As the world’s largest academic medical center specialized in musculoskeletal health, HSS does not treat the COVID-19 virus. Patients who receive emergency orthopedic care at HSS and have the virus are treated in isolation, following a conservative approach to safety. All HSS staff members, including doctors and nurses, are required to wear masks and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and complete a COVID screening survey before they arrive for work. They are also required to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Those who show any signs of illness are advised to not come into work.
The safety of everyone who comes to HSS is our first priority. Our rigorous infection control protocols have been proactively expanded to minimize risk of exposure to the coronavirus, including:
Please see below for videos that explain our new protocols, as well as answers to common questions on how we are keeping you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preparing for Your Visit to HSS
What to Expect at Your Appointment at HSS
What to Expect Before Your Surgery at HSS
If you have nonmedical questions related to visiting HSS, communication with family and friends on the day of surgery or after, or anything else not addressed below, please call our patient and family resource line at 212.774.7547.
At this time, visitors are not permitted to accompany adult patients to any outpatient appointment unless special assistance is required. This policy is in place to help proactively social distance and for the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff
Pediatric patients 21 years of age or younger may have one designated visitor.
We encourage patients to keep in contact with their loved ones during their appointments through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime and/or phone. Staff will assist patients if needed.
HSS is in constant communication with local and federal agencies to ensure our screening process includes the latest travel advisories. In accordance with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), individuals who travel domestically from outside of New York or the states that border New York (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont) are not required to quarantine, but are encouraged to do so (for 10 days) and must complete this form.
If you have traveled internationally, HSS requires a negative COVID-19 PCR test up to 3 days before traveling to the US and then either a 10-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine with a negative COVD-19 PCR test result from the first 3-5 days. You must also complete this form. If you cannot come in person, please schedule a virtual visit.
Please review HSS travel guidance for patients for complete details.
As part of the screening process to ensure everyone’s safety, we will be asking all patients and visitors in all HSS locations (NY, NJ, CT and FL) about their travel history.
We have multiple safety protocols in place and are doing several rounds of screening before patient appointments.
Please note that HSS uses two types of temperature monitors. Some HSS locations use a thermometer that briefly touches your forehead. All thermometers are cleaned with alcohol between patients. Other locations have contactless temperature screening.
We have taken several steps to limit the time patients spend in waiting rooms. We have also made changes to limit the number of people you will need to interact with as well as the objects you will need to touch.
All staff members, including doctors and nurses, are required to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Those who show any signs of illness are advised to not come into work.
HSS also offers COVID testing to staff if they have any signs or symptoms of cold or flu-like illness, following possible exposure to COVID, and as possible when requested.
All clinical staff will be wearing masks and eye protection. Other staff, such as registrars, will be wearing masks. This is in alignment with all current guidelines from New York State, New York City and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We will provide you with a surgical mask when you arrive at HSS if you don’t already have one. We also ask that you use our hand hygiene stations when you arrive and whenever asked to do so by a staff member.
All clinical areas are continually cleaned to the highest standards. Indeed, our infection control policies set the standard for others to follow. Here is how we are cleaning individual spaces:
Yes, all patients will be tested for COVID-19 ahead of surgery and other key procedures (such as pulmonary function testing). This ensures your safety and the safety of our staff.
Presurgical screening may include a blood test to look for COVID-19 antibodies and possibly a chest X-ray. On the day of surgery (or the day before), you will receive a nasopharyngeal swab test (done with a swab in the nose) to test for COVID-19 virus. We will help you arrange this testing.
If we determine you are COVID-positive, elective procedures and related presurgical visits will be rescheduled at least four weeks. You will be re-tested for COVID prior to your rescheduled surgery. In alignment with New York State guidelines, elective surgery patients must have a COVID-negative molecular test prior to surgery. Please note that pursuing testing in the community within those four weeks and having a negative result does not mean your surgery will be performed sooner.
Adult patients having inpatient surgery at the Main Hospital will be allowed two (2) designated visitors over 18 years of age during specified visitation hours of 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Only one (1) visitor is permitted at a time and they must remain in your room at your side during these visitation hours. Visitors are not permitted in any other areas, including preoperative and postoperative units (PACU), family atriums and waiting rooms.
Visitors are not permitted to accompany adult patients having same day (ambulatory) surgery at the Main Hospital. Visitors are also not permitted to accompany adult surgical patients at the ASC of Manhattan and West Side ASC. Visitors are permitted at drop-off and pick-up only.
Pediatric surgical patients at the Main Hospital, ASC of Manhattan or West Side ASC are allowed one designated visitor over 18 years of age.
Without exception, visitors who do not pass the screening process, including a temperature check, will not be permitted to enter the hospital. Visitors will be provided a mask to be worn at all times and be asked to perform hand hygiene.
Visitors are not permitted for patients receiving aerosolized procedures including nebulizer treatments, high flow oxygen and Bipap, or for patients who have tested positive for COVID.
Accommodations will be made for palliative care, end of life and patients with medical conditions requiring physical, emotional or guardianship support. Need will be determined on an individual basis by Service Excellence, Security, Pediatric and/or Nursing Leadership. Visiting hours for those who meet the exceptions above are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
HSS may suspend visitation at any time.
“Social distancing” means keeping at least six feet of space between yourself and others.
At HSS. we have taken the following steps:
Inpatient rooms have also been set up to allow social distancing between patients, and between visitors and patients.
We ask that you please follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe.
Yes, your loved ones can pick you up from the front entrance of the hospital when it is time for you to return home.
Postoperative care, such as X-rays and other imaging tests and physical therapy, is critical to your recovery. You will be able to come to HSS in person for these appointments.
Also, you can work with your doctor to create a plan that allows you to receive as much care as you want and are able to have virtually. Together, you can determine if your postoperative imaging is essential and, if so, the best location and timing for this to be done.
Please call your HSS provider or the department with whom you have an appointment to notify them of your exposure and/or COVID-positive test.
If you are COVID-positive, elective procedures, outpatient appointments and other elective services will be rescheduled at least four weeks. See "Will you test me for COVID-19 before my surgery?" above for more.
If you were possibly exposed to COVID-19, HSS will gather more information from you about the exposure. We will provide guidance on when your elective surgery and/or visit can be rescheduled after a post-exposure quarantine.
At this time, all of the HSS policies and procedures described above remain in effect regardless of patient vaccination status.