Dr. Nathan Hammel, MD
Dr. Nathan Hammel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Encinitas, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hammel has performed 26 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#285 in California) and 16 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In California, Dr. Hammel performs below average in knee (26 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (16 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Hammel's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (26 cases) and hip replacements (16 cases).
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 first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Hammel's 26 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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.
Contact & Location
Encinitas, CA 92024
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hammel has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hammel ranks #300 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hammel perform?
Dr. Hammel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases) and hip replacement (16 cases).
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 42 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Hammel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hammel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases), hip replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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 42 Medicare procedures are below the Encinitas average of 70. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Encinitas.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Hajnik | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Morgan Silldorff | 70 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.