Navigating the CMS TEAM Model: What Orthopedic Leaders Need to Know Now-AAOE TEAMS Webinar Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The panel discussion "Navigating the CMS Team Model: What Orthopedic Leaders Need to Know Now" focused on the upcoming Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), launching January 2026. Moderated by Breanna Cunningham, with experts Ed Lee, Matt Civelli, and Dr. Paul Bruning, the session explained the new CMS bundled payment program, specifically its impact on orthopedic care.<br /><br />TEAM combines features from prior models like BPCI and CJR, focusing on five surgical service lines, three of which are orthopedic (major joint replacement, hip/femur fractures, and spinal fusion). Unlike prior 90-day bundles, TEAM is a 30-day post-discharge bundle, emphasizing a condensed period for cost and quality management. It is mandated in certain regions, incorporates regional target prices, and uses a hospital risk-based structure with three risk tracks offering varying upside/downside exposure.<br /><br />The panel emphasized the importance of understanding utilization patterns and Medicare episode spend, noting that post-acute care costs (e.g., inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, home health) are primary drivers for potential savings. They highlighted the complexity of quality scoring, which affects reconciliation payments, and the significance of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). Orthopedics, with experience in bundled care and data-driven strategies, is well-positioned to lead value-based care efforts, especially by collaborating with hospitals to manage care pathways and by utilizing data to negotiate gain-sharing arrangements.<br /><br />Challenges include the hospital-centric ownership of the model, mandatory participation, and exclusion of ASCs. Experts stressed the need for orthopedic groups to actively engage with hospitals, obtain data transparency, and strategically focus on modifiable utilization areas to succeed financially and improve patient outcomes under TEAM.

Keywords

CMS Team Model

Transforming Episode Accountability Model

TEAM 2026

orthopedic bundled payment

major joint replacement

hip/femur fractures

spinal fusion

post-acute care costs

patient-reported outcomes

value-based care in orthopedics