by holding hospitals accountable for the cost and quality of care during specific medical episodes.  Starting January 1, 2026, this mandatory model will be implemented in 17 selected hospitals in the Commonwealth.  Are you familiar with it? Are you one of the affected hospitals?  Are you curious about the one-time opt-in option offered by CMS?  Join the KHA Quality Team as we give a high-level summary of the measure and discuss who are the mandatory participants, how the model works, the covered episodes, the associated quality measures, and more.

Presenter
Billie Delauder, DNP, MSN/RN, CPHQ, HACP-CMS, CFPS, has been a Registered Nurse (RN) since 1987. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chamberlain College of Nursing in 2019.  In 2024, She received two certifications as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and in the Healthcare Accreditation Certification Program for CMS (HACP-CMS). She recently received another certification by becoming a Certified Fall Prevention Specialist (CFPS).  With over 37 years of nursing experience, including 17 years in Quality.  Her background spans emergency care, medical-surgical care, education, performance improvement, and safety services.

Objectives

1. Participants will explain the purpose and goals of the TEAM Model
2. Participants will understand the specific surgical procedures covered under the model and describe the roles and responsibilities of the acute care hospitals within the model.
3. Detail the timeline for the model’s implementation, including key dates and milestones.
4. Highlight the mandatory participation requirements for the selected hospitals

Target Audience
The selected Kentucky geographical regions (Core-Based Statistical Area or CBSAs including Quality, Quality Leaders, Risk Managers, Case Management, Billing Department Directors/Manager, Coders, Nursing Leaders who Report Quality Metrics, Doctors, Nurses, and other healthcare professionals who will be directly involved in the patient care under the model.  Any other hospital personnel who wish to know more about the CMS Opt-In Option.