Opioid Prescription Policy

Patients are likely to experience some pain and discomfort following orthopedic surgery which may be treated with a short course of prescription opioid medication. As part of our mission to provide the highest quality care, Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to educate patients on the risks associated with these prescription pain medications before discharge and enforce a strict opioid prescription policy across all of our service lines.

All HSS providers prescribe opioid medications conservatively. We do not routinely prescribe long-acting opioids, we do not prescribe more than a short-course of short-acting opioids, and we do not refill lost, stolen, or destroyed prescriptions.

• Access patient education on opioid management: Opioid Safety After Surgery or view a printable version here.
• Learn how HSS is addressing the opioid crisis – Find information on HSS opioid programs, research and educational initiatives for patients and healthcare professionals, and access opioid education content.