Government Affairs
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) engages in government affairs to advance patient care, expand access, support innovation, and serve as a resource for policymakers. Our goal is to ensure reliable, evidence-based information is widely available to advance informed decision making and achieve better outcomes for people with musculoskeletal conditions.
Our Policy Priorities
Telehealth Flexibilities
HSS supports permanent expansion of Medicare telehealth coverage. Tele physical therapy gives patients quicker access to appropriate care, reduces cancellations, and helps avoid unnecessary higher cost interventions. Coverage should include physical therapists and other providers such as occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
Site Neutral Policy for Super-Specialty Hospitals
Current legislative proposals on site neutrality would reduce payments to hospital outpatient departments, including those operated by super-specialty hospitals. HSS sites are fully integrated with the main hospital in terms of staffing, electronic health records and clinical standards. This is essential to the continuity of our patient care. We support policy that excludes super-specialty hospitals from site neutral cuts so patients can continue to access specialized care.
Physician Payment Reform
Medicare physician payment has not kept pace with the costs of providing care. Meanwhile, administrative burden has increased. HSS supports reforms that provide stability, ensure appropriate inflationary adjustments and promote care delivery based on value. A predictable and sustainable payment system is needed to maintain access and support innovation.
Artificial Intelligence
AI has immense potential to improve diagnosis, treatment, and efficiency in musculoskeletal care. Policies should support responsible use of AI with safeguards for patient safety, equity, and access.
Resources for Policymakers
We offer expert testimony from a roster of specialists focused on preserving and restoring healthy movement through expertise in orthopedics, rheumatology, and related musculoskeletal fields. HSS experts can provide evidence and data on topics including:
- Hospital quality and safety
- Lowering the cost of musculoskeletal care
- Telehealth and digital health
- Artificial intelligence in medicine
- Healthy longevity
- Medical education and workforce
Recent Activity
Opinion Pieces
- New York Giants team doctor: Clinics offering ‘miracle injections,’ ‘next generation cell therapies’ are selling false hope
First appeared in STAT (December 2025) - Health Care Worker Burnout Is Costing Us. There’s a Way to Improve
First appeared in The Well News (December 2025) - Women’s Health Is Chronically Understudied and Underfunded. It’s Time for a Change
First appeared in U.S. News & World Report (December 2025) - Think AI Doesn’t Belong in Doctors’ Offices? Think Again
First appeared in U.S. News & World Report (November 2025) - I’m a Doctor for the New York Liberty. Here’s What Sports Medicine Can Teach us About Treating Pregnancy
First appeared in TIME (July 2025) - A Medicare Reform Could Save Lives and Dollars – but Only with This Tweak
First appeared in The Well News (July 2025) - Milk Could Boost American’s Worsening Bone Health
First appeared in RealClear Science (July 2025) - Patients Should Know about the Surgery Quality Blind Spot
First appeared in The Well News (March 2025) - Let’s Make Sure Medicare’s Latest Cost-Cutting Measure Doesn’t Backfire
First appeared in RealClear Health (January 2025) - More than Ozempic, American Health Care Needs a Lifestyle Revolution
First appeared in Salon (January 2025) - Chronic Pain Is Breaking the Health Care System’s Back
First appeared in Salon (November 2025) - The Virtual Revolution in Physical Therapy: Congress Must Lock in Gains
First appeared in RealClear Health (October 2024)
Comment Letters
- Comment on CY 2026 Outpatient Prospective Payment System
- Comment on CY 2026 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule
- Comment on CY 2025 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule
- Comment on CY 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems
- Comment on CY 2024 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule
- Comment on CY 2023 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule
Collaborations
- Coalition for Health AI (CHAI)
- Greater New York Hospital Association
- The Healthcare Association of New York State
Get in Touch
We welcome the opportunity to serve as a resource to policymakers and their staff.
For more information, please reach out directly at GovernmentAffairs@hss.edu.