UHH Joint Replacement Program
If you are experiencing joint pain and disability, you may be a candidate for joint replacement surgery. We know that hip and knee surgery can be stressful for patients and families. Our Mount Sinai team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers will work to minimize pain, shorten recovery time, and achieve the best possible long-term outcome.
Program benefits include:
- Access to our best orthopedic surgeons
- No co-pays on your day of surgery and for specific related care up to 30 days after leaving the hospital
- Personal Care Guide to navigate you from start to finish
- Free transportation to and from the hospital on your surgery day
- Free grocery delivery to your home to make your recovery easier
Your Personal Care Team
You will be assigned a dedicated Mount Sinai Care Guide to support you throughout the pre-surgical, surgical and recovery process. Your Care Guide will meet with you at various points throughout your journey to answer questions, provide guidance and support recovery. Your Care Guide will continue to be available to you by phone or email for at least 30 days after surgery.
Your Patient Journey
Prior to surgery, you will meet with your orthopedic surgeon to discuss surgery and undergo a pre-operative physical exam. To make sure you are strong enough to tolerate surgery, you will undergo a series of tests. These will include an electrocardiogram, x-rays, and several blood tests.
Joint Class
Approximately two weeks prior to surgery, all patients are asked to participate in a patient education program called “Joint School.”
In this session, you will:
- Learn more about your surgery, pain management, and recovery
- Meet with care team members and ask questions
- Undergo any necessary pre-surgical screening
- Receive materials about surgery and instructions on preparing your home for recovery
- Discuss your rehabilitation, home care, and equipment needs during your recovery at home
Friends and Family
We strongly encourage a friend or family member join you at Joint School. Be sure to bring that person’s phone number with you to the hospital on the day of surgery. If your family has specific questions about the procedure, it is a good idea to write them down and bring them to the appointment with your orthopedic surgeon prior to your surgery.
Please arrange for a friend or family member to be available to assist you after you return home. If you think you might need more help than friends and family can provide, please contact Mount Sinai Union Services at 914-677-1601 for assistance.
Your Hospital Stay
On the day of surgery a car service can be made available to you free of charge via Lyft. When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to the registration desk. Joint replacement surgery usually takes several hours during which time you will receive either regional or general anesthesia.
After surgery, you will be closely monitored in the recovery room, also called the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Patients usually remain in the recovery room for a few hours. Once you recover from the anesthesia, you will be transferred to your room. The team will develop a personalized activity program to suit your individual recovery needs.
Leaving the Hospital
You can expect to go home as early as the same day of surgery or the day after. Again, a car service can be made available to you free of charge. Most patients go home to recover after surgery, but some need care at a skilled nursing facility. Depending on your situation, home visits by a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or nurse may be needed.
Recovery at Home
Your Care Guide will reach out to you when you return home to make sure you have what you need and to answer any of your questions. Your Care Guide will assist in coordinating home services and arranging any follow-up appointments you may need with your doctors. Physical therapy is an important part of your recovery process. Physical therapy can occur at home or in a physical therapy office. Additionally, most patients see their surgeon for a follow-up visit about two weeks after surgery.