Dr. Alejandro Cortes, MD
Contact & Location
La Jolla, CA 92093
Dr. Alejandro Cortes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Jolla, California. Dr. Cortes has performed 33 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#143 in California) and 28 knee replacements, for a combined total of 61 procedures.
In California, Dr. Cortes performs near average in hip (33 vs 41 avg), below average in knee (28 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Cortes's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (33 cases) and knee replacements (28 cases).
La Jolla is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the La Jolla area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Cortes first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Cortes's 33 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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. Cortes Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Cortes
How does Dr. Cortes's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Cortes has performed 61 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Cortes ranks #229 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cortes perform?
Dr. Cortes's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (33 cases) and knee replacement (28 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Cortes in La Jolla?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Cortes 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. Cortes's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 61 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Cortes perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Cortes's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (33 cases), knee replacement (28 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Cortes affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cortes is affiliated with Mercy Hospital Of Folsom.
How does Dr. Cortes compare to other orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla, Dr. Cortes ranks #13 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in La Jolla has 232 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cortes practices?
Mercy Hospital Of Folsom (4 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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in La Jolla, California
Dr. Cortes's 61 Medicare procedures are below the La Jolla average of 154. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Jolla.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Bugbee | 232 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Copp | 211 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Wilde | 170 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Anna Kulidjian | 158 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Weber | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kace Ezzet | 108 | Hip, 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.