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CMS Introduces TEAM Staff Nurse Payment Model for Nursing Home

Md. Parvez
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In the ever-changing world of healthcare, new ideas are constantly emerging to improve things. One such idea is the Transforming Episode Accountability Model, or TEAM. This model is about changing how healthcare providers get paid, especially for significant events like surgeries and stays in skilled nursing facilities. Let's dive deep into TEAM staff nurse payment, what it means for hospitals and nursing homes, and how it could improve healthcare.


Understanding the TEAM Staff Nurse Payment Model


TEAM is a new way of paying for healthcare. It will start on January 1, 2026, and last for five years. It builds on other staff nurse payment models that already exist, but it focuses on specific events, or "episodes," in healthcare. These episodes might include things like surgeries and all the care that comes before and after them.


Evaluation and Quality Measures


With TEAM, hospitals will be judged on how well they do and how much they spend compared to what they were supposed to pay. They'll also be graded on things like how many patients have to return to the hospital after being discharged and how safe patients feel. Hospitals that do well might get extra money, while those that don't have to pay back some money.


Implications for Hospitals and SNFs


This new way of paying for healthcare will change how hospitals and nursing homes work together. Hospitals will have to work closely with nursing homes, doctors, and others to ensure patients get the best nursing home care they need, and nursing homes will also have to change their practices to meet the new standards.


Addressing Healthcare Disparities and Climate Change


TEAM isn't just about money. It's also about ensuring everyone gets the care they need, no matter who they are or where they live. It includes special rules to help hospitals in areas with few resources. Plus, it even has ideas for dealing with climate change and keeping hospitals safe during emergencies.


Challenges and Opportunities


Making significant changes in healthcare can be challenging. There will be many challenges, like figuring out how to share information between different places and getting everyone to work together. But there are also lots of chances to make things better. With TEAM, hospitals and nursing homes can focus more on helping patients and less on paperwork. They can find ways to work together and develop new ideas to improve care.


Ultimately, the Transforming Episode Accountability Model could be a game-changer for healthcare. Focusing on quality, teamwork, and fairness has the potential to make healthcare better for everyone. Hospitals and nursing homes will need to work together and get creative, but with teamwork and determination, they can improve how healthcare is delivered and paid for.


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