For burn reconstruction surgery in New York City that is both cost-effective and high-quality, you have several excellent options, including public hospitals with specialized burn centers and private practices with insurance advocacy. Here are the top recommendations:
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem & Jacobi – Burn Care Centers of Excellence
Expertise: Both Harlem and Jacobi hospitals are recognized by the New York State Department of Health as official Burn Centers. Their teams have extensive experience in burn treatment, reconstructive surgery, and scar minimization.
Comprehensive Care: Services include advanced surgical reconstruction, rehabilitation, psychological support, and outpatient follow-up.
Affordability: As part of the NYC public hospital system, they provide care to all New Yorkers regardless of ability to pay and offer assistance with health insurance if needed. MetroPlusHealth, their in-house insurance plan, is designed for affordability and broad coverage.
Special Note: Harlem Hospital operates one of the few burn units specializing in reconstructive surgery for diverse skin types, while Jacobi is a pioneer in early surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.
- William Randolph Hearst Burn Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell
Expertise: The only burn center in NYC verified by the American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons. The center treats over 700 inpatients and 4,000 outpatients annually.
Comprehensive Services: Provides integrated care through all stages—acute burn care, wound surgery, and long-term reconstruction. The multidisciplinary team includes plastic and reconstructive surgeons, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers.
Affordability: As a major academic hospital, they accept most insurance plans and offer financial counseling. Their team helps patients navigate insurance and support programs for cost-effective care.
- Staten Island University Hospital – Regional Burn Center
Expertise: Offers 24/7 care for acute and complex burns, with a dedicated multidisciplinary team for both physical and psychological recovery.
Rehabilitation: Includes occupational and respiratory therapy, and comprehensive family support during recovery.
Affordability: Part of Northwell Health, which works with most insurance plans and provides financial assistance for qualifying patients.
- The Aesthetic Surgery Center – Dr. Elliott H. Rose
Expertise: Dr. Rose is a leading specialist in burn reconstructive surgery, attracting patients from across the country for facial and complex burn reconstruction.
Insurance Advocacy: While out-of-network, Dr. Rose’s office will work with you and your insurance provider to maximize coverage for medically necessary procedures, and will help strategize to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
- New York Plastic Surgical Group – Burns and Complex Wound Management Center
Expertise: Specializes in reconstructive surgery for severe burns and complex wounds, including microsurgery and limb salvage.
Affordability: Accepts most insurance plans and offers transparent billing.
