Dr. Roland Hester, M.D.
Contact & Location
334-613-9000
Montgomery, AL 36117
About Dr. Hester
Dr. Roland Hester is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Montgomery, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hester performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#51 in Alabama) and 14 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 41 procedures.
In Alabama, Dr. Hester performs near the state average in knee (27 vs 32), below the state average in hip (14 vs 26).
Dr. Hester's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (27 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).
Montgomery is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Montgomery area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Hester's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2015 before settling at 41 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Hester's 27 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)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 18 | 28 |
| 2014 | 14 | 37 |
| 2015 | 16 | 53 |
| 2016 | 19 | 43 |
| 2017 | 11 | 37 |
| 2018 | 15 | 32 |
| 2019 | 18 | 46 |
| 2020 | 14 | 32 |
| 2021 | 15 | 28 |
| 2022 | 15 | 34 |
| 2023 | 12 | 31 |
| 2024 | 14 | 27 |
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 recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2015 and stood at 41 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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 41 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hester ranks #49 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hester perform?
Dr. Hester's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hester in Montgomery?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all Alabama surgeons.
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 41 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hester's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Hester's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2015 and was 41 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Hester perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hester's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hester affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hester is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center South, Baptist Medical Center East, Prattville Baptist Hospital.
How does Dr. Hester compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery, Dr. Hester ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Montgomery has 128 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hester practices?
Baptist Medical Center South (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baptist Medical Center East (4 out of 5 CMS stars); Prattville Baptist Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Montgomery, Alabama
Dr. Hester's 41 Medicare procedures are below the Montgomery average of 47. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Montgomery.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Howell | 128 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Hartzog | 62 | Knee |
| Dr. Jason Randall | 48 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Murphy | 24 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Stephen Samelson | 17 | Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Curtis | 12 | Knee |
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.