Dr. Nathan Hammel, MD
Contact & Location
760-943-6700
Encinitas, CA 92024
About Dr. Hammel
Dr. Nathan Hammel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Encinitas, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hammel performed 21 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #336 in California.
In California, Dr. Hammel performs below the state average in knee (21 vs 47).
Dr. Hammel's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 21 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.
Encinitas is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Encinitas area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Hammel's Medicare data spans 3 years, beginning in 2022. Volume peaked at 42 procedures in 2023 before settling at 21 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Hammel's 21 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 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 20 |
| 2023 | 16 | 26 |
| 2024 | 0 | 21 |
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. Hammel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hammel's recorded volume peaked at 42 procedures in 2023 and stood at 21 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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. Hammel
How does Dr. Hammel's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Hammel has performed 21 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hammel ranks #462 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hammel perform?
Dr. Hammel's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hammel in Encinitas?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Encinitas 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. Hammel 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. Hammel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 21 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hammel's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Hammel's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 42 procedures in 2023 and was 21 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.
How does Dr. Hammel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Encinitas?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Encinitas, Dr. Hammel ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hammel is among the highest-volume surgeons in Encinitas.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Encinitas, California
Dr. Hammel's 21 Medicare procedures are below the Encinitas average of 65. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Encinitas.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Morgan Silldorff | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Hajnik | 79 | 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.