Preparing for TEAM Participation? AAHKS Has Guidance

Beginning January 1, 2026 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will transition how many hospitals perform total joint arthroplasty in the United States. Depending on the core based statistical area you reside in, your hospital may transition from a fee for service model into an episodic bundled care or alternative payment model (APM). The Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) program for total joint arthroplasty or lower extremity joint replacement (LEJR) will establish regionally based target prices for 30-day episodes of care for LEJR performed electively. In preparation for the program, AAHKS has developed resources for TEAM, including Leadership Guidance that provides tips on participating and succeeding in the APM, and a Guide to Gainsharing with your institution, as hospitals are the only direct recipients of reconciliation payments from CMS. You can find more TEAM resources here.