Patients & Visitors

Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM)

NewYork-Presbyterian has been selected to participate in a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) model called the "Transforming Episode Accountability Model" (TEAM). A CMS model is a trial program, and a way of testing how health care can be improved for people with Medicare and Medicaid.

In this model, selected hospitals will coordinate care for beneficiaries with original Medicare, who are undergoing one of five surgical procedures:

  • lower extremity joint replacement
  • surgical hip femur fracture treatment
  • spinal fusion
  • coronary artery bypass graft
  • major bowel procedures

TEAM participants are accountable for the cost and quality of care from surgery through the first 30 days after a patient leaves the hospital.

TEAM aims to improve the patient experience from surgery through recovery by supporting the coordination and transition of care between providers to improve outcomes and reduce avoidable hospital readmissions.

NewYork-Presbyterian is partnering with Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons as well as NewYork Quality Care, in the delivery of TEAM services. NewYork-Presbyterian is also working with health care entities, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and other healthcare workers or organizations who are also helping Medicare patients.

When hospitals and other healthcare entities work together, patients get better care. This teamwork can also help save money, for example, by helping patients avoid going back to the hospital when it’s not needed.

What does this mean for Medicare patients?

Medicare patients will have all the same Medicare benefits, rights, and protections.

Medicare will continue to cover all medically necessary services and Medicare beneficiaries maintain freedom of choice in choosing where they receive care.

Health care providers and suppliers who are enrolled in Medicare and are TEAM participants will submit their Medicare claims as they always have. Even though Medicare may provide additional payments to a hospital that is a TEAM participant, the amount Medicare patients pay will not change.

Where can I learn more about TEAM?

Visit the TEAM web page to view the list of hospitals participating in the model (the TEAM participants), details about the model design, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/team-model