United Arab Emirates
Welcome to the International Center
Traveling from outside the United States for musculoskeletal or rheumatologic care? At Hospital for Special Surgery – a global leader ranked #1 in orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report for 16 consecutive years – the International Center is your dedicated partner every step of the way.
Our globally diverse team ensures your experience is seamless, from your initial search for a doctor throughout your entire care journey. Whether you’re visiting from a neighboring country or the other side of the world, the International Center is committed to supporting you and your loved ones with personalized care and warm hospitality.
HSS is top ranked for orthopedics and rheumatology, as well as a best children's hospital for orthopedics.
Services We Provide
People from more than 120 countries have trusted HSS with their care. Our dedicated team guides you before, during, and after your visit:
- Looking for a doctor? Our International Coordinators will match you with the right specialist and schedule your initial appointment. Email INTLReferrals@hss.edu or call +1-212-606-1186 Monday–Friday 9am–4:30pm ET.
- Live in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, or Turkey? Our International Market Ambassadors live locally in these countries and can help connect you with HSS. (See below for country-specific resources.)
- Already scheduled? Inform your doctor that you’re traveling from outside the U.S. and ask them to notify us. An International Associate will then contact you directly to assist with next steps and help you navigate your care.
- Need a place to stay? The Guest Suites at HSS is conveniently located in the Belaire building connected to the main hospital. Book online here or explore additional hotels in the neighborhood. All our partner hotels are carefully selected and near HSS locations.
- Need interpretation?
Our International Center staff speak several languages including Spanish, Arabic, and French. HSS also offers free medical interpretation, communication assistance, and supportive devices. Please let us know in advance if you would like an interpreter. - Have financial questions? The International Billing Team will assist you with all financial aspects of your care whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket. See our FAQs below for more information.
International Market Ambassadors
Our in-country representatives help patients access the world-class musculoskeletal care offered at HSS. Working closely with the International Center team, they support patients and families on their journey through scheduling, treatment, and when appropriate, trauma transfers. While doing this, they provide personalized, culturally-sensitive guidance for those traveling to and from the U.S.
The Market Ambassadors also play a key role in expanding brand awareness in their respective regions by collaborating with insurance companies, brokers and other strategic partners. Helping you understand where to go, how to access care, and HSS is the right choice is the first step in getting back in the game.
Meet our global team of Ambassadors:
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Panama
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Guatemala
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Turkey
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Mexico
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Ecuador
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Peru
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Dominican Republic
For more information about our International Market Ambassadors:
Laura Porcella
Head of North & Latin America Relations, Commercial Growth & Partnerships
PorcellaL@hss.edu
Cell +1-809-889-5666
Mina Mikhail
Head of Middle East & Asia Relations and Market Development
MikhailM@hss.edu
Office +1-212-774-7104
FAQs
What is required to schedule an appointment?
After you email INTLReferrals@hss.edu, an International Coordinator will request your passport, valid U.S. visa, insurance card (if applicable), and relevant medical notes and images in English. You will also be asked to complete a Patient Demographic Information form. Once all documents are received, we will match you with the right provider and facilitate scheduling an appointment date for you.
Do I need a visa to schedule an appointment?
Yes. We are unable to schedule appointments without a valid visa. HSS is not able to issue letters of invitation at this time.
I do not speak English – can I communicate in my native language?
Our International Center team speaks Spanish, Arabic, and French. HSS provides free medical interpretation services in any language through our Language Services team.
If I need surgery, how soon can it happen after my first appointment?
Every surgeon has a unique schedule. Many international patients choose to return home after their initial consultation and come back 3-6 weeks later for pre-surgical testing and surgery.
How long should I stay in New York after surgery?
Your surgeon will advise you based on your specific treatment plan, but most patients choose to stay for at least 2 weeks before traveling home. All patients must receive clearance from their surgeon before flying.
What’s the price range for receiving treatment at HSS if I do not have insurance?
Costs vary depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan. Because care can range from non-surgical treatment to surgery, we cannot provide full estimates in advance. However, once you’ve been matched with a provider, we will share the estimated fee for your initial appointment (excluding imaging or additional testing). If surgery is recommended and scheduled, our Billing team will prepare a comprehensive cost estimate based on your specific case.
If you have insurance, our Billing team will verify your benefits and obtain any required authorizations. If you do not have insurance, they will provide a detailed estimate of surgical and treatment costs, guide you through financial requirements, and help coordinate payments to the parties involved in your care – including instructions for wiring funds from your home country.
For any billing questions, please contact InternationalCenterBilling@hss.edu.
What are the nearest airports to fly into?
The nearest international airports are John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR).
Global Partnerships
Interested in an international partnership with HSS?
Hospital for Special Surgery welcomes opportunities to collaborate with hospitals, medical offices, government entities, and organizations around the world. If you're interested in exploring a partnership to expand access to world-class musculoskeletal and rheumatologic care, please contact our team.
Email: INTLrelations@hss.edu
Office: +1-212-606-1186
Fax: +1-212-772-6897
Mailing Address
International Center
Hospital for Special Surgery
535 E 70th Street
New York, NY 10021