The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) presents healthcare organizations with sophisticated quality measures that require a strategic approach to electronic health record (EHR) utilization. By leveraging the EHR infrastructure effectively, organizations can enhance data integration, streamline workflows, and drive performance improvements.
Essential quality metrics for TEAM success
To succeed under TEAM, organizations must address key quality measures, including:
- Hybrid hospital-wide, all-cause readmission
- Patient safety and adverse events composite
- Patient-reported outcomes for lower-extremity joint replacement episodes
- Social determinants of health
- Expanded patient safety measures in performance year two
Overcoming common TEAM implementation challenges
Many organizations encounter roadblocks in optimizing EHR systems for TEAM success. The most common challenges include:
Data integration complexity
Merging clinical and claims data for hybrid measures requires robust technical infrastructure and clear data governance.
Real-time monitoring gaps
While EHRs capture required data, many organizations lack the ability to provide real-time, actionable insights for clinical teams.
Clinical workflow disruption
Inadequate EHR optimization increases documentation burden, causing frustration among clinicians and reducing efficiency.
Data transparency issues
Healthcare teams need enhanced reporting tools to consolidate and visualize data effectively for decision-making.
Alignment across programs
Multiple program requirements must be managed without increasing the workload for clinical and administrative staff.
Three pillars of EHR success for CMS TEAM: Governance, technology, and clinical integration
Implementing a robust EHR strategy requires focus on three critical areas:
Governance structure
- Establish a cross-functional steering committee
- Implement data validation protocols
- Conduct performance review cycles
- Adopt rapid-cycle improvement processes
Technical infrastructure
- Develop advanced analytics for real-time quality metrics
- Automate validation and reporting processes
- Optimize EHR systems to support clinical workflows and transitions of care
- Ensure seamless integration of claims and clinical data
Clinical integration
- Optimize workflows to minimize clinician burden
- Standardize documentation templates
- Implement effective clinical decision support tools
- Foster clinical team engagement through structured strategies
CMS TEAM implementation roadmap: A four-phase strategy for hospitals
Based on successful client implementations, we recommend a four-phased approach:
Plan |
Design |
Monitor |
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High-level planning |
Data-infused roadmap and plan |
Design, build,
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Program performance monitoring |
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Complimentary workshop deliverables:
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Customized playbook deliverables based on IAC and customer data (Clinical, RC, Quality):
Deliverable:
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Nordic support options:
Advisory Program Management:
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Custom dashboards and performance management analytics and optimization:
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Jan 1, 2026 CMS TEAM Program Compliance Required |
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Leadership, technology, and clinical partnerships: A holistic approach to TEAM implementation
Organizations that excel in TEAM implementation prioritize these key principles:
Leadership engagement
- Active executive sponsorship
- Well-defined governance structures
- Regular performance evaluations
Technical excellence
- Dedicated EHR optimization teams
- Rigorous data validation processes
- Automated reporting capabilities
Clinical partnership
- Engaged clinical champions
- Workflow-driven EHR design
- Continuous feedback loops for improvement
End-to end support for seamless TEAM implementation
Strategic partnership can be a game-changer for helping organizations navigate the complexities of TEAM implementation. Consider the value of collaborating with talented consultants, like our team at Nordic, who have deep technical expertise, extensive healthcare experience, and can deliver end-to-end solutions and services, including: Readiness assessments
- Program strategy and guidance
- Technical optimization planning
- Clinical workflow design
- Data insights and hosting solutions
- Comprehensive training and support programs
Ensuring long-term TEAM excellence with a sustainable EHR foundation
As TEAM evolves into performance year two, a scalable and adaptable EHR infrastructure is essential for continued success. A comprehensive, phased approach aided by expert guidance can ensure your organization meets current program requirements and builds a sustainable foundation for future growth.
Would you like to maximize your organization’s CMS TEAM performance with winning strategies tailored to meet your needs? Contact us to schedule a complimentary readiness assessment.