U.S. News & World Report has once again named Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) the top hospital in the country for orthopedics in its 2011 "America's Best Hospitals" issue. The hospital has also ranked as a leader in rheumatology at number two in the nation. In addition, neurology was ranked at No. 19.
"We are deeply honored to be recognized nationally as the best in our specialized fields," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of Hospital for Special Surgery. "Our hospital staff consistently exceeds the high standards that we set for ourselves, providing an environment for excellence in patient care and safety."
Thomas P. Sculco, M.D., surgeon-in-chief of Hospital for Special Surgery added, "This accomplishment reflects a true commitment to excellence by our orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, physiatrists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, nurses and other health-care professionals who work hard to advance the research and education that translate into unsurpassed patient care."
In addition to the recognition by U.S. News & World Report, the hospital's commitment to quality was recognized by Consumer Reports, which rated the hospital the best in New York City for patient satisfaction in a survey of 43 hospitals throughout the five boroughs. The New York State Department of Health also found that of the 169 hospitals in New York State that performed hip replacement/revision surgery in 2009, the most recent data available, Hospital for Special Surgery was the only hospital with a statistically lower rate of surgical site infection compared to the state average.
Currently, physicians from Hospital for Special Surgery's Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service perform in official capacities for major professional sports teams including the Super Bowl XLII Champion New York Football Giants, New York Mets, New York Knicks, Nets Basketball, New York Liberty Basketball and New York Red Bulls Soccer. HSS sports medicine specialists also served on the U.S. Olympic Committee medical staff team that covered the Beijing Games in 2008.
Another testament to Hospital for Special Surgery's excellence and consistency is its high ranking in rheumatology. Mary K. Crow, M.D., physician-in-chief and chairman of the Division of Rheumatology explained that, "As specialists in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, our patients trust us to be able to relieve their pain and to use our expertise to offer individualized recommendations and advice." By integrating the latest research with comprehensive clinical care, Dr. Crow and colleagues work to "provide the best possible outcomes for our patients with challenging diseases such as lupus, as well as those with inflammatory or degenerative arthritis."
Last year, more than 25,000 surgeries were performed at Hospital for Special Surgery. Areas of expertise include joint replacement, spine surgery, sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, pediatric orthopedics, limb lengthening, osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. Additionally, the hospital established the Center for Musculoskeletal Outcomes and Patient Oriented Research, an innovative specialty center that will guide experts in preventing, diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. The Center will work in coordination with the hospital's other specialty centers and services to enable patients and physicians to make informed decisions based on clinical and functional outcomes, patient-reported quality of life and cost.
Hospital for Special Surgery currently maintains more than 30 research registries for conditions ranging from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries to lupus to rheumatoid arthritis. The HSS total joint replacement registry, for example, contains data from more than 20,000 patients. "Through these registries, clinicians and researchers collect more than demographic and clinical information," said Dr. Sculco. "They also gather patient reports about outcomes after surgery, such as satisfaction with treatment, quality of life and return to activities."
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