Traveling to HSS

I have never undergone surgery before. Is there a way that I can learn more about the experience at Hospital for Special Surgery?

HSS can provide you with an Admissions Guide that answers many of the questions you may have about an upcoming surgery.

Where do I go on the day of surgery? How will my family know when to visit, where to go, and who to call?

HSS created the Family Atrium Guide to help make your surgical day as seamless as possible. This guide lists HSS Surgical Center and Atrium locations, phone numbers, maps, and visiting hours. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the C2C team.

What is a pre-admissions testing day?

You will be instructed by the surgeon’s office staff if you require pre-admission testing. The following are some of the pre-admission tests that may or may not be needed:

• Blood samples or specimens
• Medical examination to "clear" you for surgery
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Chest x-ray (CXR)

This pre-surgical screening is determined by your surgeon and may be done at HSS or an outside facility. If you are going to be admitted to the hospital for a few days, you will need the clearance exam to be provided by an HSS medical physician.

What time is my surgery?

You will receive a call from nursing the business day before your surgery with the time of your procedure and any information you will need to know in advance. Please note that the office is closed on weekends, so if your surgery is scheduled on a Monday, nursing will call with your surgical time on Friday.

How early do I need to arrive in New York City prior to surgery?

Your surgeon will be able to advise you most appropriately about the timing of your stay. Typically, depending on your procedure, your pre-operative consultation, medical clearance appointments, and pre-operative education class may be scheduled 1-2 weeks prior to your surgery. This time may be shorter for minor outpatient procedures.

There are various ways to get to and travel around NYC. Here are some of the top resources we have available to you.

• Maps & Directions
• New York City Transit Info - MTA
• CheapFlights.com

Do you have parking validation services?

Unfortunately, we do not validate parking at this time. For a list of parking garages near HSS, view our Parking Guide, visit nyc.bestparking.com or parkopedia.com.

What should I pack? Should I bring pajamas or toiletries?

For a complete checklist, visit What Should I Bring to the Hospital? In general, you may bring pajamas, but please know that with some surgeries, a hospital gown is required because the physician or nurse will have better access to certain areas. The hospital has toiletries available, though you may bring in your own. HSS will provide you with one storage bag to place your belongings during surgery. Due to limited space, HSS cannot store luggage or valuables. Please keep all additional items with families or guests in the Atriums during surgery, and review our luggage policy below:

Luggage policy: HSS is committed to providing a safe and secure environment during your stay. In order to keep your belongings safe, we kindly request that you do not bring any valuables or unnecessary personal belongings (such as suitcases, jewelry, cash, medical equipment, etc.) with you. Please pack lightly as HSS staff cannot store multiple bags. Belongings that fit into a storage bag issued by HSS will be secured and stored for you while you are in the operating room You will be provided with a hospital gown throughout your stay. Any additional personal belongings will be given to your designated visitors or family members for safekeeping. We will not be able to secure any suitcases, luggage or backpacks for you or your visitors. HSS will not be responsible for any lost or misplaced personal belongings that were not secured by staff.

Is there WiFi service in the Hospital?

The Hospital provides free wireless Internet access in all patient rooms and family waiting areas, however, HSS does not take responsibility for personal computers that patients and visitors brought into the Hospital. Patients may want to ask a family member or friend to oversee responsibility for a personal laptop during the stay. There are also computers in the 1st, 4th, and 9th Floor Patient Family Atriums available to patients and visitors on the day of surgery. For the protection of our patients and families, streaming capabilities are not possible on HSS WiFi.

How do I mail packages and letters?

There is a United States Mail Postal Service mail box on the wall near the elevators in the Main Hospital lobby. There are also two U.S. Post Offices in the neighborhood.

What kind of room will I get?

All HSS patients will be assigned a semi-private room after they are clinically cleared from PACU. This means that the space is shared with another patient. If desired, a patient may request a private room for additional cost. Please note, insurance does not cover the cost of private rooms.

Can I reserve a private room in advance?

At HSS, we offer private rooms that feature a larger seating area and an additional set of amenities for your comfort. Although private rooms are limited and based on availability, we will do our best to accommodate your request. Learn more about our various room types and/or request a private room

Can I see a picture of a private room?

Our private rooms vary in sizes, amenities and pricing from floor to floor. Our C2C team can give you more details.

What is private duty nursing?

HSS provides excellent nursing care to its patients. Private duty nursing is an additional professional service of one-on-one care, administered by an identifiable health professional or allied health professional, (i.e., a Registered Nurse or a Nurse Aide). All private duty personnel arranged by HSS are trained in orthopedic care and have been oriented to the policies, procedures and routines unique to HSS. Private nurses/aides are permitted stay with patients in both semi-private and private rooms. To arrange for private duty nursing services, please contact ACCESS Private Duty Nursing Services at 212.774.7187.

Can my private duty nurse stay with me in the Recovery Room (PACU)?

Our recovery nurses are highly trained in critical care. ACCESS Private Duty personnel will not be needed in the Recovery Room with you. Services will begin once you are admitted to your hospital room.

What is your visitation policy?

Please review our information for visitors including our visitation policy and other services.

How can my friends and family members reach me during my inpatient stay at HSS?

Anyone wishing to contact you may call Patient Information at 212.606.1377. And once you are in your room, your TV or nursing staff will provide you with a phone number for your room to provide to your loved ones.

How long do I need to stay in New York after surgery?

The time varies for each patient and procedure. Your physician will be able to advise you about your specific case.

Who do I contact for discharge planning?

Please contact our Case Management Department at 212.606.1271 for questions related to discharge planning. Please be aware that for your safety and in compliance with The Joint Commission’s guidelines, HSS requires that you have an escort with you when being discharged from the hospital after ambulatory and inpatient surgery. This policy is strictly followed.

Will I be able to drive or fly home right after surgery, or do I have to wait several days?

Each case is different, so we recommend that you reach out to your physician’s office.

Will I be able to drive myself home after surgery?

Please be aware that for your safety and in compliance with The Joint Commission’s guidelines, HSS requires that you have an escort with you when being discharged from the hospital after ambulatory surgery. You should not plan on driving yourself home after surgery.

I need to start physical therapy after my surgery. How do I set this up back home and know when to begin sessions?

Prior to discharge, you will be provided with a prescription for physical therapy, and a member of the surgical team will let you know when you should begin sessions. If you are traveling a distance home, one of our therapists can assist you in finding a physical therapist in your area. There are also over 100 HSS-approved centers in our Rehabilitation Network in the tristate area and in Florida.

I am having a procedure at the HSS Special Procedures Unit. Is this near the hospital?

Yes, the Special Procedures Unit (SPU) is located at 429 East 75th Street between York and 1st Avenues. If you must head to the main hospital before or after your visit to SPU, there is shuttle service available from 9:00am – 5:00pm. Ask Security located in the lobby of SPU for details on the shuttle schedule.

How are my post-hospital needs determined?

Your post-hospital needs are determined by the type of surgery you have and your progress in physical therapy after surgery. Your case manager can help arrange transportation or home care services.

Will my insurance company pay for my post-hospital care?

It is recommended that you contact your insurance company to confirm benefits prior to surgery. Having the benefit does not guarantee insurance approval for services. Approval is determined by the medical director of your insurance company after your surgery.

Will I be able to go to inpatient rehab after surgery?

Specific criteria must be met in order for inpatient rehab to be approved by your insurance. Typically, single joint replacements and spinal surgeries are not approved/accepted for Acute Rehab; however, some insurances may approve Subacute Rehab.

What is the difference between Acute Rehab and Subacute Rehab?

Acute Rehab provides 2-3 hours of intensive physical therapy per day and is provided in an acute rehab unit of a general hospital or rehab hospital. Subacute Rehab provides 1-1.5 hours of therapy per day and is generally provided in a rehab unit of a skilled nursing facility.

What kind of services can I receive at home?

Home care services may include physical therapy, RN visits, lab work and/or home health aide, all of which must be approved by your insurance company. Please note that the physical therapist may be your first contact at home.

How many hours of Home Health Aide services can I get per day?

Most insurance companies do not cover home health aide services, and you may have to pay privately for them. Your case manager will assist you with these arrangements.

How will I get the equipment I need when I go home?

Most equipment that you may need upon discharge can be arranged through the hospital. Your case manager will assist you in arranging the safest, most appropriate method of transportation when you leave the hospital. Insurance does not necessarily cover transportation by either ambulance or ambulette. Your case manager will discuss this with you and advise you of any cost to you in advance.

What is the hospital discharge time?

Discharges start at 11:00am, and may take some time to complete the process. Please arrange your transportation needs accordingly. Please contact our Case Management Department at 212.606.1271 for any additional questions related to discharge planning.

How do I receive copies of my medical records?

Please contact our Health Information Management Service between 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday at 212.606.1254. For copying and distribution, there is a reasonable fee to recover the costs for copying, mailing, and supplies used to fulfill your request. You can also request records through the MyHSS patient portal. Learn more about your options for obtaining your medical records.

How do I receive copies of my radiology images taken at HSS?

To request copies of your radiology films or images, you must contact the Radiology Department at 212.606.1134. Please note that there is a charge for this service.

I have questions about the costs of my surgery that are not covered by insurance. Who can I speak with?

Please contact Patient Accounting at 212.606.1772 and ask to speak with an insurance verifier. You may also want to speak with your physician’s office about any surgeon-procedure fees.

What type of therapy will I have after my surgery?

It is critical to initiate mobility within the first 24 hours after surgery. Most patients are seen by a physical therapist following surgery. Based on their evaluation, the physical therapist may instruct you in exercises or certain precautions based on your surgery. Our goal is to make you functional, independent and safe prior to leaving the hospital.

Will I need outpatient physical therapy after surgery?

Outpatient physical therapy is recommended after joint replacement surgery. Your therapist and case manager will help you arrange for homecare or outpatient therapy. For all other surgeries, therapy is surgeon specific and based on your functional ability. Please discuss this with your doctor’s office or physical therapist.

Where can I go to physical therapy after surgery?

If physical therapy is prescribed after surgery, you can have physical therapy at the hospital in one of the outpatient areas. If you are being discharged and traveling a distance home, one of our therapists can assist you in finding a physical therapist in your area. There are also over 100 HSS-approved centers in our Rehabilitation Network in the tristate area. If you require physical therapy services in your home, contact the Case Management Department at 212.606.1271.

Is there parking at the Hospital?

Patients traveling by car can be let off in the Hospital's driveway directly outside of the main lobby. While HSS does not validate parking at this time, we recommend you review the HSS Parking Guide for a list of nearby parking garages that offer discounts at various times of day.

Where can I find a map of the area and driving directions to the Hospital?

View maps, driving directions and public transportation information.

What are the local airports?

While there are no airports located in Manhattan, the local New York Area airports are:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) / Queens, NYC
• LaGuardia Airport / Queens, NYC
• Newark Liberty International Airport / Newark, NJ

Airports accommodating corporate and private charter flights include:

• LaGuardia Airport
• John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Newark Liberty International Airport
• White Plains Airport / White Plains, NY
• Teterboro Airport / Teterboro, NJ
• Stewart Airport / Newburgh, NY

There is also a heliport on East 34th Street in Manhattan.

What are my options for ground transportation?

New York City has many ground transportation options such as a yellow taxi cab or car service. Our Neighborhood Directory lists a number of recommended car services. For transportation from the airport to HSS or your hotel, visit supershuttle.com or nycairporter.com for options.

Please visit our Rheumatology Division page for further information or to contact your HSS physician’s office with additional questions related to your rheumatology appointment.

Please visit our Neurology Division page for further information or to contact your HSS physician’s office with additional questions related to your neurology appointment.

I will be traveling with my child to HSS from out of town. Is there information available for parents and caregivers?

Hospital for Special Surgery has developed a range of resources for parents and caregivers of pediatric patients. Please consult our Pediatrics website, and our Family Guide to Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery for more information.

Are there any resources available for young children?

HSS has created a Video Guide to Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery for you to view with your child.

What if my child needs to see other specialists during our visit?

The Pediatric Orthopedic Department at HSS works closely with pediatric subspecialists from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to coordinate the care of pediatric patients’ more complex needs.

Will I be able to stay with my child while he/she is an inpatient?

Beside each hospital bed in the pediatric unit is a sleeper chair that folds out into a twin bed for the use of one sleepover parent. Linens and pillows can be obtained from the nursing staff, and parents may use the shower in the bathroom located in each patient room. Parents can order one parent tray from a food and nutrition service staff member. Kosher options are available upon request. A menu book is also available at the nurses’ station with dozens of menus from local restaurants that will deliver to HSS. The Belaire Café, located across the street on East 71st Street, is open Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm. They serve breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, coffee/tea, beverages, and snacks.

What about rehabilitation for my child?

Consult Pediatric Rehabilitation for more information, or speak with your child’s specialist.

I will be traveling with other children to HSS. Can you supply any information on activities for kids in NYC?

The New York City Visitor's Guide offers an excellent section on visiting NYC with children. Please note that there are visiting guidelines for children ages 14 and under, who may be accompanying parents visiting HSS for care for another child.