Ratings, Rankings & Recognition
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is globally recognized for excellence in musculoskeletal health. Our rankings are a reflection of our mission: to provide the highest quality care and advance the science of orthopedic surgery and rheumatology. Explore our record-breaking rankings, prestigious medical honors, and patient satisfaction awards that reflect our dedication to helping you get back to what you love.
HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for 16 years in a row) and No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2025-2026). HSS has been ranked in the top 5 for orthopedics and rheumatology for 34 consecutive years.
The HSS Lerner Children's Pavilion is nationally ranked as a best children's hospital for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report (2017-2026).
Newsweek and Statista ranked HSS World's most awarded in orthopedics (2021-2026).
HSS is nationally ranked #1 Top Hospital for the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in orthopedic care (2025).
HSS received the Top Hospital - Gold Standard designation for spine surgery and hip replacement surgery at both the state and national level (2025).
HSS physicians have been recognized by Castle Connolly as Top Doctors nationally and regionally (2002-2025).
HSS has been recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as having the lowest readmission rate of all hospitals (2025).
Additionally, HSS has been recognized for the following:
100 great hospitals in America (2015-2020, 2023, 2024)
100 hospitals and health systems with great orthopedic programs (2016, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024)
100 great neuro and spine programs (2024)
150 top places to work in healthcare (2018, 2019, 2022, 2024)
HSS received nursing excellence recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (2002, 2007, 2011, 2016, 2021, 2025).
ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program® is the highest national honor for nursing excellence and interprofessional collaboration in patient care. Fewer than 10% of U.S. hospitals achieve Magnet status, and HSS is one of only a select few to earn the honor six times.
HSS is recognized for the following Healthgrades awards:
America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery Award™ (2015, 2021, 2023-2026)
America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement Award™ (2024-2026)
America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery Award™ (2015-2026)
America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Outpatient Joint Replacement Award™ (2023-2026)
America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Award™ (2025-2026)
Outstanding Patient Experience Award (2015-2024)
Patient Safety Excellence Award (2023, 2024)
#1 in NY for Joint Replacement (2026)
#1 in NY for Orthopedic Surgery (2026)
#1 in NY for Spine Surgery (2026)
HSS received the WebMD Elite Award for being preferred by patients and physicians two to one over competitors in our local market (2022-2024).
Hospital for Special Surgery has been designated an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader (2015-2020, 2022, 2024).
HSS has been recognized by Press Ganey for the following Human Experience awards:
Guardian of Excellence Award® for delivering outstanding service for inpatients (2013-2024)
Pinnacle of Excellence Award® for patient experience in ambulatory and inpatient settings (2019-2024)
HSS has been validated for meeting EMRAN Stage 7 standards, most recently in 2024. The designation is given to those organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to patient safety and overall quality of clinical care through the effective use and deployment of electronic medical record technology.
HSS Orthopedic residency program has been recognized as the #1 training program by board certified orthopedists.
HSS physicians have been recognized as New York Magazine's Best Doctors (2002-2024).