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Partnership for Progress in Healthcare Payment Models

In a significant move to improve healthcare delivery, Nordic®, a renowned global health and technology consulting company, has announced a new partnership with Benevolence Health, a leader in value-based care solutions. This collaboration aims to assist hospitals as they prepare for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) new Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), set to launch in January 2026.

TEAM is a transformative program that mandates select acute care hospitals to participate in an episode-based, alternative payment model. Under this framework, hospitals will be responsible for the cost and quality of care provided to Medicare patients undergoing certain surgical procedures for a 30-day period following discharge. The primary objective of TEAM is to reduce fragmented care, thus providing a more cohesive and improved patient experience.

To facilitate this transition, Nordic has committed to delivering a comprehensive suite of services that align with the CMS bundled payment program. Notably, their partnership with Benevolence Health will include a free assessment designed to help healthcare organizations identify potential challenges and improvement areas as they navigate these changes. This assessment will cover impact analyses to determine how the new model might affect their operations, identify gaps in current practices that need addressing, and offer a readiness checklist to ensure hospitals are fully prepared.

Katherine Sager, Chief Consulting Officer at Nordic, emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in value-based care, stating, "Hospitals are eager to sustain their progress, and we are prepared to support them in adapting to TEAM through our extensive experience along the entire healthcare journey. This encompasses everything from access enhancements and digital front door initiatives to optimization of workflow systems and revenue cycle improvements."

Through this partnership, hospitals stand to gain significantly, as they can adopt a strategic, clinically driven approach to comply with the TEAM program while also maximizing their investments in digital tools. By optimizing the journeys of clinicians, physicians, and patients, Nordic and Benevolence Health strive to create a model that not only meets compliance but also elevates the quality of care.

Karen Joswick, CEO of Benevolence Health, noted the pivotal nature of the TEAM model in transforming healthcare delivery, asserting that true transformation extends beyond mere program compliance. "Our expertise in managing care episodes provides us with unique insights to facilitate successful implementation. Together with Nordic, we are reshaping patient journeys to align with TEAM standards and are establishing new benchmarks for quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in healthcare delivery."

Healthcare organizations can anticipate changes across their entire care models as part of this initiative. This includes evolving strategies for patient engagement that prioritize comfort and recovery, revenue cycle considerations, and the need for performance measurements to ensure adherence to the mandatory program.

Nordic's offering aims to ensure healthcare organizations are well-prepared for these impending changes. They invite TEAM participants to reach out to receive a gap assessment and tailored recommendations for their operational roadmap.

About Nordic

Nordic is a global health and technology consulting firm that collaborates with healthcare leaders worldwide to create healthier systems and organizations. With over 3,300 professionals, Nordic provides valuable insights on strategic advisory, digital initiatives, implementation support, and managed services, successfully assisting more than 700 clients.

About Benevolence Health

Benevolence Health specializes in CMS innovation programs, bundled payment frameworks, and initiatives for clinical transformation. Their mission is to enhance care delivery and optimize operations, helping clients implement effective, value-based solutions.

In conclusion, the partnership between Nordic and Benevolence Health is set to pave the way for significant improvements in healthcare payment structures, ultimately benefiting providers and patients alike.