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HSS Surgical Patient Experience

1

Welcome to Hospital for Special Surgery

The main campus for HSS is located off the FDR Drive at the 71st Street exit.

  • Hospital Address
    535 East 70th Street
    New York, NY 10021
  • Driving Directions
  • Information Desk Contact
    212.606.1000

Exterior Image of the Hospital for Special Surgery from the walking bridge

2

Main Lobby


 

Our Patient Liaisons at the Main Lobby Front Desk are here to assist you with any needs you may have.

3

Presurgical Screening

Two to three weeks prior to your surgical procedure, you may be directed to make an appointment with our Presurgical Department. Presurgical Screening (PSS) is located in the main hospital on 3 West.

  • Bring official proof of identification with you. A driver's license or passport is preferred.

It is very important to eat and drink as usual on the day of your PSS visit. Do not skip breakfast or lunch.

4

Pre-Op Education

The webinars that are offered by the Patient Education Department are for patients undergoing spine surgery, total hip replacement, total shoulder replacement, and total knee replacement.

Webinar Schedule

  • Total Hip and Total Knee webinars: Monday through Friday
  • Spine webinars: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
  • Total Shoulder Replacement webinars: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays

The Patient Education Department has developed many educational materials and what to expect guides for other types of surgeries performed at HSS. These are reference tools designed to help guide the patient and family throughout one's recovery.

5

Prior to Your Surgery

Undergoing a surgical procedure can be a stressful experience for many patients, but HSS is focused on providing you with every tool you'll need to feel at ease with your upcoming procedure. Take a look at our what to expect guide to surgery at HSS.

Visitor Information

We believe that visitors can play a vital role in the healing process and enhance the well-being of our patients. Find out information about visiting your friend or family member at HSS.

seating area and view of Roosevelt Island and East River from the 4th floor atrium.

6

Anesthesia & Pain Management

Specialized anesthesia and pain management techniques help our patients achieve better surgical outcomes after many orthopedic procedures and also may reduce the rate of other postoperative complications.

The anesthesiologist is with the patient for the entire time. Anesthesiologists at HSS have dedicated themselves to perfecting the art and science of regional anesthesia. Regional anesthetics have been associated with a lower incidence of blood clots, reduced blood loss and quicker recovery times.

Together with our nursing specialists, relieving pain is at the core of our practice at each level of care, including our Pain Management Division, Acute Pain Service, and Recuperative Pain Medicine Service.

7

Operating Rooms & Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

operating room with a male physician assistant setting up for the next surgery.

 

Our orthopedic operating rooms are as specialized as our world-class surgeons. Joint replacement surgeons perform surgeries within special enclosures in the operating room to maintain the strictest sterile environment. These important details were specified by the hospital's surgeons to help them provide the best possible results for our patients.

 

After your surgery, you will moved to the PACU for careful monitoring while the effects of anesthesia gradually diminish.

Empty PACU at 7am. Full of beds and monitoring systems.

8

Inpatient Hospital Stay

Private patient room with a single bed and views of the east river.

While many patients choose to stay in semi-private inpatient rooms following surgery, HSS also has private rooms available for an additional charge. There are four different types: Classic, Classic Select, Premier and Premier Select. To learn more about these room types or to request a private room, please call our Coast to Coast Team at 212.606.1610.

Other room amenities

  • Free wireless Internet access (WiFi: HSSGuest)
  • Television and telephone service
 

Rehabilitation
Early rehabilitation is important to regain your normal activities of daily living. If ordered by your physician, your rehabilitation will begin the day of or the day following your surgery by an HSS physical therapist.

9

Discharge & Physical Therapy

Discharge time is 11:00 am. Case managers are available to assist with your discharge from the Hospital.

Postoperative Care Program
The postoperative care program (POCP) is here to help you recover safely following surgery. If you experience an issue following surgery, please contact your physician's office first. If you are unable to reach them and it is between the hours of 9:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday - Friday, please contact the POCP at 212.606.1188 and ask for Beeper #76697.

Physical Therapy 
If you require ongoing physical therapy following your discharge, the range of options will be discussed with you while you are in the Hospital. See a complete listing of HSS rehabilitation centers.

Reporting Your Progress

Before your surgery and during your recovery period, you will receive periodic questionnaires by email so that your healthcare team can understand and track your progress. Called Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), these standardized surveys usually take less than one minute to complete. PROMs are used to study how you feel about your health status in areas such as:

  • pain
  • mobility
  • ability to perform daily tasks or specific activities

Learn more about PROMs