Dr. Andrew Hester
Contact & Location
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Dr. Andrew Hester is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Payne, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Hester has performed 26 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #58 in Alabama.
In Alabama, Dr. Hester performs near average in knee (26 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Hester's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 26 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Dr. Hester is the only orthopedic surgeon in Fort Payne represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Medicare records for Dr. Hester extend back to 2014, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 20 to 26 in the most recent data, a 30% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hester's 26 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Hester Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hester's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 30% from 20 procedures in 2014 to 26 in the most recent data.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Hester
How does Dr. Hester's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Hester has performed 26 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alabama average is 44 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hester ranks #75 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hester perform?
Dr. Hester's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 26 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Where is Dr. Hester's practice located?
Dr. Hester practices in Fort Payne, Alabama. The office is located at 1411 Old Water Works Rd Sw, Fort Payne, AL 35968. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Hester for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Hester represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Hester's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 26 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hester's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hester's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 20 procedures in 2014 to 26 in the most recent data, a 30% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 35 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hester affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hester is affiliated with Dekalb Regional Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hester practices?
Dekalb Regional Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.