Joint or muscle pain? We’ve got you covered.
The United Federation of Teachers Welfare Fund has launched a partnership with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the world’s #1 hospital for orthopedic care, to bring you HSS Perform, a program for employers and unions. HSS Perform includes HSS Care Concierge, a dedicated team to help you and your family with guided access to experts in orthopedics and rheumatology.
Hospital for Special Surgery is the #1 hospital in the US for orthopedics and #3 in rheumatology according to U.S. News and World Report (2024-25). Every doctor, nurse, and therapist at HSS is uniquely focused on treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
As part of the HSS Care Concierge program, a dedicated team provides UFT Welfare Fund members and their families with triage, scheduling support, and ongoing guidance. A dedicated Care Concierge team member can help when you or a family member:
To get connect with HSS Care Concierge for UFT Welfare Fund members:
The team's hours of availability are Monday - Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Messages left outside of these hours of operation will be returned the next business day. Family members will need to state their relationship to the UFT Welfare Fund member.
Most HSS sites and physicians located in the New York tri-state area are in-network with health plans offered by the City of New York, such as EmblemHealth, GHI, CBP, and HIP HMO. For questions about whether your specific health plan is in-network, please contact your health plan.
In addition to the main hospital on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, HSS has other locations in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. View HSS locations for more information.
Who is Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)?
Hospital for Special Surgery is nationally ranked #1 in orthopedics and #3 in rheumatology by U.S. News and World Report (2024-25). Every doctor, nurse and therapist at HSS is uniquely focused on treating patients with musculoskeletal* conditions. This means that whether you need a hip replacement, treatment for lupus, or complex surgery for an injury, your care will come from an expert in the field. In addition, our surgical and nonsurgical specialists ensure the best care is customized for each patient’s needs.
*Musculoskeletal = interactions between the skeleton and muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues. The most common musculoskeletal ailments are joint pain, lower back pain, and the like.
HSS Perform is a program for employers and unions through Hospital for Special Surgery, the world’s #1 hospital for orthopedic care. HSS Perform provides services that support you and your family with your musculoskeletal health. Those services include education from HSS clinical experts and guided access to care from HSS clinicians.
The UFT Welfare Fund has partnered with HSS to bring members and their family members a care concierge program that offers guided access to expert musculoskeletal care from a team of dedicated medical professionals, including surgeons, physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, and nurse practitioners. HSS Care Concierge will guide you through the process of getting care at HSS including surgical care, physical therapy, sports performance and training and other services to enhance your health and wellness.
Where can I access HSS Care Concierge services?
The program provides access to all HSS locations. You can also schedule first available appointments at HSS locations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. (Please note: available services may vary by location.)
Who is eligible to use HSS Care Concierge?
All UFT Welfare Fund members and their family members have access to HSS at no additional cost beyond the standard copays, coinsurance and deductibles for the medical services received from HSS. Family members include, but are not limited to, spouse, partner, children, parents-in-law, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, subject to insurance verification.
Do I have to enroll to receive care at HSS?
No, you do not need to enroll to participate or receive care at HSS. All UFT Welfare Fund members and their family members automatically have access to the services provided by HSS Care Concierge via the dedicated channels.
What services are offered at HSS?
Services are listed below, and may vary by location. View location details.
Services Offered:
Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal issues | Postoperative Care |
Digital X-ray | Radiology and Imaging/MRI |
Injections | Specialty Orthopedics |
Occupational Therapy | Sports Medicine |
Physical Therapy | Rehabilitation |
Can the HSS Care Concierge team help me access care at any HSS location?
Yes. The HSS team can help you and your family members access care at all HSS locations.
When should I contact HSS Care Concierge?
Call HSS Care Concierge if you or a family member:
Can I access HSS Care Concierge even if I don’t have a confirmed musculoskeletal issue?
Yes. HSS Care Concierge can help at any point, including when you are experiencing an issue but have not yet sought treatment. If you have already sought treatment, you may contact HSS Care Concierge when you receive results from your primary care physician, imaging exam, or physical therapy assessment. HSS can arrange an appointment with an HSS physician to further evaluate your situation.
What are my options if I do not live in the New York area, and I am unable to travel?
HSS Care Concierge is available to all UFT Welfare Fund members and families. If you are unable to travel to an HSS facility, you may still be able to connect with a physical therapist or a physician via virtual appointment depending upon your insurance and the state where you reside, for more details contact the HSS Care Concierge team.
How can I contact HSS Care Concierge?
You and your family members can call UFT Welfare Fund's dedicated HSS Care Concierge line: 212.606.1599 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or email HSS4UFTWF@hss.edu. Messages left outside of these hours of operation will be returned the next business day. Family members will need to state their relationship to the UFT Welfare Fund member.
When should I schedule virtual or in-person appointments?
We ask patients who are considering virtual appointments to have their initial visit with a care provider in-person and then they may have the option for virtual visits when appropriate and if approved.