On June 10, 2024, the Academy submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Fiscal Year 2025 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule. The Academy’s comments focused on the proposal to build a new Transforming Episode Accountability Model scheduled to take effect January 1, 2026, which would be required for certain surgical procedures. AAPM&R is proposing many changes to the proposed model to ensure patients have equitable access to appropriate care that maximizes their ability to regain and maintain full functional independence over the long term. While TEAM has the potential to play a role in high-quality, cost-effective care, it could also discourage appropriate post-acute care if relevant outcome measures aren’t tracked. Read more about the Academy’s position on TEAM here. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the AAPM&R Health Policy team at healthpolicy@aapmr.org.