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General Overview Mission The mission of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is to provide the highest quality patient care, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for all and to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, and their related disciplines through research and education. We do this regardless of race, color, creed, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin.
History Founded in 1863 by Dr. James Knight and 20 prominent New Yorkers, Hospital for Special Surgery is the oldest orthopedic hospital in the country. Recognized since its inception as a world leader in musculoskeletal medicine, our Hospital’s strength lies in the depth of experience of our physicians and clinical staff and the knowledge they can access from over 145 years of familiarity with every musculoskeletal disease known.
Quality indicators ■
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Ranked #1 in the U.S.A. for orthopedics and top ranked in the Northeast for 18 years for orthopedics and rheumatology (U.S.News & World Report “America’s Best Hospitals” issue) Only hospital in New York to receive Magnet recognition for Excellence in Nursing twice Recipient of first New York State Department of Health Patient Safety Award
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Recognized as premier in the field of radiology by Consumer’s Research Council of America Guide to America’s Top Radiologists
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Rated in top five percent nationwide in 2008 for clinical excellence in joint replacements (total hip and knee replacements) by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading provider of independent hospital ratings
Musculoskeletal leadership ■
We are a world leader in joint replacement surgery
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We pioneered the first total knee replacement
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We developed new imaging protocols for MRI evaluation of cartilage
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Our physicians are team doctors for the New York Football Giants, the New York Mets, the New York Knicks, the New York Liberty, the New York Red Bulls, Nets Basketball, the CUNY Athletic Conference, St. John’s University Athletics, Iona College Athletics, Saint Peter’s College, the Association of Tennis Professionals, the US National Rowing Team, and many other professional and collegiate associations.
Your rights and responsibilities as a patient in New York State and at HSS At the Hospital, you will receive a booklet entitled “Your Rights as a Hospital Patient in New York State” which includes details of the Patient’s Bill of Rights. The Statement of Patient’s Responsibilities below is
designed as a companion to this Bill of Rights and encourages you, as a patient, to participate in your own health care and treatment. HSS believes that mutual understanding of the Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities will result in more effective delivery of health care services. To the extent possible, Hospital for Special Surgery requests that as a patient you: ■
Provide accurate and complete information about your past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to your health, and answer any questions concerning these matters.
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Participate in your health care planning by talking openly and honestly about your concerns with your physicians and other health care professionals.
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Understand your health problems and treatment to your own satisfaction and ask questions if you do not understand.
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Cooperate with your physicians and other health care professionals in carrying out your health care plan both as an inpatient and after discharge.
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Participate and cooperate with our health care professionals in creating a discharge plan that meets your medical and social needs.
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Inform the Hospital or any of its professionals of the existence of any advance directive (including health care proxy, power of attorney, DNR,