HSS is a specialty hospital in New York focused on orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, and related conditions

HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) is a private hospital in New York City that specializes in bone, joint, and muscle care. It is not a general hospital — it does orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. If you need surgery on your knee, hip, shoulder, or spine, or treatment for arthritis or other joint diseases, HSS is one place where you can receive that care.

HSS operates as both an inpatient hospital (where you stay overnight) and an outpatient center (where you come for appointments and procedures and go home the same day). Most orthopedic surgeries at HSS are outpatient procedures now, meaning you arrive in the morning and leave in the afternoon. The hospital has multiple locations in New York City and also operates urgent care clinics.

Because HSS is a specialty hospital, it does not have an emergency department for general medical emergencies. If you have chest pain, a stroke, or a serious injury unrelated to bones and joints, you would go to a different hospital's emergency room.

Key Takeaways

  • HSS is a specialty hospital in New York City that focuses on orthopedic surgery, joint care, and rheumatology — not general medical care.
  • You need a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician to schedule an appointment at HSS; you cannot call and book directly as a new patient.
  • HSS accepts most major insurance plans, but you should verify your coverage before your first visit because out-of-network costs can be high.
  • Most orthopedic surgeries at HSS are same-day procedures, so you go home the same afternoon rather than staying overnight.
  • If you have a medical emergency unrelated to orthopedics, HSS does not have an emergency department — you would need to go to a general hospital.

How to get an appointment at HSS

You cannot walk in or call HSS directly to schedule your first appointment. You need a referral from your primary care doctor, another physician, or a healthcare provider who has already examined you. Your doctor sends the referral to HSS, and then HSS's scheduling team contacts you to book a time.

If you do not have a primary care doctor, you can ask your insurance company which doctors in your area are in-network and can refer you. Once you have a referral, HSS typically schedules new patient appointments within two to four weeks, though this varies by specialty and how busy the department is.

You can also call HSS's main scheduling line to check on the status of a referral you know has been sent, or to ask which doctors in your specialty are accepting new patients. Having your insurance information and a list of your current medications ready when you call makes the process faster.

Insurance and costs at HSS

HSS is an in-network provider for most major insurance plans in New York, including Empire Blue Cross, Aetna, United, and others. However, coverage varies by plan and by which specific HSS location or doctor you see. Before your first appointment, call your insurance company and confirm that the HSS location and the specific surgeon or doctor you are seeing are covered under your plan.

If you are out-of-network or uninsured, HSS does offer self-pay options and payment plans. The cost of an orthopedic surgery consultation typically ranges widely depending on the complexity of your case, but you can ask HSS's billing department for an estimate before your visit. HSS also has a financial counselor who can discuss payment options if cost is a concern.

Your insurance may require prior authorization before certain procedures or surgeries. This means HSS's office submits paperwork to your insurance company asking for approval before the procedure happens. HSS handles this paperwork, but it can take one to two weeks, so it is important to schedule surgery with enough time for this step.

What to bring to your first appointment

Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and any medical records related to your condition — X-rays, MRI results, previous surgery reports, or notes from other doctors. If you have had imaging done elsewhere, ask that facility to send the images to HSS before your appointment, or bring them on a CD.

Bring a list of all medications and supplements you are taking, including the dose and how often you take them. If you have had previous surgeries or have allergies, write those down too. The intake form at HSS will ask for all of this information, but having it written down saves time and ensures nothing is missed.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to your appointment, especially if you are having a physical exam of a joint. If you are having imaging like an X-ray or MRI on the same day, wear clothes without metal snaps or zippers if possible.

Outpatient surgery and same-day procedures at HSS

Most orthopedic surgeries at HSS are outpatient procedures, meaning you arrive in the morning, have surgery under anesthesia, recover for a few hours, and go home the same day. You cannot drive yourself home after anesthesia, so you must arrange for someone to pick you up. Public transportation is not safe after surgery, and HSS will not discharge you without a responsible adult present.

Before your surgery, HSS will schedule a pre-operative visit where a nurse and anesthesiologist review your medical history, do blood work if needed, and explain what to expect. You will receive written instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before surgery (usually the night before), which medications to take or skip, and what to wear.

After surgery, you will spend one to three hours in the recovery room while the anesthesia wears off. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and pain level. Before you leave, you will receive written discharge instructions, pain medication if needed, and a follow-up appointment time for your first post-surgery check-up, usually one to two weeks later.

HSS locations and urgent care clinics

HSS's main hospital and surgical center is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. HSS also operates satellite locations and urgent care clinics in other parts of New York City, including in Brooklyn and Queens. Not all locations offer surgery; some are for consultations, imaging, and physical therapy only. When you schedule your appointment, ask which location your doctor works at and whether that location offers the service you need.

HSS urgent care clinics handle acute orthopedic injuries like sprains, fractures, and acute joint pain. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary. Urgent care is not the same as emergency care — if you have a life-threatening injury or medical emergency, go to a hospital emergency room instead.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation at HSS

HSS has physical therapy departments at most of its locations. If you have surgery at HSS, your surgeon will typically refer you to HSS physical therapy for post-operative rehabilitation. Physical therapy usually starts one to two weeks after surgery and continues for four to twelve weeks, depending on the procedure and your recovery.

You can also go to HSS physical therapy without having had surgery there — for example, if you have a sports injury or chronic joint pain. You still need a referral from a doctor, and your insurance must cover physical therapy. HSS physical therapists work with your surgeon's post-operative plan and track your progress with regular measurements and strength tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a doctor at HSS?

Yes. As a specialty hospital, HSS requires a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician before you can schedule your first appointment. Once you have a referral, HSS's scheduling team will contact you to book your visit.

Can I go to HSS urgent care without a referral?

Yes. HSS urgent care clinics accept walk-ins for acute orthopedic injuries and do not require a referral. However, if you need ongoing care or surgery, you will need a referral from a doctor for follow-up appointments.

What if I need surgery but cannot take time off work?

Most HSS surgeries are same-day outpatient procedures, so you go home the same afternoon. However, you will need time off for recovery — typically one to two weeks for minor procedures and four to eight weeks for major surgery like knee or hip replacement. Your surgeon can give you a specific timeline based on your procedure.

Does HSS accept my insurance?

HSS is in-network for most major New York insurance plans, but coverage varies by plan and location. Call your insurance company before your appointment and confirm that the specific HSS location and doctor you are seeing are covered. If you are out-of-network, HSS offers payment plans.

What should I do if I have a medical emergency at HSS?

HSS does not have an emergency department. If you have a life-threatening emergency like chest pain or difficulty breathing, call 911. If you have an orthopedic emergency like a severe fracture or dislocation, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.