Newswise — The 2005 U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" issue has ranked New York City's Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) No. 2 in orthopedics and No. 3 in rheumatology. For the 15th consecutive year, HSS has ranked above all other hospitals in the Northeast in orthopedics and rheumatology; it is the only New York metropolitan area hospital ranked in the top ten nationwide in these specialties. HSS also ranked 18th in neurology & neurosurgery and 47th in geriatrics.

"Hospital for Special Surgery has always focused on providing our patients with the highest quality care. We work to advance the science of medicine in our specialties by conducting pioneering research. We are very pleased to receive this important recognition once again," said John R. Reynolds, president and CEO of Hospital for Special Surgery.

U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals," is a resource for consumers seeking the highest quality care in 17 medical specialties. Sifting through more than 6,000 qualifying hospitals nationwide, rankings are based on reputation and other medical information, such as the latest technology services, nursing care and mortality rates.

Surgeons at HSS perform more than 16,000 orthopedic surgeries per year. Its Sports Medicine Center physicians are associated with major professional sports teams including the New York Mets, New York Giants, the Association of Tennis Professionals, New York Liberty Basketball and the U.S. Rowing Team. Additionally, the hospital has established a number of specialty centers including the first Centers for Osteoporosis Prevention and Women's Sports Medicine. Other special services include the Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, the Gosden-Robinson Early Arthritis Center and the Sports Medicine Institute for Young Athletes.

About HSSFounded in 1863, Hospital for Special Surgery is a world leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and rehabilitation. HSS was awarded Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. A member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of Weill Medical College of Cornell University, HSS provides orthopedic and rheumatologic patient care at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center. All HSS medical staff are on the faculty of Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Its Research Institute is internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. The hospital is located in New York City, http://www.hss.edu.