April 18, 2024- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule updating Medicare payments and policies for inpatient hospitals and long-term care hospitals. The proposed rule takes a variety of approaches to improving the health of people with Medicare by addressing social determinants of health, strengthening emergency preparedness, and improving maternal health.
As part of this proposed rule, CMS builds on lessons learned from previous models, the mandatory Transforming Episode Accountability (TEAM) Model would incentivize coordination between care providers during a surgery, as well as the services provided during the 30 days that follow.
It would also require patient referral to primary care services to support continuity of care and drive positive long-term health outcomes. This model would complement other CMS value-based care initiatives by promoting collaboration with accountable care organizations.